Here’s an option when anchoring ban hits in 2016

When the USGA and Royal and Ancient said there would be a ban on anchored putters in 2016, many golfers were left to figure out what to do. A couple of Northwest golfers just might have an idea for those in need.

Arm-Lock Golf co-owners Ronnie Espedal, Ocean Shores PGA professional, and Ed Klein, club member/stockbroker, started their putter grip company to solve the needs of anchored putter users facing the 2016 anchor ban.

Their arm-lock putter grip adds enough loft to convert any putter to an arm-lock putter. The arm-lock method, used by Matt Kuchar, will be legal after the 2016 ban. The original converter grip was chosen as the sixth best new product out of over 200 at the Orlando PGA Merchandise show in January. The first conforming putter grips were available in June. The company progressed to a counterbalanced grip model and then to a modification to the originals with flat fronts and slightly smaller size.

Now Arm-Lock Golf is taking on the main-stream putter grip companies with new models designed to help all golfers putt better.

Choices include five models covering arm-lock, counterbalanced and traditional putter grips. More grips are currently under development. Espedal and Klein believe that the RX model and new RX LITE are the best putter grips made. Both grips feature a flat front, a tapered diameter and the best feel of any grips available.

The grips have such a tacky surface that the grips can stick to each other, demonstrating the lighter grip pressure needed with the RX grips. Light grip pressure leads to better feel and fewer putts. Arm-Lock’s marketing is centered around golf pro shops and secondarily, large retailers. The golf professional’s advice is very valuable, especially for players who use anchored putters. The company’s goal is to make the full line of grips available in all pro shops and retailers.

Also of note is an effort to have their grips used on the PGA, Champions and LPGA tours. A tour representative is beginning to introduce grips to the PGA tour and contacts were recently made with top anchored putter users at the Boeing Classic.

To purchase grips, inquire at your local pro shop or retailer. Grips are also available online at www.arm-lockgolf.com or call 360.581.2790 for more information.