Should arm-lock putting be banned?

It’s a topic that’s never far from the limelight and one that always splits opinion. Many traditionalists won’t be satisfied until golf equipment and technique has been transported back decades in time, while others embrace the quirks of the modern game.

Anchoring was officially outlawed at the beginning of

2016, but from that arm-lock putting rose to a degree of prominence – in the pro ranks, anyway.

This method sees players pressing the grip into the lead forearm for added face stability throughout the stroke.

In theory, it should help golfers start the ball on line more consistently and therefore hole more putts. Naturally, then, some want to see it banned. While the arguments are understandable, a quick analysis shows there is nobody in the pro game using the method to devastating effect. In men’s golf, Xander Schauffele is the only ‘arm-locker’ who ranks in the top ten for Strokes Gained: Putting on the PGA Tour (and he’s only just adopted it) and less than a handful make it into the top 50. You could certainly argue golf has bigger issues to address.