Joint Press Conference R&A/USGA tomorrow

[Stuart Goldstein]

On the pro side though, I do like what I’ve read and heard from someone like Brandt Snedeker.  When $1MM is on the line on a Sunday afternoon, I want to see how a pro’s hands/arms/nerves respond to that pressure without the assistance of a fulcrum point.

 
It is not just putting.  How about Mickelson at Winged Foot, Furyck on the 17th tee at Olympic, Norman at the 12th at the Masters, etc.  Can't ban driving and chipping as well.  Think this long putter debate is a waste of time.  What % of golfers, tour players or amateurs, use a long putter? I'm not sure.  What % of players use the new ball, shafts or clubheads-100%.

[Jud_T]

.  What % of golfers, tour players or amateurs, use a long putter? I'm not sure.  

Uh, weren't 3 of this year's Majors won with long putters?  Hardly insignificant.

[jeffwarne]

100% of all women's majors won in the last 10 years had a caddie line their player up, then legally step off their line.
Now that's significant, and yet another badly abused rule that's so simple to fix.

[Mike Hendren]

My understanding is that they are going to ban the aluminum shaft and that Mike Davis is going to confirm that he is not joining a private golf course architectural firm since it is much easier assigning himself to alter major championship venues. 

Bogey

[Stuart Goldstein]

Uh, weren't 3 of this year's Majors won with long putters?  Hardly insignificant.

Two, Ernie Els, ranked 112 in putting and Webb Simpson ranked 54th in putting acording to the PGA Tour.

[Jud_T]

My bad, 3 of the last 5

[Stuart Goldstein]

http://www.pgatour.com/r/stats/info/?02564

First to admit I don't know all these guys but at first blush I would say not more than a hand full of the top 50 use a long/belly putter and this includes Matt Kuchar and his hybrid grip.    If it was really that much of an advantage than more people would be using it.  Lets not forget those like Mickelson, Furyck, Haas, Garcia, CInk, Holmes etc.  who tried the belly and went back to the conventional putter.  I jsut don't see it as a game changer for the majority of golfers.

[John Shimony]

Can anyone say that anchoring the putter is doing more damage to the pro game than what has already been done by the juiced ball?  I don't think so.  The governing body's priorities are out of whack.  They are obsessed with making money off their championships and establishing "partnerships" to enhance revenue.

[jeffwarne]

Can anyone say that anchoring the putter is doing more damage to the pro game than what has already been done by the juiced ball?  I don't think so.  The governing body's priorities are out of whack.  They are obsessed with making money off their championships and establishing "partnerships" to enhance revenue.

But if they allow the belly putters, next year they're going to decide putting is too easy and put the slopes back in Merion and 11 at TOC

[Jud_T]

Guys,

You're missing the point.  Yes, there are plenty of other fights they could, and should be fighting.   Some perhaps much more important.  But that doesn't diminish the fact that in their own feeble way, at least they're taking a small, belated step in the right direction.  I, for one, am quite pleased with the decision.

[David_Elvins]

If it was really that much of an advantage than more people would be using it. 

Stuart,

If you are a 30-40 year old on the PGA Tour, there is some advantage to using a putting technique that you have been using for 20-30 years.  So it is hardly an even contest between the conventional style and the long putter.  

I believe it is the number of 12-15 year olds that are anchoring that is most concerning to the governing bodies as it is unlikely these guys are ever switching to conventional.

[Bob_Huntley]

Yes indeed, nice diversion tactics. This whole think just is getting worse and worse. Glad I'm not a anchoring as we can kiss that goodbye.

I wonder if any of these types of things could eventually cause so much trouble that it lead to a downfall of the R&A or at least significant changes in it's structure/power?

Just a thought, I could be way off....

David,

Who would cause the R&As downfall, the members of the club?

Bob

[jeffwarne]

Guys,

You're missing the point.  Yes, there are plenty of other fights they could, and should be fighting.   Some perhaps much more important.  But that doesn't diminish the fact that in their own feeble way, at least they're taking a small, belated step in the right direction.  I, for one, am quite pleased with the decision.

What's next? grooves?

Oh yeah, they did that already .
Nice trend.
Did anyone notice ? other than Johnny Miler who said "flyer" for about 3 months

Ban 40 degree wedges!

[Stuart Goldstein]

I believe it is the number of 12-15 year olds that are anchoring that is most concerning to the governing bodies as it is unlikely these guys are ever switching to conventional.

I admit a 14 year old using a belly puter doesn't seem right.  I just think there are bigger fish to fry concerning the rules of golf.

[David_Elvins]

I admit a 14 year old using a belly puter doesn't seem right.  I just think there are bigger fish to fry concerning the rules of golf.

It's not A 14 year old.  In a few years it is predicted to be EVERY 14 year old. (and that prediction is coming from people who I think know what they are talking about.  

[Michael Wharton-Palmer]

Probably not effective until 2014 or beyond..just another cop out.

[David Davis]

Yes indeed, nice diversion tactics. This whole think just is getting worse and worse. Glad I'm not a anchoring as we can kiss that goodbye.

