A Leader for the coup?

[RoverRick]

I started out to write about the schizophrenic behavior of golf's ruling bodies. (yes, I am aware that schizophrenic is not quite correctly used, but I like it.) On one hand the R&A and USGA stated that there would be a 90 day comment period about the proposed anchored putting ban. They did state that they expected no new evidence to turn up to change their minds.

 

The reason they expected no new evidence to come to light because they did not use any evidence to begin with to make this decision. When the PGA of America found out about this and polled it members, they were against the ban. We are not talking about the Tour guys who make millions of dollars and have invitations to play the best courses in the world and have a luxury car waiting at the airport when their private jet lands to take them to the 5 star hotel. But we are talking about the PGA members who are running Pro Shops and giving lessons at the local club. These guys and gals see amateur golfers every day. In March there was a poll of these people and not one of the 27,000 members raised their hands in support of the ban.

 

I was going to tell how the R&A is fighting mad about the PGA not following in lock step. I was going to say how the USGA now has decided to take up the “Pace of Play” issue because that is a bigger deal to some than putting. I will say that me and another guy played 18 holes in 2:25 minutes yesterday, and two groups let us play thru. Also, I did not see anyone with a long putter. However, neither of these issues are any of the USGA's business. If it take me 6 hours to play a round of golf this is something to take up with the local management. I do not need USGA President Glen Nager riding up in a cart telling me to pick it up. That is for the local guys to do. This will probably be the local PGA professional who rides out and corrects the issue or someone appointed by him not the USGA.

 

The R&A meanwhile say that it is not their place to tell Muirfield they must accept women. Since the R&A, itself, does not except women, I guess we can understand their stance on that. I do find it a bit of a disconnect that he will say it is not their place to legislate membership but it is their place to say where you can anchor the putter. Let us not forget that this ban is only on anchoring against the body. It is still ok to anchor against the arm. So the proposed ban is only a partial ban. Also, it is not just the putter. You will no longer be able to chip with a FM or hybrid or any club if the butt of the club is touching the body. This is something that you may only do once a year but if the butt is in contact it will be a violation of the stupid rule. This makes as much sense as striking a dead leaf on the backswing in a hazard is a penalty.

 

I was planning on really batching (SIC) about these two but the more I read up on this issue, and the more I read about PGA of America president Ted Bishop the more I decided to write this as kudos to him. Apparently, he has been championing the anchored putter cause both privately and publicly. He is refusing to fall into lock step with the R&A like the USGA has done.

 

Dawson of the R&A has said it is not Bishop's role to look after the amateur golfer. He says that is what the R&A and USGA are for. How many of you have ever seen a USGA official or R&A official? How many of you see a PGA member every time you go in to the club house? The PGA of America is the link to the amateur golfer.

 

So kudos to PGA of America president Ted Bishop, sounds like a leader for the coup d'etat has emerged.

 

 

Related reading: http://www.golfdiges...rte-report-0506

[revkev]

Couldn't agree more. I do have to say that it seems as if the USGA is willing to listen to the PGA (not tour) professionals. They really should carry the most weight here and in most things golf - its not their job to make the rules but they most certainly must carry some weight when it comes to new rules or rule changes because ultimately they have the biggest role in teaching them and enforcing them.

 

I think Bishop could have passed on making remarks about cultural differences - they exist beyond a doubt but that's a good thing, not a bad thing, in my opinion. That remark provides the opportunity to shift the focus away from the ridiculousness of the ban at this time - it should have been done 30 years ago - it wasn't - it is too late - read my lips - too late to do it now.

[silver & black]

I agree 100% with both of you.

[wbealsd]

I agree 100% with both of you.

+1

[BIG STU]

For the record I agree with all of you. The only thing the USGA is interested in is the almighty dollar. I went to reapply for my Amateur Status found out it would cost me $250 for their "committee" to consider it. The groove issue ticked me off at them and now the long putter issue has set me off not that I use one anymore but I do not see any problem with anchoring or whatever. They say they "want to preserve the traditions of the game" Well if they really want to do that why don't they go back to wood woods,balata balls, blade irons and no hybrids heck even go back to hickory shafts. All of these golf leagues down here play their own "local rules" anyhow and don't give 2 hoots what the USGA says. Heck half of these courses down here have OB and other hazards marked improperly to speed up play. I used to be a USGA member but have not been one for several years. Someone needs to clean house up there. I know they have sent me several applications to rejoin. I sent them a curt little letter telling them what they could do with their membership,decals,bag tags etc. In my opinion they are making the game harder for the recreational golfer. If enough people felt like I do it would make it hard on them money wise but again most of the recreational golfers don't give a hoot about the USGA anyhow