most of the talk i hear is about the USGA and R&A changing rules - which would affect all of us poor amateurs. then there are those calling for 2 sets of rules. But i haven't seen much from the PGA Tour on their stance on the issue? does the Tour want to outlaw these? and if the Rules bodies change the rules on anchoring couldn't the PGA Tour still allow anchoring? much like the split rule for range finders / etc? 
I've heard a few of the TV guys mention over the last few days that Professional golf is the only major sport that allows an amateur organization to rule it. I'm surprised the PGA Tour hasn't said to the USGA/R&A... "enough already, we've got it from here."
The PGA Tour could've set the tone years ago in reference to the ball, long putters or any other modern issue that they saw fit to address. Due the radically skewed influence the very best players have over the game, I'd argue that those governing bodies would've fallen in line.
The long putter issue is the most recent example. For me, I figured out that I was a better putter with the long model 18 yrs ago, now because over the past few years a small handful of tour level players have noticed the same thing, I might not be able to play golf the same way anymore. It's stupid.
In my view, the USGA/R&A totally botched the recent Groove rule. I would say for 99.9% of the best players, its been a total non issue. I don't think it's had hardly any effect on the game at the highest level, it initially cost the manufacturers some money, it's cost players like me more money, because I need different wedges to play in certain events and it's essentially a bifurcation of the rules for about a 15 yr period. Makes no sense to me.
Looks like they are heading in the same direction with this putter issue. All this spirit of the game talk, ruining the game nonsense is just that...nonsense. What the hell difference does Ernie winning with a belly putter or Scott winning with a long putter have in regard to your average weekend game? None!!
Oh...I forgot...it doesn't look like how the shepherd banged around his rock 300 yrs ago. Gimme a break!
