To ban or not to ban?

Golf Correspondent

Thursday 29 November 2012

It was an issue not really addressed by golf's powers-that-be during yesterday's announcement that anchoring is set to be outlawed.

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Nick Rodger

What about those golfers of a more portly nature who simply can't avoid nestling a standard-sized putter in their belly when they bend over for a rattle at a 15-footer?

That will perhaps be discussed over the next few months before the ultimate decision in the spring is made. For the time being, though, those in this Royal & Ancient game are mulling over one of the biggest decisions the sport has made for many a year. To ban or not to ban?

That was the question and last night the top brass unveiled their decision. It's taken a while to do it – more than 20 years in fact – but as Peter Dawson suggested "it's never too late to do the right thing". And it is the right thing.In this pursuit that prides itself on honesty and integrity, the increasing sight of anchoring a putter on the greens made for uncomfortable viewing for those who cherish the more traditional values that are at golf's bedrock. Quite simply, it's not a natural stroke and goes against the very ethos of the game. The art of putting has always been a battle between nerve and technique and, for those who have steadfastly refused technological help in this perennial struggle, the joy at the decision will be considerable. An argument being tossed about is that people will be forced out of the sport. But the clubs themselves will still be legal, remember. Yes, the game becomes a bit harder but, come on, who said it was ever supposed to be easy?

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To ban or not to ban?

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