Dottie's Year-End Rules Of Golf Christmas Gift: Anchoring Ban

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There are so many nuggets in Dottie Pepper's year-end look at the Rules of Golf changes (or lack of change). The piece is accompanied by an autoplay interview of Bernhard Langer by Michael Collins talking the end of the anchoring era.

Pepper covers many areas but for now, let's just focus on her anchoring ban views as January 1, 2016 looms.

This is fun:

For decades, golf's ruling bodies approved of the anchored method with many of the thoughts being:

1. It will be pretty much confined to senior golf (quickly proven untrue on all professional tours and top-level amateur golf around the world).

2. No one will win a major championship with a long or anchored putter (see Adam Scott, Keegan Bradley, Ernie Els and others).

3. No one will ever teach the anchored method to youngsters. (USGA President Tom O'Toole Jr.'s young son was encouraged to learn this method by his professional, thus sending Mr. O'Toole, by his own admission, to his breaking point to take the side of the anchoring ban.

Charming.

She delves into some interesting points on the complexity of the ruling (7 pages!) and how there has yet to be a clear explanation as to why the Kuchar method is kosher. She also makes some key points regarding how this undermines the move to simpler rules.

Finally though, there is this regarding the image affect the ban has had on the governing bodies, a take I've heard from enough everyday golfers to believe this is the legacy of the anchoring ban in the eyes of most.

Furthermore, the reversal of the previous decision and the course of action with the "because we said so" air undermines the authority of the ruling bodies. I applaud the current USGA and R&A leadership and committees for being more active in protecting the integrity and future of the game, but not like this.

A Little Bit Of Valhalla Outside Of Rome!

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Secret Tour Pro Tweeted these images of 2022 Ryder Cup host Marco Simone Golf Club, which is slated to undergo a redo. Let's hope one that involves forklifts moving large electrical wire towers.

Yikes...

Serena!?

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Far be it for me to ever question "The Editors", but it seems they sort of felt compelled to explain how Serena Williams was their Sportsmanperson Of The Year over those who garnered more fan support and buzz.

While Serena's incredible year is in no way to be belittled, Alex Myers notes a few of the reasons that she might not have even been the best tennis player on the planet this year and how here handling of the U.S. Open was less than pretty.

In contrast to Jordan Spieth, who, while only winning a measly two majors handled himself with incredible class in losing the other two majors by a combined four...four strokes.

Then there is American Pharoah, who dominated fan voting with 288,824 fan clicks, and that's for an athlete who never gave an interview in a "dying sport."

As Ray Paulick notes, that's 47%. Spieth came in behind a late closing Stephen Curry (25,546) but well ahead of Serena and her measely 5,520 votes.

Still, as Myers writes:

Spieth had his own claim to the annual award by winning two majors, five tournaments and the FedEx Cup along with its $10 million bonus. And he did it all while being a great sport. Just look at these lasting images from the two majors he didn't win this season. Sticking around after a heartbreaking loss to congratulate Zach Johnson at the Open Championship:

At least Jordan has the Happy Gilmore shot in his bag...

Che Bello! Italy Lands 2022 Ryder Cup

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Marco Simone Golf Club will be totally reconstructed and the Italian Open will see a big purse bump as the course outside of Rome continues the trend of European Ryder Cups near big cities. In this case, the venue will see a total redesign.

The full press release at RyderCup.com includes this:

To that end, the Bid Evaluation Committee judged the candidates on five specific criteria: (i) Demonstrable Government, Political, Institutional and Golfing Community support; (ii) Commitment to the development of a world-class golf facility (new or existing) to host The 2022 Ryder Cup; (iii) Provision of ancillary facilities, suitable access and infrastructure commensurate with the staging of an international sporting event, including proximity to a major international city; (iv) Commercial opportunities available to The Ryder Cup; and (v) Contribution of the Bid Country to the development of golf in terms of Legacy, Contribution to the professional game, Integration of golf within tourism and business communities, Development of levels of golf participation, Professional tournament golf at all levels, and contribution to The Ryder Cup: eg Player eligibility and participation.

Money, money, money! Architecture, not so much.

Constantino Rocca, get fit for an IFB now!

The awarding of The 2022 Ryder Cup will continue Italy’s legacy in the contest which began when Costantino Rocca became the first Italian golfer to play in the match at The Belfry in England in 1993. The United States won on that occasion but Rocca tasted victory on his next two outings – at Oak Hill Country Club in 1995 and at Valderrama in 1997 where he famously beat Tiger Woods 4 and 2 in the final day singles.

Review: Discovering The Legend Film (Donald Ross)

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Cob Carlson wrote, produced, directed and edited Donald Ross: Discovering The Legend. This loving two-hour documentary is a combination of classic life story and architectural analysis accurately depicting the incredible journey made by the Dornoch-born Scotsman.

