Colin Montgomerie backs ban on anchored putting

COLIN Montgomerie last night threw his weight behind the decision to ban anchored putting strokes in golf and urged fellow players not to take legal action in a bid to get it overturned.

Colin Montgomerie: Backs anchored putting ban. Picture: PA

At simultaneous press conferences yesterday, the R&A and USGA, the sport’s two rules-makers, confirmed they were pressing ahead with a move to outlaw anchoring putters from 1 January, 2016.

Both organisations admitted the proposal had proved a 
“divisive issue”, but insisted it was “the right decision for golf”.

The PGA Tour, which had been against the move, responded by announcing it would be canvassing its players to determine whether or not it would accept the decision.

It was described as “disappointing” by PGA of America president Ted Bishop, although a statement issued by his 
organisation also revealed an 
interesting development.

Since November, when the proposal was first announced, its leading coaches have been “working on a process whereby our PGA professionals can help with the transition from anchored putters to a non-
anchored stroke in anticipation of this decision”.

Speaking at Wentworth, where R&A chief executive Peter Dawson presented the case for the implementation of the ban as planned, Montgomerie 
welcomed the decision.

“They have seen sense and it [anchoring] has been banned,” said the eight-times European No 1, who has used a belly putter himself on and off, including the 2004 Ryder Cup in Detroit, where he clinched the winning point against David Toms.

“Although I’ve used one, I’ve always been against it. The reason I used it was that it’s easier under pressure and we don’t want to take that element away. We want to get back to nerves and that type of idea of the game of golf. It’s wrong and the sooner it was banned, the better.”

PGA Tour player Brendan president Ted Bishop. A a statement issued by his organisation, however, also revealed an interesting development. Since November, when the proposal was first announced, its leading coaches have been “working on a process whereby our PGA professionals can help with the transition from anchored putters to a non-anchored stroke in anticipation of this decision”.

Speaking at Wentworth, where R&A chief executive Peter Dawson presented the case for the implementation of the ban as planned, Montgomerie welcomed the decision. “They have seen sense and it [anchoring] has been banned,” said the eight-times European No 1, who has used a belly putter himself on and off, including the 2004 Ryder Cup in Detroit, where he clinched the winning point against David Toms.

“Although I’ve used one, I’ve always been against it. The reason I used it was that it’s easier under pressure and we don’t want to take that element away. We want to get back to nerves and that type of idea of the game of golf.”

PGA Tour player Brendan Steele, who also tried anchoring before reverting to a “legal” forearm grip, as used by Matt Kuchar, said he believed the decision will be challenged in court. “Golf doesn’t need lawsuits and it doesn’t need two sets of rules,” added Montgomerie. “Players abided by 14 clubs in the bag when that rule came in and they abided by the different size ball.”

The PGA Tour and PGA of America both responded in statements issued within an hour of the decision being confirmed.

“We will now begin our process to ascertain whether the various provisions of Rule 14-1b will be implemented in our competitions and, if so, examine the process for implementation,” said the PGA Tour one. “In this regard, over the next month, we will engage in discussions with our Player Advisory Council and Policy Board members.”

In his statement, Bishop said: “We are disappointed with this outcome. We do not believe 14-1b is in the best interest of recreational golfers and we are concerned about the negative impact it may have on both

the enjoyment and growth of the game.”