Belly Putters are all set to be banned
The use of anchoring is all set to be banned from the game of golf after authorities announced that rules are being amended to ban the use of belly putters.
The issue of anchoring was raised when Keegan Bradley and then Web Simpson won the Masters and the US Open, respectively, while playing with this club.
Tiger Woods was one of the many who raised his eyebrows over the use of this club. It is a fact that anchoring does help in making a stroke and experts believe that it is against the spirit of the game.
"Throughout the 600-year history of golf, the essence of playing the game has been to grip the club with the hands and swing it freely at the ball," said USGA Executive Director Mike Davis.
Along with the R&A, he added, "Our conclusion is that the Rules of Golf should be amended to preserve the traditional character of the golf swing by eliminating the growing practice of anchoring the club".
The ban will not be applicable from the upcoming season. Instead, it will come in to effect from 2016, giving players sufficient time to adjust with new clubs.
This gives Keegan Bradley and Co ample time to take their decision. A few months back, Keegan and Ernie said that they will put up a legal fight if the club is outlawed.
With Golf authorities clearly stating that they will ban this club, it will be interesting to see what path they adopt.
However, R&A and USGA have said that they are open to suggestions and comments regarding this issue before making a final decision over it.
Tiger Woods has seconded the words of Mike Davis, as he also said that anchoring is against the spirit of the game.
"I just believe that the art of putting is swinging the club and controlling nerves. Having it as a fixed point, as I was saying all year, is something that's not in the traditions of the game," said Tiger.
It will be interesting to see what happens when the ban is in place, as these clubs have been in the market for over 20 years now.
Whether the players and manufacturers take a legal action over it is yet to be seen.
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