There will NOT be an amateur extension for anchoring...

[bruinsPATSirish]

So this just popped up in the emails of PGAs:

 

"I am writing to inform you that the United States Golf Association (USGA) has decided not to extend the implementation date of Rule 14-1b (anchoring) for amateur golfers beyond Jan. 1, 2016. Last month at the USGA Annual Meeting in Pinehurst, N.C., PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem and I outlined our proposal for a "grandfather" period to provide amateurs with more time to adapt to playing without an anchored stroke.

 

Both the PGA of America and the PGA TOUR have consistently shared strong feelings about this matter with the USGA and we appreciated the opportunity to formally present our views before the USGA's full Executive Committee.

 

While we are disappointed with the USGA's decision not to extend the implementation date beyond Jan. 1, 2016, I know that all PGA Professionals are committed to helping amateur players choose a permissible putting stroke that will help them continue to enjoy the game well into the future.

 

Indeed, PGA Professionals go to work every day knowing that we are the most respected instructors in the game. This is a new challenge and opportunity that we will embrace, and along with helping PGA TOUR players, we will assist golfers of all abilities in advance of the implementation date of Rule 14-1b.

 

Finally, we believe that one of the profound outcomes that emerged from the discussion of "anchoring," is that both the PGA of America and the PGA TOUR have a more meaningful seat at the Rules table for future decisions affecting the game. We strongly believe that such enhanced communication among our respected organizations is essential to the long-term viability of golf.

 

Regards,

 

 

Ted Bishop, PGA

38th President

The PGA of America"

 

What say you GolfWRX...

[Ranchobob]

Good. An anchored stroke is not a stroke.

Now quit p***y-footing around and reel back the ball 40 or so yards.

[Augster]

It should have been implemented 1/1/14. Two more entire years of this nonsense? Ugh.

[Newby]

[quote name='bruinsPATSirish' timestamp='1393999702' post='8801353'][i] both the PGA of America and the PGA TOUR have a more meaningful seat at the Rules table for future decisions affecting the game. [/i]
[/quote]

I wonder why they believe they should be any more equal than the rest of the players in the world as they only represent about 0.0% of them.
Even the Golf Union of Wales represents more players and they don't have a seat at the table.

[Golfwolf]

I have no dog in this fight since anchoring is not something I have ever done.

[quote name='Ranchobob' timestamp='1394000173' post='8801369']
Good. An anchored stroke is not a stroke.

Now quit p***y-footing around and[color=#0000cd] reel back the ball 40 or so yards[/color].
[/quote]

Jack is that you??

[toc]

I've been thinking about it and I don't think I've ever played with someone, nor seen an amateur in person who actually uses a belly/long putter with an anchored stroke. Is it a more common sight for some of you guys? I just don't think this is going to be a big deal at all for the average joe golfer.

[BrianL99]

[quote name='toc' timestamp='1394014122' post='8801671']
I've been thinking about it and I don't think I've ever played with someone, nor seen an amateur in person who actually uses a belly/long putter with an anchored stroke. Is it a more common sight for some of you guys? I just don't think this is going to be a big deal at all for the average joe golfer.
[/quote]

I can see more of it in 5 minutes of golf on TV, than I've seen in 30 years of golf. In my last 500 rounds, i've played with exactly 2 people who used an anchored stroke.

As for the PGA Tour & PGA of America have a "meaningful seat at the table"? The USGA stole their lunch box, handed them 2 crackers with Cheese Whiz, patted them on their heads and sent them away.

[Vindog]

Like I said in the other thread, these next couple of years is [b]more than enough [/b]of an extension period already, regardles of how I fell about the decision in general.

[Sawgrass]

[quote name='BrianL99' timestamp='1394015119' post='8801701']
As for the PGA Tour & PGA of America have a "meaningful seat at the table"? The USGA stole their lunch box, handed them 2 crackers with Cheese Whiz, patted them on their heads and sent them away.
[/quote]

That screamed out at me too.


PGA: "Please consider this."
USGA: "Screw you."
PGA: "[i]Finally, we believe that one of the profound outcomes that emerged from the discussion of "anchoring," is that both the PGA of America and the PGA TOUR have a more meaningful seat at the Rules table for future decisions affecting the game. We strongly believe that such enhanced communication among our respected organizations is essential to the long-term viability of golf."[/i]

[bruinsPATSirish]

[quote name='Sawgrass' timestamp='1394032774' post='8802893']
[quote name='BrianL99' timestamp='1394015119' post='8801701']
As for the PGA Tour & PGA of America have a "meaningful seat at the table"? The USGA stole their lunch box, handed them 2 crackers with Cheese Whiz, patted them on their heads and sent them away.
[/quote]

That screamed out at me too.