Carlson's film surprises at key moments both early and late in the documentary with its telling of Ross's courageous journey to America, the tragic passing of his first wife and later, his fiance, followed by his late-in-life years of reflections. Aided by strong guest cameos (Nicklaus, Crenshaw) and the reading of letters from Ross's great grandson, Discovering The Legend manages to capture the magnitude of Ross's impact on American golf. More profound than his architectural career is his classic immigrant story and the powerful reminder that so many made courageous journeys to the United States with little more than the tools of their trade.

You can purchase the film for $20 here, as well as see options for multiple copies for your fellow Ross course green committee members. There are also film extras at the offical site.

I was inspired by the film to make a year-end contribution to the Tufts Archives, which is featured in the film and is housing so many Ross plans and artifacts.

Here is the trailer:

Donald Ross Trailer 12/15 from Cob Carlson on Vimeo.

I interviewed Carlson on Morning Drive this week:

We discussed the film and who would play Ross in a feature film after the interview.

Trick Shot Artist To Web.com Tour Player: Wesley Bryan

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Web.com Tour Staff sums up the top qualifiers from Q-School in an event played well under the radar (here's guessing that if the first place finisher got a PGA Tour card, or the top three did, this event would get more attention).

This wire story did note the impressive accomplishment of Wesley Bryan, part of the Bryan Brothers trick shot duo, finishing T9 to earn full Web.com Tour status. Brother George was on the bag at PGA National.

And there was this tweet from the Bryan Bros account:




From Six Weeks To 17 Days...Golf's Offseason

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Please don't pick on Luke Donald, he's just answering fan questions and saying what most top 100 players are thinking: where did the off-season go.

I can't think of a better example of how much the world has changed than to look at the Shark Shootout field. Once an event that drew some pretty incredible field, it was hard not to notice some of the names who got into Greg Norman's once-prestigious annual event. Now, it's a rare silly season week that elites can use to rest.

The Independent: R&A Will Be Staying Away From Turnberry

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Thanks to reader Jeff for The Independent On Sunday's James Cusack report claiming sources within the R&A have say the governing body has "privately decided that his reputation is now so toxic that the newly renamed Trump Turnberry can no longer host the game’s most prestigious tournament."

From Cusack's report:

Although the R&A is stuffed full of establishment figures, Turnberry with Trump is now seen as a risk they will not take. Another insider said: “2020 will not happen here. Turnberry will be back. But perhaps not Trump Turnberry.”

Video: 2016 Award Nominees, Redan, Doak's Reversible Course

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In the spirit of movie awards season, Gary Williams, Matt Ginella and I kick around who we see grabbing the year-end awards next year as a harmless way to preview some of 2016's starring courses.


Matt Ginella's visit to Tom Doak's reversible course under construction.

Ginella and I discuss the Redan.

Most Interesting Man Take Note: Katayama's Left Warm-Up

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Thanks to reader Brian for sending in this Shingo Katayama warm-up routines of hitting drivers left-handed. Would love to see the Most Interesting Man in golf incorporate this into his warm-up.

Has Trump Made It Impossible To Ever Play A Tournament At One Of His Properties: PGA Tour Considering Leaving Doral

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Pete Madden at Golf.com reports that the PGA Tour, issuing a statement in response to a question about the status of Trump Doral, says it will be looking at possible alternatives following the 2016 WGC event at Doral

"We continue to stand by our earlier statement, and the statement of other golf organizations, that Mr. Trump's comments are inconsistent with our strong commitment to an inclusive and welcoming environment in the game of golf. The PGA Tour has had a 53-year commitment to the Doral community, the greater Miami area and the charities that have benefited from the tournament. Given this commitment, we are moving forward with holding the 2016 event at the Blue Monster. Immediately after the completion of the 2016 tournament, we will explore all options regarding the event's future."

That's an unprecedented PGA Tour public statement, especially for a tournament venue that has enjoyed a 53-year association with the tour.

 

Where does this leave Trump and golf? Dangling, precariously. Though it's hard to fathom how any golf tournament feeling safe going forward at one of his courses. Bear with me.

Joel Beall does a very nice job of encapsulating the many dynamics facing golf in light of Trump's rise as an uber-controversial presidential candidate. Including golf's desire to appear more inclusive, only to have many stereotypes seemingly reinforced by The Donald's views.

Beall writes at GolfDigest.com:

In the five months since Trump announced his presidential ambitions, the real estate magnate has made contentious remarks towards Muslims, Mexicans, Asians, African-Africans, Jews, Seventh-day Adventists, POWs, women, and the disabled. If his campaign, which has a 20-percent lead in the Republican national polls, continues its cadence, it's probable more sects will be disparaged.

 

The only groups that apparently haven't been insulted are the PGA Tour, PGA of America and USGA.


The New York Times' editorial board wondered today about the impact on Trump's brand from a purely commercial point of view based on his recent campaign trail remarks.

Of course, each business will make its own decision of whether and how they want to be associated with Mr. Trump. Some might have invested so much money and time in the Trump brand that they will stick with it, presumably hoping that the public furor over his comments will subside. (Given the rate at which he is insulting people, they might be waiting for a while.)

