As a PGA member for nearly 27 years, a Master Professional certified in Rules and Tournament Operations and the tournament director for a state association, I have an interest in all facets of this ruling. Originally, I was not in favor of a ban as there was no evidence to suggest anchoring generated better results. However, after hearing the case presented by the R&A and USGA, I have come to a different conclusion and support the ban for the following reasons.
1. I do see this as "preventative." Yes, it has been going on for decades, but it was only those players who had the yips or bad backs that used the long putters. However, we are now seeing players of all ages and abilities use the method. And, we are seeing it being used for strokes with other clubs from off the putting green. If left unchecked, where will it end? As Achenbach stated in this article, golfers are an ingenious bunch.
2. Why now and not 30 years ago? Like I said above, I don't believe anyone ever imagined this becoming what it has become. If the Rules of Golf committees for the R&A and USGA could have seen this 30 years ago, I have a hard time believing they would have allowed it. Just because it has been going on, doesn't mean it shouldn't be stopped. After all, if a person has been smoking for 30 years, it doesn't mean they shouldn't stop once it is obvious it is not in their best interest.
3. Like it or not, golfers, while generally playing by the Rules, ultimately play by the Rules they wish to adopt within their normal group. I'm talking about casual, recreational golf here; not high-level competitions (club championships, Member-Guests, state championships, etc). Does everyone putt out in their normal group? Do people play "winter rules"? Do people carry more than 14 clubs? Do courses play wooded areas as lateral water hazards when the closest water is 60 feet straight down? Of course. And, this ban will not change that at all. I see people continuing to use this method within their groups once it takes effect. I can tell you many other rules are not followed because players don't make the effort or take the time to learn them. Thus, I don't see it making a significant impact on participation.
4. As Mike Davis (USGA) stated on the Golf Channel, we have been playing this game for centuries and putting this way for only the last 30 years. The growth of the game back in the 80s and early 90s was not due to anchored putting. The growth of the game worldwide (excluding the UK and USA) is not as a result of anchored putting. There are far bigger problems with growing the game - cost and time to name just two.
5. To address Mark's comments, "Tee It Forward" is a program that encourages golfers (men) to put their egos aside and play from the set of tees that best fits their ability level rather than feeling they have to play from the "Regular" or "Championship" tees. The typical male player with an 18 handicap (average in the US), plays a course from 6300-6700 yards. If everyone enjoys shooting better scores, then moving up and playing from 5900-6200 yards would allow them to shoot better scores and have more enjoyment. Yet, we men let our egos get in the way. "Tee It Forward" simply tells us that it is okay to play a shorter course.
6. For Scott, as for the actual "proposed" rule (although, I do agree with Achenbach that it is a "done deal"), the putter touching the shirt, sweater or jacket is not a problem. The issue is whether the putter (club) is anchored, eliminating a full freedom of motion of the entire club. Even Kuchar's method (which was specifically approved) of resting it against his forearm has the entire club moving during the stroke. The information provided at www.usga.org/anchoring is very good - videos, graphic depictions, etc. Thus, I don't believe anchoring is difficult to define.
7. While the subject has not come up here, I do not believe "bifurcation" is a solution. There is no other sports stage of which I can think where amateurs compete equally against professionals at the highest level. Yet, I would also refer back to #3 above. So to say we need two sets of rules does not solve anything.
8. Lastly, it doesn't appear anyone is arguing the point that an anchored stroke is consistent with the way the game has been and should be played. Like Tiger said, he makes a swing with 13 clubs, why shouldn't we require a swing with the 14th club?
Obviously, these are just my opinions. However, I believe I have a large stake (larger than most) in this industry from many sides. Does that make me right? No, but it is a perspective from an insider.
Doug
