I'm unsure whether to characterize the debate over anchoring the putting stroke as an argument which will divide the golf world into two camps or whether it will unify the game. To offer up the bifurcation of professional/amateur rules seems to be as facile as suggesting that HS and college basketball games should continue to play with the traditional ball and the professional ranks should be required to use a ball which is larger; therefore more difficult to get in the hoop.
It is clear that despite the fact that the governing bodies have languished, something will happen in 2014 unless there is a vehement protest from professional golfers around the world.
Johnny Miller started using a long putter in 1981 but didn't anchor. But, anchoring followed hard upon. It has been deemed allowable for nearly 30 years with nary a whimper from either side: and the line has now been drawn. For years both of golf's governing bodies (the R and A and the USGA) allowed the anchored stroke.....a definite departure from the traditional stroke movement.
Initially, the PGA's commissioner, Tim Finchem, came out against the ban. He, of course, was dealing with Tour players who never lack for opinions which surround their working conditions. That opinion seems to have eroded in the face of the agreement which was forged between the USGA and the R and A.
Mike Davis' reign at the helm of the USGA started rather gently and his role as the director of rules and competitions seemed to be where his efforts would be focused. We saw these efforts in the way Davis set up the championship venues during the early months of his leadership; a refreshing change from the egregious setups we saw under previous leadership.
When queried about his opinion on anchoring , much to my surprise his response was essentially to read it on the USGA web site; a real departure from his usual amicable style. Just short of "read it and weep".
My email to Gary Van Sickle at SI was promptly answered. Van Sickle's opinion came down on the side of doing the science; gather data which supports the ban because the anchored stroke accords an advantage to players who benefit from it in some measurable way. A reasonable approach, no doubt.
The available data does not support the ban. In fact, the USGA's president, Glenn Nager, said this:" It's important to understand that the playing rules of golf are not based on statistical studies, they're based on judgments that define the game and its intended challenges." In other words; we'll be doing what we think is best to preserve the traditions of the game.
I wrote back and asked Van Sickle, "Who is the Wizard behind the curtain?" His immediate response was Peter Dawson. Dawson is known as a strict tradionalist and definitely someone who travels in golf's inner circle without, apparently, tipping his hand.
To be evenhanded with regard to Nager's assertion, he did say that the intention of the rule is to assure that "the method of stroke (remains) fundamental to the game's appeal so that we can all play on the same course with the same equipment under the same rules."
Mike Davis added, "One of the most fundamental things about the game of golf is we believe the player should hold the club away from his body and swing it freely. We think this is integral to the traditions of the game. Golf is a game of skill and challenge and we think that is an important part of it."
Our own Steve Stricker, who employs the traditional method of stroking putts adds the following. "Any time you can take your arms and hands out of it, especially your hands, I think when you anchor it in your chest is a huge advantage. There's going to be a lot of upset people, a lot of guys that have putted with a long putter for a long time, and I have a feeling that going to have something to say about the rule." OSU and former Wisconsin State Open Champion Jordan Niebrugge concurred: "I think there is a definite advantage if you anchor your putter."
As the debate zigzagged back and forth over the last year or so, it became clear that the powers that be would be comfortable with making the USGA the final forum in future decision-making processes. The square grooves imbroglio of 20+ years ago demonstrated how messy things can become without strong leadership. Golf's rule book (rule 14-1) says under Striking the Ball, "the ball must be fairly struck with the head of the club and must not be pushed, scraped or spooned."
The proposed rule will say, concerning Anchoring the Club; "In making a stroke, the player must not anchor the club, either directly or by use of an anchor point."
Incidentally, three of the last five major champions-Keegan Bradley, Webb Simpson and Ernie Els -used belly putters in their victories. Interestingly, however, none of these players is ranked in the top 10 of the putting category.
Stay tuned.