Inevitably, chances are this will blow over and, like Ross Perot, Trump will be remembered for having impacted a presidential campaign while creating an international stir.

 

He has also ensured that he will need very good security for the remainder of his life. Which brings me to the point.

There is one issue related to his recent statements which supercedes previous controversial comments about Mexicans: Trump's stance on Muslim immigration potentially creates a permanent security risk at his golf facilities. Particularly when the general public is invited on those grounds for championships.

With his comments, Trump has targeted (and maybe even incited) radicals who have a track record of retaliating with extreme, unimaginable violence. While Trump has started to demonstrate he has a taste--even a knack--for the golf course turnaround (with Doral's revitalization and exciting plans for Turnberry), it's becoming increasingly difficult to imagine fans and players feeling safe at tournaments played at those venues going forward.

That concern, along with the reaction of officials who have to answer to sponsors if something should happen, may spell the doom of Trump facilties hosting major events.

No matter how good a PGA at Doral or an Open at Turnberry might have been, the ultimate increase in security concerns and costs may create the ultimate branding and logistical nightmare.

Golf Experts: Millennials Watch MTV, Wear Cut Off Jean Shorts

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In today's USA Today, Craig Handel talks to various golf experts about the need to cater to millennials if golf is to survive. While many of you undoubtedly find these articles depressing, I enjoy when experts openly express almost no clue about the generation they feel we must cater to.

Howler number one:

Between 130 and 160 courses are expected to close this year alone.

“It’s attributable to an aging baby boomer population and millennials watching too much MTV and having an attention span of about 30 seconds,” said Paul Chipok, who specializes in land-use local government work for law firm Gray Robinson.

Yes you know those millennials, sitting in front of their cable TV watching Carson Daly on MTV's Total Request Live every afternoon! Oops, wrong century.

The Great White Shark wants to let all of the modern day Huck Finns of the world do their thing.

Norman said it’s about evolving, trying to figure out how to attract millennials and growing the base again.

“If they want to play in cut-off jeans and a T-shirt at a public facility, let them go,” he said. “If they want to go on the course with a skateboard, let them go. If they want to put an iPod in their ears or play music, let them go.

This is the view, even though most surveys have shown that millennials are intrigued by fashion and bespoke style, something golf could use to its advantage (but after golf just let all of us change into jeans when at a club and not feel dirty walking out of the locker room.)

Video & Reminder: Architecture Week, Ogilvy-Clayton Friday

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The four man team behind Ogilvy-Clayton-Cocking-Mead will be in studio to talk design as Morning Drive's Architecture Week continues. Jack Nicklaus checks in from the PNC Father-Son, and we'll talk about his design influences, plus some other fun features.

In case you missed it today, we talked about the legacy of Pete Dye, defined the Penal Design school, discussed some Keiser/USGA and ASGCA news and covered the re-opening of Innisbrook. Wednesday we had a fun segment with John Cook on the simulator taking us through Old Course strategy.

The fun starts at 7:30 am ET.

Scotland Ready To Turn On Donald Trump?

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The first golf-related ramifications from Donald Trump's recent comments on Muslims and immigration may be coming to fruition, though the pushback from Scotland is largely ceremonial at this point.

Karla Adam reports for the Washington Post on Trump's op-ed in the Press and Journal, one of Scotland's oldest newspapers, responding to politicians who are attempting to send a message to the Republican frontrunner.

On Wednesday, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon dropped him as a business ambassador, revoking his membership in the GlobalScot business network. The Robert Gordon University (RGU) in Aberdeen also stripped the billionaire developer of his honorary degree for statements it said were “wholly incompatible” with the values of the university.

“If they – Nicola Sturgeon and RGU – were going to do this, they should have informed me prior to my major investment in this £200million development, which will totally revitalise that vast region of Scotland,” Trump wrote in the Press and Journal.

Of course they had no idea what comments Trump would make, so the statement about informing him before his investment was a bit silly. There was, however, the obligatory reference to Trump International's greatness...

“I have done so much for Scotland, including building Trump International Golf Links, Scotland, which has received the highest accolades, and is what many believe to be one of the greatest golf courses anywhere in the world,” he wrote.

“Additionally, I have made a significant investment in the redevelopment of the iconic Turnberry Resort, which will have massive ballrooms, complete room refurbishments, a new golf course and a total rebuilding of the world famous Ailsa course to the highest standards and specifications of the Royal & Ancient,” he said.

Since the Scottish government helps sponsor the Scottish Open, the prospects of rumored dates at Trump International are looking increasingly unlikely.

The R&A essentially tabled all Trump talk this summer when the topic involved Mexican immigrants (ahh...how those days look so quaint). The PGA of America pulled the Grand Slam of Golf from Trump Los Angeles, but remains committed to Trump Bedminster for the 2022 PGA Championship.