"Their charge is protecting the game of golf, not making sure it's OK for Tour players."
Thoughtful response from Brandt Snedeker appearing on Morning Drive, voicing his support for a ban on anchoring putters.
"Their charge is protecting the game of golf, not making sure it's OK for Tour players," he added. "What's best for the game of golf might hurt a couple guys in the short run, but it might benefit the game in the long run."
Geoff
**He also spoke loving of the PGA Tour pace of play.
“Guys who play slow, we all know who they are. I feel like sometimes the guys get a hall pass, because they’ll say, ‘Oh, I’m working on it.’ Well, you’re not working on it really hard, because if you’re literally working on it and you’re still the slowest guy on Tour, then that says something about your work ethic, because it hasn’t changed.”
How has the pace-of-play issue affected his own game?
“It’s kind of pathetic on Tour,” he said, “because there’s no incentive to play faster. I’ve had to slow down. If not, I’m just going to have to wait longer on my next shot.”
Reader Comments (29)
Huh? Just what is this "protecting" business anyway? Is it protecting the game from Adam Scott improving his putting stats from 148th to 145th? Is it making sure that your jittery Uncle Tetley plays a little more golf because he can now roll in the occasional four-footer?
You're telling me that golf is in trouble not because of a shaky economy or slow play or expensive green fees but because a fraction, a handful of players is using the anchored putter? Please.... you've GOT to do better than that.......
Come on, Ben...You are better than that. You are putting words in Sned's mouth. He NEVER said that all these other things were not problems, he merely stated that by addressing the anchoring situation, the USGA is protecting the game of golf-- and I agree. It does not mean that these other issues are not worthy of address.
Pretty lousy shootin' from the hip for one with a journalism background such as you have.
I wish the others players were cut from your cloth.
They should learn that playing faster might just cause them to play better.
Diggie, this isn't about me or Snedeker.... it's about the PRIORITIES established by the USGA. Distance is out of control? Let's see... how about a totally ineffectual rule change that affects the GROOVES machined into wedges. Okay.... well, that didn't work so another issue that will 1) speed play 2) make golf affordable 3) attract women and kids 4) open more courses is to -- ban a putting method that Has No Influence On The Game Whatsoever?
How about the blue-coats Actually Enforcing rules already on the books? Once it stated that "a golf club shall have no spring-like effect" but once the metal driver came about that rule has been conveniently ignored. Am I the only one who finds it interesting that these jokers in Far Hills would rather mess with some so trivial, so completely unimportant as a putting style, rather than address issues that Actually Affect The Game?
I've yet to meet one golfer who would give up the game (or play less) if they weren't allowed to use a non-conforming putter...and if so, they would probably just use it anyways...just like they drop the ball from OB and "don't count" short tap ins. And I HIGHLY doubt the ability to anchor a putter vs. standard putting is going to make or break someone from deciding to play golf. Putting is probably the LAST thing that new golfers worry about...they typically want to hit the ball (not whiff), hit it farther, and then hit is straight...in that order.
Next they'll give a member of the USGA the Nobel Peace Prize for a ban on bellies.
Then I noticed it only happened when Ben Crane was readying for a shot.
Pity! He seems like a pleasant fellow.
Stephen from the Shaky Isles
Whether the USGA and the bluenoses want to admit it or not, bifurcation exists, defacto. If everyone played by the USGA book the game would die tomorrow. A few more quick comments:
1) The USGA is doing more harm than good. The U.S. Open is a joke and if it were not labeled “the national championship” it would fall to the level of the Disney Miracle Network tournament. It is the least favorite among tour players and watching it on TV is akin to a root canal.
2) Nothing gets corrected without the truth. The truth is, women play at a glacial pace. As a ranger and starter I’ve timed women’s groups, men’s groups, mixed groups….and you wouldn’t believe the difference. You might think it’s PC to deny it, but that doesn’t’ help the game. Find a way to speed up women.
3) Instead of fines or stroke penalties for slow play on the Tour. I suggest player’s be warned once and the second violation is a DQ.
Can someone remind me what exactly golf is getting right nowadays, because it seems like things are just getting worse for the game, while the people in charge are too afraid to ruffle anyone's feathers and make a change that might actually benefit the game.
The USGA does a lot more than run the US Open (al though that is their most visible role). I've played in a number of USGA amateur events...they are well run, by very professional people and always first class. The USGA provides millions of dollars eeach year to organizations that grow the game..from the First Tee to local junior golfer groups that need some help. I am involved with a number of junior golf groups that receive USGA funding...without it, they may not survive. Their green section staff are invaluable and provide expert advice to help clubs deal with issues...I know 4 or 5 of them personally and they are some of the best people you will ever meet. The USGA also provides education about rules, handicapping, tournament administration, etc. that is well received by those in attendance...I've been to many of these seminars and they are top noth and the people doing them truly care about the game.
If you want to trash the USGA for how they run the US Open, go ahead, but consider all the rest that they do before saying they do more harm than good. If the USGA went out of business, the game of golf would be much worse off.