PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. — Akshay Bhatia, currently sharing the lead at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, addressed questions about his putting technique on Instagram Friday, responding to concerns he may be violating rules regarding anchoring. The incident highlights the ongoing scrutiny of putting methods in professional golf and the challenges of enforcing regulations in real-time.
Bhatia’s response came after an Instagram user questioned whether he was “anchoring” his putter during his impressive second-round performance, where he rolled in 71 feet of putts at Spyglass Hill, following up on 59 feet worth at Pebble Beach on Thursday. The user noted the difficulty of detecting potential violations given the rule allowing players to touch their clothing during their stroke. The exchange underscores the fine line between legal technique and a breach of the rules, particularly concerning the use of the body as a stabilizing point.
The rule in question, 10.1b, was enacted on January 1, 2016, by the USGA and R&A, and prohibits anchoring the club, either directly by holding it against the body (with exceptions for the hand or forearm) or indirectly through an “anchor point.” The rule specifically states that merely touching the body or clothing during the stroke does not constitute a violation. The full text of the rule is available on the USGA website.
Bhatia quickly responded to the Instagram post, stating, “Not anchoring. Literally 2 inches short of my chest haha.” This direct engagement with the concern, utilizing social media, is becoming increasingly common among professional golfers, offering a direct line of communication with fans and a platform to address controversies in real-time.
The Anchoring Debate and Rule 10.1b
The debate over anchoring stems from a 2016 decision by the USGA and R&A to ban the practice, arguing it created an artificial advantage. Prior to the ban, some players used long putters anchored against their chest or forearm, promoting stability. Critics argued this fundamentally altered the putting stroke, reducing its skill component. The rule change aimed to restore the traditional putting motion, but it also introduced complexities in enforcement.
As the initial Instagram commenter pointed out, the rule’s wording, combined with the allowance of touching clothing, makes it difficult to definitively determine a violation. The challenge lies in distinguishing between a legal touch and an illegal anchor point. This ambiguity has led to ongoing discussions among players, officials, and fans about the interpretation and application of the rule.
Bhatia’s Recent Form and the Pro-Am
The incident comes as Bhatia is enjoying a strong run of form at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. After missing the cut in his first two events of the year, he tied for third last week at the WM Phoenix Open, signaling a potential breakthrough in his young career. He acknowledged the early-season anxieties, noting that even established stars like Scottie Scheffler likely experience similar pressures.
“Yeah, I imply, I think everyone’s always a little anxious — maybe not Scottie [Scheffler] — to start the year,” Bhatia said, as reported by Golf.com. He attributed his recent improvement to finding adjustments in both his golf swing and putting stroke. Bhatia also highlighted the growing rapport with his caddie, Joe Greiner, stating they are “starting to kind of mesh together where when we walk up to a shot, we’re kind of on the same page all the time.”
Social Media and Player-Fan Interaction
Bhatia’s quick response on Instagram is indicative of a broader trend in professional golf: increased player engagement on social media. Players are increasingly using platforms like Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok to connect with fans, share insights into their game, and address controversies directly. This direct communication can be both beneficial and challenging, offering transparency but also potentially amplifying scrutiny.
Here’s the Instagram post that sparked the conversation:
golfforeverAkshay Bhatia is heating up at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am He’s surged into T1
Bhatia will continue his third round at Pebble Beach on Saturday, seeking to maintain his position atop the leaderboard. The tournament will continue through Sunday, with the final results determining the champion of the 2026 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Updates and live scoring can be found on the Pebble Beach Pro-Am website.
What do you think about the rule and Bhatia’s response? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
