The Long Putter's Rise to Controversy

Here is a look back at some significant moments in the evolution of the long putter.

1967
The USGA announced a rule (as of Jan. 1, 1968) prohibiting golfers from straddling the ball while putting, effectively banning the new croquet-style putting in use by Sam Snead (pictured). "The game of golf was becoming bizarre," USGA Executive Director Joe Dey told SI. "It was some other game, part croquet, part shuffleboard, and part the posture of Mohammedan prayer."