[zonerboy]

If you really want to increase your accuracy, maybe you should lie down on the green and putt with a pool cue! But then we wouldn't call it golf.
Seriously though, don't see why this ruling should affect anyone's game, unless they are playing in a USGA sanctioned tournament.
What's gonna happen? Is the ambassador gonna come and throw you off the executive course for using a belly putter?
As long as those you play with agree what the standards are, who cares? Most rules are just for OCD people.

[Polar Bear]

Originally Posted by mikeod

Regarding the ball, it seems to me that perhaps it is not the main reason for the increased distance players are getting...

Oh, I agree 100%. I just think establishing some sort of standard for the ball (possibly even changing over time as distances keep increasing) would keep distances somewhat consistent and reduce the need for constant course changes. The longer hitters would still hit it further. It's just that the average distance could be kept somewhat constant.

[zcaveman]

Originally Posted by zonerboy

Seriously though, don't see why this ruling should affect anyone's game, unless they are playing in a USGA sanctioned tournament.
What's gonna happen? Is the ambassador gonna come and throw you off the executive course for using a belly putter?
As long as those you play with agree what the standards are, who cares? Most rules are just for OCD people.

I agree. I play with a group on Saturday and we have one person tat is always spouting the USGA rule book. We tell him that we are not in competition and please give it a break.

Z

[ajbrown]

Originally Posted by mikeod

Regarding the ball, it seems to me that perhaps it is not the main reason for the increased distance players are getting. <snipped by Alan.

The world changed when the new trampoline drivers came out and then again when Titleist introduced the ProV1 (if I remember the proper sequence). If you ever read any of Frank Hannigan's stuff, he is pretty direct at who is to blame. Here is a letter he wrote

Frank Hannigan dissects the USGA's pathetic distance failures

As far the OP question? The anchor rule will not harm my game. I have owned many a putter in my time, including two belly putters. What I found was that when I was going through the dreaded 'yips', the belly putter would help for a short time, but eventually my brain would case me to miss again

If they ever rule out 'swing oil' then I would be in trouble!

[Topspinmo]

Bottom line it's about money and profits. Better ball more the cost, more the cost the more claims you get control and distance (but, you still have to have swing and timing to hit it that far. As far the bat in baseball no different, you still have to have swing, timing and be strong enough to hit it out of the ball park.. As one said above it's all about timing and strength. Besides baseball not good example with lot more cheating that's been going on with drug enhancement. Course we don't like to hear the sound metal bat makes when hit out of the park. On the other hand we love the sound metal driver makes when you hit that perfect shot.

[justjim]

Originally Posted by ajbrown

The world changed when the new trampoline drivers came out and then again when Titleist introduced the ProV1 (if I remember the proper sequence). If you ever read any of Frank Hannigan's stuff, he is pretty direct at who is to blame. Here is a letter he wrote

Frank Hannigan dissects the USGA's pathetic distance failures

As far the OP question? The anchor rule will not harm my game. I have owned many a putter in my time, including two belly putters. What I found was that when I was going through the dreaded 'yips', the belly putter would help for a short time, but eventually my brain would case me to miss again

If they ever rule out 'swing oil' then I would be in trouble!

Thanks for posting the link to Frank Hannigan's letter. It pretty well sums up the USGA'S pathetic failures.