Langer Considering Anchoring Ban Challenge?

Gerald Imray reports and while I'm not sure what a challenge entails, it's not surprising that a 15-year user who has made a lot of money putting this way would challenge the ban.

"It has been out for that long," Langer said Thursday at the Nedbank Challenge. "If there is anything illegal about it, why did they not stop it right away? If it is that easy with a long putter, a belly putter, why aren't 90 percent of the pros and 100 percent of the amateurs using it?"

Langer suggested there might be a challenge to the rule proposal.

Comments

[Ryan]

If it isn't easier, why are you using it, Bernhard?

[DTF]

Ryan, you using anything perimeter weighted? Bernhard still hits an old set of 1999 Hogan Apex blades.

[Jesse]

Ryan, I don't understand your question. He's not saying it's easier or that you should use it. He's saying that of all of the possible methods available, he prefers the one he's been allowed to use for many, many years and you are more than welcome to try it if you want to.

[OWGR Fan]

@DTF... Langer plays the Apex blades only in the 3-5 irons. Adams Idea Pro Black MB in 6-PW. :)

[Brad]

Honestly, the first time I tried a belly a few years ago the initial thought that ran thru my mind is 'this is like cheating'

[D. maculata]

C'mon guys. We all know how bad Bernhard had 'em, that's the reason.

Some of them are the old Apex, DTF. IIRC he went to mixed set a few years ago. Not that it makes a difference, he's one of the all-time best ball strikers in my mind. And to figure out how to stay that competitve, makes him a star as well in my eyes.

[Earnest T.]

The main complaint I am hearing is that people have been using these putters for a long time and its unfair to take them away now. I feel the only mistake was that the governing bodies allowed their use for too long.

[DTF]

Good catch D. mac and OWGR! Yup, he had 'em bad...

[fyg]

Agree witrh Earnest. The only mistake here was how long anchoring was permitted to go on. Instead of being mad about things, the anchorers ought to feel fortunate that they were allowed to do it for so long.

[golf drunk]

The anchored putter ban is more than 24 hours old. Shouldn't these guys be practicing--with the short putter?

[Matt A]

Here are my thoughts. If you're going to make the argument use the correct terms and definitions. The putter is not being banned; the act of anchoring the putter is being banned.

"If there is anything illegal about it, why did they not stop it right away?"

There is nothing illegal about it right now or then. It took time for the ruling bodies to have talks and decide that anchoring is not in the spirit of the game.

"If it is that easy with a long putter, a belly putter, why aren't 90 percent of the pros and 100 percent of the amateurs using it?"

1) The long putter, belly putter are not being banned - Anchoring is being banned
2) Just because something is easier doesn't mean almost everyone will do it.
3) Just because you can do something doesn't mean that it is acceptable to everybody,
4) if it is 'not easier' then why do some people anchor the putter?

[Ryan]

Jesse, I was just trying to make clear how ridiculous Langer's question was:

"If it is that easy with a long putter, a belly putter, why aren't 90 percent of the pros and 100 percent of the amateurs using it"

This is a bone-headed argument all those long-putter-users use when they clearly know that the long putter is helping their own game

[melnik]

I don't buy the argument, "if it's so easy then why aren't 90% of players using them?" Implicit in this argument is that governing bodies should wait until 90% of players are using long putters, then try to ban them. This approach isn't working so well for the ball and driver.

[Stanley Thompson]

Steve Stricker said that he tried the long putter and could see immediately the advantage in using it but he felt that it was not in keeping with the spirit of the game.

[Charlie]

Change unfortunately sometimes happens too late but it doesn't make it any less right. The ban is late, but its going into affect because the number of players using it and now winning is doubling every year. Its hard to say that the USGA should've banned back in 1960 when 2 guys used it. Hindsight is 20/20, sometimes it takes time to realize that something needs changed.

No different than a traffic light going into place after a horrible accident. You can say that the intersection was dangerous and someone should've done something sooner, but sometimes it takes more than someone predicting the future to create change. ten years from now we'd see 75% of golfers cheating their way to majors and we'd be asking ourselves why in 2012 a ban wasn't put in place.

If there is not a benefit to using the anchor for these guys, they shouldn't have a problem switching back to the short putter. You can't putt croquet style, lay down and putt billiards style, and now you can't shove the putter in your gut. nothing wrong with defining the stroke of a putt. This is completely different than any argument made about equipment technology. Anchoring is affecting the stroke. This is hybrids or 460cc drivers vs anchoring.

[carnaptious and camsteerie]

Langer needs to man up and get down on his hands and knees to the governing bodies and kiss their feet for taking so long to ban anchoring for the very reason he had to start using a broom handle in the first place!

[Rob]

Herr Langer,

The USGA didn't ban it in the 1980's because they felt bad for the poor slobs who had lost their ability to putt even though they could still play tee to green. They just felt sorry. They were soft. They didn't have the heart or the courage to ban long putters immediately. This was wrong. They USGA could have done better, but they didn't. It was a mistake. We have blamed the USGA. They know they messed up on this. And now they have finally admitted their error.

So, the USGA isn't perfect and they are doing the difficult job of putting the genie back in the bottle. They aren't getting much applause and they frankly don't deserve much giving how the issue has been handled over the years.

So, Herr Langer, if it makes you feel better: Yes the USGA screwed up. The are essentially admitting to their error.

Feel better?

Now, go shut your mouth Herr Langer.

[Rob]

On a happier note,

During round one coverage of the Nedbank Challenge, Sam Torrance (broomstick user) stated that the rule should be enacted this January instead of waiting until 2016 (although I don't think he actually anchors his broomstick).

[fyg]

I'm disappointed in Langer for putting himself ahead of the long term good of the game. (a game that has made him wealthy)

I also have increased respect for Steve Stricker based upon Stanley's story.