Anchoring debate: The history of the long putter
Rocco Mediate
Early 1980s: Charlie Owens invents his “Slim Jim” putter at Rogers Park Golf Course in Tampa, Fla. He puts it in play on the Champions Tour.
1989: After winning three Champions events the previous year, Orville Moody wins the U.S. Senior Open. Also that year, Mark Lye is the first player to anchor a long putter on the PGA Tour.
1991: Rocco Mediate wins the Doral-Ryder Open, the first PGA Tour victory for an anchored long putter.
2000: Paul Azinger wins the 2000 Sony Open, the first Tour win for a belly putter.
2011: Keegan Bradley wins the PGA Championship, the first major title for the belly putter.
2012: Webb Simpson (U.S. Open) and Ernie Els (Open Championship) win majors with belly putters.
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