Too many stirring golf’s rulebook leads to a spoilt game

A last-ditch plea was rejected. As a result, identical to the rule soon to be applied to professionals, amateurs who anchor long putters on their abdomen will have to find another method beginning in 2016, when the practice will be banned.

Ernie Els of South Africa anchored a belly putter to win the 2013 British Open golf championship at Royal Lytham & St Anneson July 22, 2012. By 2016 no one in a professional tournament, including amaShow more

A last-ditch plea was mercifully rejected.

As a result, identical to the rule soon to be applied to professionals, amateurs who anchor long putters on their abdomen will have to find another method beginning in 2016, when the practice will be banned.

Last month, the PGA Tour and PGA of America jointly asked that amateurs be granted more time to find an alternative. The United States Golf Association, the game’s rule-makers in the States, this week denied that petition.

Ted Bishop, PGA of America president, on Tuesday sent this missive to his members: “One of the profound outcomes 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 … Enhanced communication among our respected organisations is essential to the long-term viability of golf.”

Actually, the staggering number of cooks in golf’s kitchen is why the sport is often left paralysed by too many sanctimonious constituencies fighting for their own profit and well-being.

The PGA Tour can play by whatever set of rules it deems best and should have zero input. Moreover, equipment manufacturers carry far too much regulatory sway. If anything, the USGA and R&A should better insulate the game from factions seeking to influence global governance based largely on self preservation.

A meaningful seat at the table?

Give them a wooden chair in the hall. Better, make it a splintered one, just like the game itself.

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