I am an avid golfer and there is a decision upcoming from the USGA that I am not going to like very much. Starting in January 2016, any putter that is anchored to your body will be illegal, regardless of its length.
It's just so happens that I went to a belly putter this year and I like it very much. So it figures that the USGA would outlaw something that has made the world's hardest game a little easier.
First of all, I get the argument about the hands being free to swing, but the amount that the putter is "anchored" can be different from player to player. Mine is not anchored very stiff to my body, and the head of the putter actually moves back and forth, especially on long putts. SO... is it anchored or not? I haven't a clue.
The argument I never want to hear from anyone is that we must respect the tradition of the game. So my long putter is making a mockery of tradition, but what about the golf ball that was designed by NASA? It has drastically changed the game, but is anyone looking to go back to the old leather ball stuffed with feathers? I think not.
And while were on it, how about the long drivers with huge heads of titanium? How about hybrids? In fact, one can now get an entire set of hybrid irons! Chippers with one face are legal on the PGA tour, as are 64 degree wedges. Looks like tradition got thrown out the window on many aspects of golf, but let's not be letting these gents use an anchored putter for Heaven's sake!
I have just one major question for all of you that want it made illegal: if it really works and it makes putting easier, why do only 15% of the touring pros use it? They all switched to the new ball when it came out, but not the belly putter? Why not?
Well, I'm not taking it out of bag anytime soon. I mean, I have until 2016, and if I am not in any official tournament, I'll be using it well past the scheduled termination date. Tradition be damned; I'm for anything that makes this crazy game a little easier. And don't worry, because if this is really wrong for the game, the Golf Gods will make sure I get punished. And they can be a very cruel lot indeed!
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