Anchoring Your Elbow In Putting: Good Or Bad Idea?

The elbow plays a crucial role in putting, and golfers must understand the proper positioning and movement of the elbow to execute an effective putting stroke. Anchoring the elbow against the body during a putting stroke is a topic of debate among golfers, with some believing it provides stability, while others argue it restricts the natural motion of the stroke. The USGA and R&A implemented an anchoring ban in 2016, prohibiting golfers from intentionally anchoring the club against their body. This ban sparked discussions about the definition of anchoring and its impact on the putting stroke. While the rules allow the use of long putters, golfers must ensure the club swings freely without any direct anchor points on the body.

Elbow positioning at address

Elbow positioning is crucial to achieving a successful putting stroke. When addressing the ball, the elbows should be separated by 12 inches for a right-handed golfer, with the "pockets" on the inside of each elbow facing upwards towards the sky. This is the most relaxed yet controllable position, "locking in" the framework without creating any adverse tension or unnatural positions with the elbows.

If the elbows are positioned too narrowly, tension is created in the upper arms and chest, which can quickly spread throughout the body, making a smooth stroke almost impossible. On the other hand, if the elbows are too far apart, maintaining proper posture becomes challenging, especially with a standard-length putter. This can lead to crouching over the ball and "standing up" during impact, resulting in poor accuracy.

To achieve the optimal elbow position, bend your elbows and rest them lightly against your rib cage, ensuring your forearms are in line and parallel with your target line. When viewed from behind, the putter shaft should appear to extend from your forearm, pointing towards the elbow. This setup helps keep the putter in line during your stroke.

Additionally, it is important to note that golfers are allowed to tuck their forearms or elbows against the body while putting without it being considered anchoring, as per Rule 14-1B. However, if a player uses a split-handed putting grip while tucking their forearm against the body, it creates a pivot point and is considered a violation.

Forearm and elbow alignment

To achieve a consistent and controlled putting stroke, it is important to focus on the alignment of your forearms and elbows. Here are some key points to consider for achieving proper forearm and elbow alignment:

Forearm and Elbow Position at Address:

• Elbows should be separated by around 12 inches, with the "pockets" of the elbows facing upwards. This relaxed position helps to "lock in" the framework without creating tension.
• Avoid bringing your elbows too close together, as this can create tension in the upper arms and chest, leading to a tense and unnatural stroke.
• Ensure your forearms are flexed appropriately. The trailing forearm should be flexed slightly more than the lead forearm to keep the shoulders square to the target line.

Elbow Movement during the Backswing:

• Avoid widening or spreading your elbows during the backswing. This can cause the putter head to rotate open.
• Keep the putter head closer to the ground during the backswing to prevent a steep angle of attack and excessive de-lofting of the putter.

Forearm and Elbow Position through Impact:

• Maintain a relatively straight lead elbow through impact. This helps control the closing rate of the putter face.
• Avoid excessive lead elbow flexion, as this can add loft to the putter and affect the natural closing rate, resulting in putts that go right of the target.

Drills for Forearm Alignment:

• Stand up straight and hold the putter horizontal to the ground, ensuring it is in line with your forearms.
• Bend slowly from the hips while lowering the putter to the ground, keeping your elbows tucked into your sides and knees bent.
• Check that the putter face is aligned with your target line.

Elbow separation on the backswing

The reason for this move is not yet known, but it is conjectured that golfers believe that they must move the putter straight back and straight through on a straight line and not an arc. However, the body's anatomical design always tries to put "some" arc in the stroke unless you physically stop it from doing so by making a physical manipulation (i.e. widening your elbows on the backstroke).

To correct this, you can try the following:

• Use a training aid ball, such as the Tour Striker Smart Ball, and place it between your forearms, just above your wrists. Take your shot, making sure the ball doesn't drop. This will help you maintain the position of your lead wrist and prevent wrist cupping, which causes slicing.
• Place the ball between your upper forearms, just below your elbows. Take your golf swing without letting the ball drop. This will help you keep your elbows the same distance apart in your golf backswing.
• Use a Swing Align swing trainer with a flexible connection belt to keep your elbows from flying too far apart and away from your body during the transition from backswing to downswing.

Anchoring the club against the body

Rule 14-1b states that a player must not anchor the club either "directly" or "indirectly" through the use of an "anchor point". Directly anchoring the club means intentionally holding the club or a gripping hand in contact with any part of the body, except that the player may hold the club or gripping hand against a hand or forearm. An anchor point is created when a player holds a forearm in contact with any part of their body to establish a gripping hand as a stable point for the other hand to swing the club.

So, what does this mean in practice? You might have seen players with long putters brushing their jacket or shirt as they take a stroke. As long as this is not done deliberately, it is not a breach of the rule. However, if a player holds the club against their stomach or chest, or intentionally holds their forearm or gripping hand against their body, then they are anchoring and will be penalised.

It's important to note that the rule only applies if the club or gripping hand is held against the body. If they merely touch the body without being held there, then it's not anchoring. This is a tricky distinction and one that has caused some controversy in the golf world. Ultimately, it's up to the players to know and follow the rules and apply penalties if they breach them.

Maintaining a steady head

Start by getting into a comfortable address position. Bend your elbows and gently rest them against your rib cage, ensuring your forearms are parallel to your target line. This will help create a stable platform for your putting stroke and minimise excessive head movement. A good reference point is to imagine your elbows are separated by 12 inches, which provides a relaxed yet controllable position.

The putter shaft should feel like an extension of your forearms. To achieve this, grip the club with your palms, ensuring the shaft runs along the lifeline at the base of your palms. This will give you a better feel for the putter and help keep your head still during the stroke.

During your setup, rotate your elbows inward towards your hip joints, keeping your forearms parallel to the ground. This will "link" your upper arms to your rib cage, reducing independent arm motion and promoting a steady head.

Once you have your grip and setup in place, slowly bend forward from your hips, allowing your elbows to maintain their natural flex. This will help you maintain a consistent posture throughout the stroke, reducing the tendency to stand up during the follow-through, which can lead to head movement and putts missing their target.

A useful drill to reinforce a steady head position is to focus on your forearms. Stand up straight, holding the putter horizontally so it is in line with your forearms, with elbows tucked into your sides. From this position, slowly bend your knees and hips, lowering the putter to the ground while maintaining the alignment of your forearms and the putterface with your target line.

By focusing on the relationship between your forearms, elbows, and head, you can develop a consistent and repeatable putting stroke with improved accuracy. Remember, a steady head starts with a solid setup and proper elbow positioning, which will help you become a more confident putter.

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