Akshay Bhatia’s Putting Technique and Jordan Spieth’s Perspective

The golf world is buzzing about Akshay Bhatia’s unconventional putting stroke, sparking debate about the boundaries of the rules and the essence of skill in the sport. Jordan Spieth, weighing in on the matter during an interview with Kay Adams on the “Up & Adams” show at The Players Championship, offered a nuanced perspective on Bhatia’s technique and the broader discussion surrounding long putters.

The Controversy Surrounding Bhatia’s Putting Stroke

Bhatia’s success with a 50-inch broomstick putter has drawn scrutiny due to its proximity to anchoring – a technique outlawed by golf’s governing bodies in 2016. While Bhatia maintains he does not anchor the putter (pressing it against his chest), the narrow gap between the putter and his sternum has led to accusations of cheating on social media. Bhatia addressed these concerns on Instagram, stating his putter is “Literally 2 inches short of my chest haha.” PGA Tour winner Michael Kim defended Bhatia, noting that the technique appears legal in person and isn’t a concern among players.¹

Spieth’s Evaluation: Skill and Tradition

When questioned by Kay Adams, Spieth carefully considered the implications of Bhatia’s method. He acknowledged the skill involved, stating, “There’s a skill to it. If it were that simple to do and made everyone that much better, everybody would do it.” Spieth also noted Bhatia’s long-term use of the technique, suggesting it’s not a recent adaptation for competitive advantage.¹

Spieth expressed a preference for shorter putters, believing they demand more skill and hand-eye coordination. “I would like the putter to be the shortest club in your bag, because it is the shortest club in my bag, and I do believe that it forces more skill. 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,” he said. This sentiment echoes that of Tiger Woods, who voiced similar concerns about long putters before anchoring was banned in 2012.¹

Bhatia’s Performance and the Role of Rulemakers

Bhatia’s putting statistics demonstrate a significant improvement since adopting the broomstick putter. He finished 183rd in Strokes Gained: Putting in the 2022-23 season but has since climbed into the top 40 in both 2024 and 2025, currently ranking 12th. His performance at the 2026 Arnold Palmer Invitational was particularly impressive, achieving the best combined strokes gained on and around the greens by a Tour winner since 1983.¹

While Bhatia isn’t the first professional golfer to use a broomstick putter (Adam Scott and Bernhard Langer have also faced criticism), his youth and recent success have amplified the debate. Spieth suggests the responsibility for clarifying the rules lies with the governing bodies, who require to address the gray areas that lead to questions about player integrity.¹

Spieth Discusses Match Play Potential

In other news from the “Up & Adams” show, Jordan Spieth also discussed the potential of incorporating match play into the PGA Tour playoffs and Tour Championship.²³