I wonder if any of these types of things could eventually cause so much trouble that it lead to a downfall of the R&A or at least significant changes in it's structure/power?

Just a thought, I could be way off....

David,

Who would cause the R&As downfall, the members of the club?

Bob

Bob, in the end what do I know, I'm only contemplating. However, I do know that most dictatorships that are not set up as such do not survive once the members get too fed up with decisions that are being made that don't take anyones concerns or wishes into consideration.

There could also be enough pressure from outside sources, top pros, media, even the USGA and other federations for example that step up and say, ok that's enough.

I do realize that they are all running scared for some reason but again, I'm just throwing it out there.

[Richard Choi]

Other than NHL, there is no other organization doing a better job of driving away patrons from their game.

Big KUDOS to know nothings...

[Bill Gayne]

If the announcement is to ban long putters or anchoring would clubs have the option to simply declare a local rule that would allow use of the long or anchored putter?

[Jud_T]

Not if you plan on posting any of those scores for handicap purposes.

[JSlonis]

The PGA Tour is a separate entity that has always abided by the rules of golf set forth by the USGA.  Why couldn't they, like other major Professional sports, create their own set of specific rules? They could simply allow belly /long putters. Whiles they are at it, they could come up with their own type of ball as well that everyone would have to play. I don't think there is anything binding the PGA Tour and the USGA. The tour controls professional golf, let them enforce whatever rules they want to for professional tournament play.

It's about time that professionals and amateurs have a different set of guidelines. It's that way in nearly every other professional sport. Keegan Bradley's ability with a belly putter should have ZERO impact on what Mr. Smith chooses to use at Anytown CC, USA.

[Mac Plumart]

From WSJ's John Paul Newport...

On Wednesday the U.S. Golf Association is expected to announce its much-anticipated decision on whether to ban anchored putting. This would affect belly-length models pressed into the stomach and the longer broomstick versions held against the chest. For the long-term good of the game, it should ban anchored putting outright, as most golf insiders believe that it will, even though the move will make many golfers angry.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324469304578143572437931556.html?KEYWORDS=john+paul+newport#articleTabs=article

Maybe I'm way out in leftfield, but I don't care about this anchoring rule at all.  The PGA game is so detached from my game and, in fact, it seems to be running 180* away from what I like, that I couldn't care less what they do.  It won't have an effect on my game.

I don't anchor or use a long putter and it doesn't bother me if others do or do not.  So, the rule has no impact on me.

I love golf courses.  And what the PGA Tour requires to be done to golf courses to get their people to host tournaments on them ruins them IMO. Therefore, I prefer to see PGA events hosted at modern courses that are more suited to the newer equipment.  I'd love them to avoid playing on the gems I adore, but if the hosting courses want them and renovate their course to accomodate....I lose.  I have a ton of respect and admiration for the classic (and modern) clubs that avoid PGA events.  NGLA, Pine Valley, The Golf Club, Sand Hills...and the like.  As their courses remain intact and more pure to their original intent.  That is what I care about.

[Matthew Essig]

If they are doing Q&A it would be great if someone broached the subject of the work at TOC...

Fingers crossed!!

Mark

+1

[William_G]

From WSJ's John Paul Newport...

On Wednesday the U.S. Golf Association is expected to announce its much-anticipated decision on whether to ban anchored putting. This would affect belly-length models pressed into the stomach and the longer broomstick versions held against the chest. For the long-term good of the game, it should ban anchored putting outright, as most golf insiders believe that it will, even though the move will make many golfers angry.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324469304578143572437931556.html?KEYWORDS=john+paul+newport#articleTabs=article

Maybe I'm way out in leftfield, but I don't care about this anchoring rule at all.  The PGA game is so detached from my game and, in fact, it seems to be running 180* away from what I like, that I couldn't care less what they do.  It won't have an effect on my game.

I don't anchor or use a long putter and it doesn't bother me if others do or do not.  So, the rule has no impact on me.

I love golf courses.  And what the PGA Tour requires to be done to golf courses to get their people to host tournaments on them ruins them IMO. Therefore, I prefer to see PGA events hosted at modern courses that are more suited to the newer equipment.  I'd love them to avoid playing on the gems I adore, but if the hosting courses want them and renovate their course to accomodate....I lose.  I have a ton of respect and admiration for the classic (and modern) clubs that avoid PGA events.  NGLA, Pine Valley, The Golf Club, Sand Hills...and the like.  As their courses remain intact and more pure to their original intent.  That is what I care about.

Gotcha Mac...I'm see your point and in essence anchoring doesn't effect me either except I don't want to be the only golfer out there putting without anchoring or driving a cart, and since carts are in, anchoring should be out....

but maybe golf courses should be like ski slopes and allow you to play/ski/slide however you deem fit?

happy holidays, hope you are well

[Anders Rytter]

To be honest (and frank) the anchoring thing is just to little an issue for me, all the length problems taken into consideration. If hard pressed I would say those putters should be considered/banned, but the discussion in my mind should be about why they take their time away from thinking about the length issue.