Golf-Golf bodies consider putter rule change
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THE R&A has confirmed the use of belly putters has “come to the fore again” in its discussions with the USGA, golf’s other governing body, over the shaping of the game’s future.
When American Keegan Bradley used a belly putter to win last year’s final major, the USPGA Championship, it was commonly believed that it was too late to do anything to stop the growing trend of top players using such implements.
However, it appears the putting phenomenon known as “anchoring”, either with a belly or long putter, is causing enough concern for both the R&A and USGA for them to take a serious look at it.
. “All of a sudden this has become a much bigger topic,” USGA executive director Mike Davis told golfweek.com. “The USGA and R&A have been talking about this at length.
“The R&A was in Far Hills (New Jersey) last week. We have an annual meeting where we talk about all kinds of issues about how we govern the game worldwide. We did talk about various equipment issues, including anchoring.
Our board (USGA Executive Committee) did (talk about it) this week as well. There are no outcomes at this point.”
“It is something we have taken a fresh look at,” added Davis. “More players are using it, both on the elite level and the recreational level.
We want to be sure that we are looking at all the angles and thinking about what is in the best interests both of the traditions of the game, the history of the game, and what we think would be good for the game.”
It is believed the USGA will address the matter publicly at this year’s US Open at the Olympic Club in San Francisco in June.
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