7.30.2012
04anchoring ban would draw protests
the buzz over a possible ban of “anchoring” putters to the body continues
unabated with several precincts weighing in as to whether it would be good,
bad or indifferent for the game. in a recent twitter exchange with bob estes,
it was clear estes believes belly or long putters anchored to the body are a
significant advantage, as does tom watson who voiced his approval of a
proposed ban at the senior british open. one constituency just starting to
be heard, however, are players who use such implements. bernhard langer
spoke in their favor at the senior british open, and the Pga tour’s tim clark
said he is not going to accept a ban without a fight. “it would be an unbelievable adjustment,” said clark (shown). “i’ve used [a long putter] for 16 years.
i used it before i turned pro. had it been outlawed then, i probably never
would have turned pro.” asked what he would have to do to adjust should
anchoring be outlawed, clark said, “i think for one i’d have to fight changing
the rule. those of us that have been using it for that long, sure [we’d have to
fight it]. essentially, they’re probably taking our livelihoods away. it absolutely [takes the club out of the bag].” in other words, if the usga and r&a
announce a ruling later this year as expected, it could well be the start of a
protracted battle, not the end of one. —E. Michael Johnson (@EMichaelGW)
hunter martin/getty images
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