Billy Horschel and Xander Schauffele have both previously called to ban technique which has transformed Bryson DeChambeau’s game

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Bryson DeChambeau’s putting underpinned his dramatic US Open victory at Pinehurst No.2 back in June.

At the crucial moments, the 31-year-old’s technique withstood intense pressure and ultimately proved decisive as he sealed a narrow win at Rory McIlroy’s expense.

DeChambeau’s arm lock removes the hands from the stroke, which ultimately results in more consistency and better strikes.

Furthermore, DeChambeau’s pace control is another key part of his success. The American uses a ruler-based system to ensure he’s hitting the ball the correct distance.

As is usually the case with DeChambeau, his methods have come under the spotlight, and some players believe the arm lock should be banned.

Billy Horschel and Xander Schauffele want arm lock banned

DeChambeau’s success with the arm lock has raised questions over the legality of the technique, and Billy Horschel believes it should be outlawed.

“I’m bringing up something different here, and I’m sort going out on a limb, but I don’t think this arm lock putting is — should be allowed either,” Horschel said back in 2021.

During the same season, Xander Schauffele shared a similar opinion despite admitting he could be forced to use an arm lock himself. “I am for banning the arm lock putters, but if everyone else is going to use it and I feel like they have a bigger advantage, I may as well do the same,” said the 2024 Open Championship winner.

Bryson DeChambeau would struggle without arm lock

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Banishing arm locking now would be a bad idea, particularly after DeChambeau’s recent success. It’s readily available for everyone to use, so there can be few complaints about the LIV man deploying it on the greens.

In fact, DeChambeau has made no secret of how arm locking has wholly transformed his game. During his latest Break 50 with NFL star Tom Brady, he said: “That thing has been in my hands since 2017. I hold it under a trigger so it controls where I am on my elbow. Everyone is like, where do I grip it,” DeChambeau explained.

“I was like, just hook it around the bottom and lock it in, and then I push it against my forehand to make sure that the face is stable, so even when I get a little scared or nervous, the face stays square. I do consider myself a really good putter now. I was one of the worst putters in 2017. Statistically, I was probably dead last. I did a bunch of stuff. Ultimately, it got to a point where I was like, I have to really figure this out.”

Considering the LIV star’s success this season, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see more big-name players follow suit. If you can’t beat them, join them, as the old saying goes.