Quote:
Originally Posted by
dsc123 
Ok, now this might be explosive (or ignored) but as much as I, and others, keep saying its not about the competitive advantage, it really is, isn't it?
The USGA just doesn't say that because its a losing argument for them. They moved first, and got to frame the discussion.
In reality, my guess is that the motivation is 50/50 aesthetic/practical advantage.

The USGA couldn't logically claim competitive advantage because they'd be compelled to produce stats, and that would get nowhere because depending on what stats you use it either looks like anchored putters are great or they're the worst thing for a golfer to use.
To avoid this, the USGA in their brilliant wisdom, decided to ban based on the "untraditional nature" (golf club anchored to the body) of the stroke, which is something only Sand Trap users could argue with.
But seriously...here's a quote you'll find no anchored putter user saying anywhere "I switched to it and spent hours learning a new stroke because it doesn't improve my putting at all."