TORREY PINES, Calif. — Commissioner Tim Finchem left open the possibility the PGA Tour could refuse to adopt the USGA’s proposed new rule to eliminate anchored putting, but isn’t ready to declare what the Tour will do.
The U.S. Golf Association and Royal & Ancient Golf Club announced Nov. 28 a proposed rule that would outlaw players from anchoring the club against their bodies — the stroke used for belly putters and broom-handle putters.
Three of the last five major champions have used belly putters, so this has become a hot-button issue among players.
“It’s a very different kind of issue, and it stirs a lot of strong feelings,” Finchem said yesterday. “So consequently, it’s a difficult situation. Personally, I view the professional game as being the strongest it’s ever been. So I don’t like to see distractions, but it’s not a perfect world.”
Another month remains in a 90-day comment period before the USGA and R&A decide to adopt the rule, which would not be enforced until 2016.
The PGA Tour, however, can set its own rules. Finchem hinted there could be two sets of rules for the game, but only in certain areas of golf, and he did not think the long putter issue was one of those areas.
“We have a whole generation who never experienced those twitches with the putter or having any of those type of problems,” said Tiger Woods, who does not use the anchor putter. “[USGA executive director Mike Davis] believes every club should actually swing, and I agree with that.”