Carl Pettersson has fuelled the ‘Belly Putter Ban’ debate declaring he would instigate legal action, if necessary, to continue using the controversial club in competition.
Pettersson, who posted a two under par 70 on day one of the WGC – HSBC Champions, has joined American Keegan Bradley and four-time Major winning Ernie Els in calling on golf governing authorities to change their mind with talk of banning the belly putter from 2016.
“I’ve used the belly putter for 16 years since I was a junior and if they did ban it, I feel I would be 16 years behind everyone else who is practicing with a short putter,” said the Swede.
Carl Pettersson said he would instigate legal action ruling authorities ban the belly putter. (Photo – www.golfbytourmiss.com)
“So I don’t want to see the ban happen.“This change will not affect everybody like it did a few years ago when they changed the groove rule as that affected everybody.
“Also we should be seen growing the game of golf but it just seems it’s not at the moment, and I know a lot of amateur out there using the long putter that would probably quit the game if they brought in this ban.
“So I just see it as a small issue in golf that’s pointless as the long putter has been around for some 30 to 40 years, and if you are going to ban the long putter why not ban the new golf balls that are going 900 miles and drivers that sends the ball up in the air and makes the ball go further.
“Why not also ban the hybrid and make everyone go back to hitting 2 and 3-irons.
“It’s just opening a big can of worms in banning this long and belly putter, and it’s just so silly and if they wanted to ban it why not take that step when he was first launched.
“I just see the club as a development in the game.”
And like the 2011 PGA Championship winning Bradley, the five-time PGA Tour winner and reigning RBC Heritage title holder Pettersson indicated he would have no hesitation in joining Bradley in instigating legal action should the club be banned.
“Yes, we can take if further and I don’t think it’s fair as it doesn’t affect everybody, and having used one since I was an amateur I may not have turned pro without it,” he added.
“I haven’t discussed it too much among the other players as everything is rumour at present.
“But if the ban were official and it was introduced I would support legal action as it will affct my career and everyone else’s career who uses the putter.”
And strangely and while it’s been suggested golf’s ruling bodies, the R & A and USGA, have seemingly canvassed opinion among Tour players, Pettersson said that along with he and Bradley have yet to be spoken to.
“No one has spoken to me or Keegan and that’s surprising as we are the guys out here on Tour using the putters,” said Pettersson.
“But if the ban came in place I would be personally 19 years behind in practice if the ban came in in four years time.
“That is a lot of hours spent working on my putting.”
And Pettersson was asked how many putters he has in his collection back in North Carolina and remarked: “I have about 15 long putters but no short putters.”
