Belly Putter Fans Better Get A New Grip as USGA Proposes Ban

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On Wednesday, the United States Golf Association (USGA) and Royal & Ancient (R&A) announced a proposed rule change banning players from anchoring their putters to their belly or other part of their body. If approved, the proposed ban will become part of the rules of golf on January 1, 2016.

The proposed ban essentially rids the sport from long-handled or ‘belly’ putters. Such putters have been around for a while, but they recently came into the spotlight as three of the past five major champions used them: Keegan Bradley, Webb Simpson and Ernie Els.

Keegan Bradley is one of the strongest opponents of the proposed rule change. According to David Dusek, Deputy Editor of Golf.com, Bradley said, “I’m going to do whatever I have to do to protect myself and the other players on tour.” However, it is not entirely clear how far Bradley can go with his threats. As Dusek points out, there is not much in the area of legal recourse available for professional golfers to fight the proposed rule change.

If Bradley were to initiate a suit in opposition to the proposed ban, it is very likely that such a lawsuit would be unsuccessful. Professional golfers are not unionized and do not operate through collective bargaining agreements, which are prevalent in other professional sport leagues such as basketball, football and hockey. Further, professional golfers are merely independent contractors, which give them even less leverage when it comes to challenging rule changes within the confines of their employment. If professional golfers were classified as PGA Tour employees instead of independent contractors, a lawsuit would be against the Tour and would, therefore, be ineffective because the rule change comes from the USGA and R&A, not the Tour. Accordingly, there is minimal legal recourse for Bradley and other golfers.

Despite Bradley’s strong opposition to the proposed rule change, there are many others in full support of the ban, such as Tiger Woods. According to Woods, who has never used a belly-putter, “the art of putting is swinging the club and controlling nerves; having it as a fixed point is something that’s not in the traditions of the game.”

Another proponent of the proposed ban is Peter Dawson, Chief Executive of R&A Golf Club, who states, “There’s the best part of three years notice here for people to adjust their method of play.” After all, notice is essential when it comes to the legal arena.

Legal Implications of the proposed ban on anchored putting

“Anchored” putting method to be banned from 2016

Anchoring the Club – Understanding Rule 14-1b

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