Summary
Matti Schmid, a German golfer, finished second at the Charles Schwab Challenge using a broom-handle putter. There is debate over whether his putting method breaks the golfing rule against "anchoring" the club to the body. The rules say the club or hand cannot be held against the body, but merely touching clothing does not break the rule.
Key Facts
- Matti Schmid finished in second place at the Charles Schwab Challenge.
- Schmid used a broom-handle putter during the tournament.
- Questions arose about whether Schmid's putting method violated the anchoring rule.
- Rule 10.1 of the Rules of Golf bans anchoring the club to the body.
- If a club just touches clothing without being held against the body, it is not a rule breach.
- A leading referee noted Schmid's situation is hard to judge and depends on player integrity.
- The anchoring rule was introduced in 2016 after several major wins using long putters.
- The rule aims to protect traditional characteristics of the putting stroke.