PGA: "Please consider this."
USGA: "Screw you."
PGA: "[i]Finally, we believe that one of the profound outcomes that emerged from the discussion of "anchoring," is that both the PGA of America and the PGA TOUR have a more meaningful seat at the Rules table for future decisions affecting the game. We strongly believe that such enhanced communication among our respected organizations is essential to the long-term viability of golf."[/i]
[/quote]

Definitely some great headway made in their relationship...

[Grumpy bumpy]

My opinion on this is from a different point of view.
This ruling effects a lot more than just the PGA. Every local tournament is a USGA sanctioned tournament, if GHIN are used.
If the USGA wants to ban an anchored putting stroke, I think they should ban the equipment.
If the equipment is legal, then I believe the USGA should not be allowed to dictate how I am to use it.
While I agree this affects a very very small population of golfers, it does affect some.
But, there are a very small number of people, that do use an anchored stroke. I work with a local Pro, and a Wounded Warriors Project, and have built belly and broomstick putters.
While this may not seem to be an issue most of these guys play in a local tournament or a league tournament, these are USGA sanctioned.
So an anchored stroke will be illegal. We are developing a plan for the local courses to have a local rule written, to allow this.
I have several amputees that are using anchored putting strokes that are very active golfers and play in tourneys. They claim a GHIN.
If there is no local ruling for an anchored stroke, then the Pro and the golfer has to file for a disability exemption to use the anchored stroke.

My problem, is if the USGA bans a piece of equipment, then I can fit and a legal equipment for use. But the USGA banned a "method of use". The putter is legal, but how you use it, is not.

[Vindog]

[quote name='Grumpy bumpy' timestamp='1394050852' post='8804967']
My opinion on this is from a different point of view.
This ruling effects a lot more than just the PGA. Every local tournament is a USGA sanctioned tournament, if GHIN are used.
If the USGA wants to ban an anchored putting stroke, I think they should ban the equipment.
If the equipment is legal, then I believe the USGA should not be allowed to dictate how I am to use it.
While I agree this affects a very very small population of golfers, it does affect some.
But, there are a very small number of people, that do use an anchored stroke. I work with a local Pro, and a Wounded Warriors Project, and have built belly and broomstick putters.
While this may not seem to be an issue most of these guys play in a local tournament or a league tournament, these are USGA sanctioned.
So an anchored stroke will be illegal. We are developing a plan for the local courses to have a local rule written, to allow this.
I have several amputees that are using anchored putting strokes that are very active golfers and play in tourneys. They claim a GHIN.
If there is no local ruling for an anchored stroke, then the Pro and the golfer has to file for a disability exemption to use the anchored stroke.

My problem, is if the USGA bans a piece of equipment, then I can fit and a legal equipment for use. But the USGA banned a "method of use". The putter is legal, but how you use it, is not.
[/quote]

They did this to skirt lawsuits from oems that have already submitted these putter designs for conformity. So the prevailing thought goes. Here's another thought. One can anchor a standard length putter, meaning, a putter does not have to be a "broomstick" or "belly putter" in order to be anchored. So banning the equipment wouldn't exactly ban the act of anchoring

However, I am thoughtful of your situation and hopefully there is an "out" for those affected.

[SatelliteGuy]

I'm still not sure why they banned something that NOBODY uses...

I've seen exactly ONE person use a belly putter... And I've never seen the broomstick on course...

So who exactly was this effecting again?

[drumdude96]

The USGA should just ban all of the modern advances in golf technology in general, and just make everybody play wound balata balls, blade putters, blade irons, and persimmon woods again. This crap is getting ridiculous. And I'm not at all kidding (not that it matters what I think). The professional tours should be like NASCAR, where everyone's equipment is essentially identical, aside from shaft flex and fitting parameters such as grip size and club length. Every car in NASCAR has to conform to multiple templates; golf equipment for the professionals should be the same way. Then it's truly a level playing field and only the guys with real talent will consistently be in the winner's circle. Sure, the new equipment has made the game easier and more enjoyable, but it has also caused a lot of controversy from the very first metal woods and the original ProV1, not to mention perimeter weighted irons and square grooves. I'm REALLY tired of hearing/reading all of the damn bickering. Just get rid of all the new stuff, and we'll see who really can make it on tour without all those crutches. Then maybe everyone will get a life and stop b!tching all the time about how "easy" the game has gotten.

[toc]

[quote name='DirecTVTechGuy' timestamp='1394060838' post='8806407']
I'm still not sure why they banned something that NOBODY uses...

I've seen exactly ONE person use a belly putter... And I've never seen the broomstick on course...

So who exactly was this effecting again?
[/quote]

Adam Scott