Jordan Spieth has weighed in on the recent controversy surrounding Akshay Bhatia’s putting technique, making his stance clear following the young player’s victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Bhatia’s win at Bay Hill has been overshadowed by debates over his use of a 50-inch broomstick putter, with some fans and observers questioning whether he was illegally anchoring the club against his body—a practice banned by the USGA and R&A since 2016 under Rule 14-1b.
Bhatia dominated the greens during the event, leading the field in strokes gained putting with an impressive 13.867 total across four rounds. Social media clips sparked accusations that the butt end of his long putter was touching his chest or sternum during the stroke, prompting “cheating” claims online. Bhatia has consistently denied anchoring, previously stating that the putter remains about two inches short of his chest and does not make contact in a way that violates the rules. PGA Tour officials have also addressed the matter, expressing confidence that Bhatia is compliant.
In an appearance on FanDuel’s “Up & Adams!” show ahead of The Players Championship, Spieth offered a balanced perspective on the hot-button issue. “In the rules, you can’t anchor,” he stated plainly. “Anchoring is if that putter was touching his sternum up top. You can arm-bar now, but you can’t anchor it against your sternum.”
Spieth suggested that Bhatia’s method appears to differ from outright anchoring, acknowledging the skill involved in mastering such a technique. “There’s a skill to it,” he added. “He’s been doing it for a long time.” While Spieth made it clear he personally prefers shorter putters—believing they demand more athleticism, hand control, and skill—he emphasized that he has no issue with others using legal long-putter styles. “I would like the putter to be the smallest club in your bag because it’s the shortest club in my bag, and I do believe that it forces more skill,” he explained. “It uses your hands more, which makes you have to be more, kind of athletic and deal with the stuff that comes up a little bit more.”
The comments reflect Spieth’s respect for the rules while highlighting a philosophical preference for traditional equipment that emphasizes precision over mechanical aids. Bhatia’s switch to the broomstick putter in late 2023 transformed his putting performance—from ranking near the bottom (183rd in strokes gained putting) to consistently strong numbers in recent seasons, including top-tier results in 2026.
The debate underscores ongoing discussions in golf about equipment regulations, especially as long putters and arm-bar techniques regain popularity post-anchoring ban. For Bhatia, the focus now shifts to carrying momentum into major events like The Players Championship, where his putting prowess could once again draw scrutiny—and admiration. Spieth’s measured response helps defuse some of the online fervor, affirming that as long as the technique stays within the rules, it’s a valid part of the game, even if not everyone’s cup of tea. As the Tour season intensifies, Bhatia’s success on the greens will continue to fuel conversations about innovation versus tradition in professional golf.
