The Royal & Ancient and the USGA have continued to make noises about their investigation concerning the use of extra long putters that are used by making a stroke having the end of the putter anchored against the body.
Unfair advantage or overlook it since the guys using it can’t putt any way?
The protection of the game’s traditions by the ruling bodies is at stake but an even larger issue is the whether they are serious. The two associations have said in writing, “The purpose of the Rules is to protect golf’s best traditions, to prevent an over-reliance on technological advances rather than skill, and to ensure that skill is the dominant element of success throughout the game.”
This all comes into focus since today the player who led the Open after 54 holes, Adam Scott, accomplished that using a Scotty Cameron Sutdio Select Kombi broomstick style putter firmly pivoting from his chest.
Ernie Els, the winner, rose to the occasion with a belly putter, the Odyssey White Hot XG #1 Belly Putter.
It will be interesting to see the R&A’s reaction to their championship being won with the use of a non-traditional length flat stick.
In case you were wondering the first major championship won with a long putter was last year’s PGA by Keegan Bradley using an Odyssey White Hot XG Sabertooth belly.
