The world of professional golf has been abuzz with a controversial topic: is Akshay Bhatia anchoring his putter? Let's dive into this intriguing debate and explore the facts, opinions, and implications.
The Rise of Akshay Bhatia
Akshay Bhatia, a young talent on the PGA Tour, has been making waves with his exceptional form. At just 24 years old, he's already secured three career wins, including a thrilling comeback victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. His recent success has sparked admiration and, unfortunately, controversy.
The Anchoring Allegations
Bhatia's choice of equipment, a 50-inch Odyssey Jailbird 380 Broomstick putter, has drawn scrutiny. The long putter, which he adopted in 2023, has been a subject of debate due to allegations of anchoring. Anchoring, as defined by the USGA, involves touching the putter to any part of the body, which is now against the rules.
A Closer Look at Bhatia's Stroke
Personally, I find it fascinating to analyze Bhatia's putting stroke. Videos reveal a smooth, coordinated movement where his torso, arms, and putter work in harmony. This unity of motion creates an optical illusion, making it appear as though the putter is anchored against his chest. However, upon closer inspection, it's evident that this is a natural, well-executed stroke.
What many people don't realize is that the slight indentation on Bhatia's shirt does not constitute a violation. The shirt is not considered part of the body under the anchoring rule, and thus, this detail should not be a cause for concern.
The Verdict from Peers
Michael Kim, a fellow golfer and past playing partner of Bhatia, has spoken out in his defense. Kim's tweet, "It's funny to me that Akshay anchoring is a thing. In person, it's not that close. This is not a concern amongst the players," highlights the lack of concern among Bhatia's peers. This perspective adds weight to the argument that Bhatia's stroke is legitimate.
Putting Performance and Technique
Bhatia's putting performance has seen a remarkable improvement since adopting the long putter. He has moved up the rankings, from 183rd on the PGA Tour for Strokes Gained: Putting, to 33rd in 2024 and 35th in 2025. These statistics demonstrate a significant enhancement in his putting skills, suggesting that his technique is refined rather than reliant on anchoring.
The Anchoring Rule and Its History
The anchoring rule, Rule 14-1b, states that a player must not anchor the club directly or through an anchor point. This rule was introduced in response to the growing use of "belly putters" and the debate over whether anchoring provided an unfair advantage. Notable golfers like Johnny Miller and Paul Azinger have used belly putters, but it was the rise of anchored putters in the 2000s that sparked controversy.
A Step Back: The Bigger Picture
If we take a step back and consider the broader implications, this controversy raises questions about the spirit of the game and the role of equipment. Should players be restricted in their choice of equipment to ensure a level playing field? Or should innovation and personal preference be celebrated, as long as it adheres to the rules?
Conclusion: A Fair Assessment
In my opinion, the evidence suggests that Bhatia is not anchoring his putter. His improved performance, the opinions of his peers, and the analysis of his stroke all point to a legitimate technique. It's time to put this controversy to rest and appreciate Bhatia's talent and hard work. Let's focus on the game itself and the incredible skills these athletes bring to the course.
