Are Long Putters Legal On The Pga Tour
Golf has always been a sport that has been steeped in tradition. From the way the game is played to the dress code, there are many conventions that have been upheld for decades. However, in recent years, the use of long putters has become a hotly debated topic in the golfing community. In this article, we will take a closer look at the controversy surrounding long putters and whether or not they are legal on the PGA Tour.
What Are Long Putters?
Long putters are putters with an extended shaft length, usually measuring anywhere from 38 to 48 inches in length. This extra length is intended to create a more stable putting stroke, as the golfer can anchor the butt end of the club against their chest or belly, effectively creating a tripod-like effect. This can help to reduce the amount of wrist action and promote a more consistent putting stroke. Long putters are also sometimes referred to as belly putters, broomstick putters, or chest putters.
Why Are Long Putters Controversial?
Long putters have been controversial because they can be seen as a departure from traditional putting strokes. The use of the anchored stroke has been described as taking some of the skill out of putting and making it easier for golfers to hit putts straight. Some argue that this gives an unfair advantage to those using long putters, as they are not relying solely on their ability to make a putting stroke with their hands and wrists.
Are Long Putters Legal on the PGA Tour?
The long putter debate reached a boiling point in 2013 when the United States Golf Association (USGA) and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&A) announced a new rule banning anchored putting strokes. This effectively made it illegal for golfers to anchor the club against their body while making a stroke. However, the rule did not ban the use of long putters themselves. Golfers are still allowed to use long putters with a non-anchored stroke, meaning they can hold the club with their hands away from their body and make a putting stroke in the traditional manner.
So, to answer the question, long putters themselves are legal on the PGA Tour, but the anchored stroke is not. This means that golfers using long putters must use a non-anchored stroke if they want to comply with the rules.
Conclusion
The debate over long putters has been ongoing for many years, and it is likely to continue for some time. While some golfers see them as a useful tool to improve consistency on the greens, others view them as a departure from the traditional skills required to be a successful putter. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to use a long putter is up to individual golfers. As long as they comply with the rules set forth by the USGA and R&A, they are free to use whatever equipment they feel gives them the best chance of success.
