The Royal Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews has issued a statement declaring a proposal to ban the anchoring of the long-hand or belly putter has been ‘received more favourably across the international community’ compared to being a ‘sensitive’ issue in the US.
A move to ban the anchoring of the belly or long-handled putter is more comfortable among the International community than the States. (Photo – www.golffile.ie)
The R&A, along with fellow Rules of Gof administrator the USGA, is now considering the submissions it has receved from individuals and organisations regarding the proposed change to the Rules of Golf that would prohibit the anchoring of the club in making a stroke.
The 90-day period where parties were invited to comment on the proposed Rule 14-1b has ended.
A spokesman for The R&A said, “Anchoring has been a polarising issue in our sport and despite having weighed the matter thoroughly before making the proposal, we believed it was important to give stakeholders in the game the opportunity to air their views.
“Our consultation period has generated a number of considered responses which have continued to arrive right up to the deadline.
“We appreciate those responses and will take time to review and evaluate them.
“We note that this matter has proved particularly sensitive in the United States, while the proposed Rule change has been received more favourably across the international golfing community.
“As we have throughout this process, we will work closely with the USGA in moving towards a final resolution.”
If the ‘anchoring’ ban does come into effect the PGA Tour and the PGA of America, as organisers of the PGA Championship and the Ryder Cup, is considering issuing a local rule that would make it legal to anchor the club.
Colin Montgomerie (pictures) indicated if this were to happen it would open a ‘serious can of worms’.
You could then have the situation of US Tour members being allowed to anchor the putter during PGA Tour events but then it would become illegal during US Open and Open Championship.
While no one has considered what the scenario would be in the four WGC events run by the Federation of Tours.
