Over the past few months there have been rumblings by players on the PGA Tour calling for a ban on the belly putter.
The USGA doesn’t want any part of this issue, and The Rules Committee of the R&A indicated earlier this year that they won’t bring in any further changes to the game until 2007. I, for one, still can’t shake the perception that belly putters are for old guys who have bad backs.
I can understand why some players want to make the belly putter a thing of the past. The claim that these putters provide a stabilizing effect is a very strong argument, but just look at the statistics. Other than the PGA Tour’s leading money-winner, Vijay Singh, none of the top pros use them. So, unless Bernhard Langer starts breaking scoring records, and ripping up the PGA Tour, I believe it’s an argument better saved until ’07.
This is hilarious. The same guys that readily embrace 460cc drivers, cavity-back irons, hybrids, and square-grooved wedges are whining about the advantage of using a belly putter? Spare me. I
Another example of the tail wagging the dog.
Who benefits the most from belly putters? Amateurs.
Who benefits the least from belly putters? PGA Pros.
So the logical thing to do is make the game harder and less enjoyable for millions of amateur golfers because a handful of PGA tour players MIGHT gains some small advantage using them?
The tail wagging the dog.
Golf is an amateur sport. The industry is supported by the millions of amateurs that play, not the handful of PGA tour players. If the PGA tour disappered, the sport would continue on just fine without it. If the amateurs disappered, the sport (and the tour) would quickly disappear also.
The focus of equipment rules should be what makes the game more enjoyable for the average amateur (and would encourage more people to play more often). If that gives an advantage (or disadvantage) to a few touring pros, who really cares except the guy that sits on his couch at home and watches golf instead of getting out and playing it.
The business is sustained by a large number of amateur players, rather than relying on a small group of PGA tour professionals. If the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) tour were to cease to exist, the sport of golf would likely continue without significant detriment. If the individuals without professional expertise were to cease their participation, the sport (together with its associated tour) would promptly see a decline in existence as well.