Jordan Spieth Weighs In on Long Putter Controversy Following Bhatia's Success

The Long Putter Debate Reignited

Akshay Bhatia's victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational using a 50-inch broomstick putter has sparked fresh controversy over anchoring techniques. Jordan Spieth was pressed for his opinion during the Players Championship, handling the sensitive topic carefully.

Bhatia's Technique Under Scrutiny

The 24-year-old's method involves hovering the putter butt within inches of his chest, creating visual ambiguity about whether he's anchoring. While Bhatia insists he maintains a 2-inch gap, social media critics have questioned the legality, though fellow professionals largely defend him.

Dramatic Performance Improvement

Since switching to the broomstick in fall 2023, Bhatia's putting statistics have skyrocketed from 183rd to top-40 in SG: Putting. His current 12th-place ranking this season includes a record-breaking performance at Bay Hill, where he gained nearly 16.3 strokes on and around the greens.

Spieth's Traditional Stance

While acknowledging the skill required, Spieth expressed preference for traditional methods, stating "the putter should be the shortest club in your bag." He emphasized that shorter putters demand more athleticism and hand control, echoing Tiger Woods' 2012 sentiments about preserving golf's traditional challenges.