Professional golfers, media types and fans had strong reactions to the USGA and R&A ban of anchored putting (that is, long putter and belly putters as used by Keegan Bradley, Ernie Els, Adam Scott and others). Here are the best tweets on the belly ban:
Best one so far was that I should send in my application to Burger King for 2016.#Bellymagic - Keegan Bradley (@Keegan_Bradley) November 28, 2012
Was there some sort of announcement today?
- Keegan Bradley (@Keegan_Bradley) November 28, 2012
Certainly a controversial decision today to ban anchoring, but one I fully support - roll on 2016
- Luke Donald (@LukeDonald) November 28, 2012
The first and last time I used a belly putter!! http://say.ly/KSm4FD2
- Rory Mcilroy (@McIlroyRory) November 28, 2012
Fully agree with the anchoring ban. Better image for the game of golf, skill and nerves are all part of the game. Level playing field in '16
- Rory Mcilroy (@McIlroyRory) November 28, 2012
Anchored putter ban makes no difference to me. Didn't care for 'em in the first place!!!
- Dustin Johnson (@DJohnsonPGA) November 28, 2012
I haven't played competitive golf in 3yrs My golf ball-obsolete My driver-obsolete My putter-banned My irons-illegal My wedges-illegal
- Paul Azinger (@PaulAzinger) November 28,2012
This years player meeting at San Diego could be interesting!#interesting - Colt Knost (@ColtKnost) November 28,2012
I don't agree with the ban on anchoring, but the changes the R&A are making to the Old Course are much more disappointing.
- Graham DeLaet (@GrahamDeLaet) November 28, 2012
It's time for bifurcation like most other sports. If you think the game is the same for all, just watch Tiger or Rory vrs your club champ.
- Gary Player (@garyplayer) November 28, 2012
The long putter rule change will cause some unsettle I'm sure. I've always putted with a short putter so I'm not affected by the change.
- Ian Poulter (@IanJamesPoulter) November 28, 2012
Careful and considered from the USGA/R&A on rule change banning anchoring of a golf club to the body. Only decision that could be made #2016 - Graeme McDowell (@Graeme_McDowell) November 28,2012
#R&A #USGA...good simple proposed change #NoAnchor#NoHindge...now can we crack on! #GrowGolf - Sir Nick Faldo (@NickFaldo006) November 28, 2012
The R&A and USGA have made the right call on not allowing anchoring whilst still leaving all players to use long putters.
- Gary Player (@garyplayer) November 28, 2012
I applaud USGA and R&A for making a joint announcement on banning.The world of golf is getting flatter.
- Joe Ogilvie (@ogilviej) November 28, 2012
Can't wait to see guys using long putters not anchored!.... #mikedavis#snakekiller - Steve Elkington (@elkpga) November 28, 2012
I think they should allow the Am's to continue to use the anchor method in regular play. Must confirm with rule in tournaments.
- Billy Horschel (@BillyHo_Golf) November 28, 2012
USGA and R&A making the right decision based on the history of the game! Just can't believe it won't be in effect until 2016.
- Billy Horschel (@BillyHo_Golf) November 28, 2012
Love how the USGA and R&A continue to make an already hard game, harder for the average player. #bifurcation - Arron Oberholser (@ArronOberholser) November 28, 2012
Hey Mike Davis, are you trying to get more people to play the game or play checkers?! #bifurcation NOW
- Arron Oberholser (@ArronOberholser) November 28, 2012
USGA, USGA, what do you see?I see lawsuits looking at me!!! PGA Tour, PGA Tour, what do you see?I see OUR OWN RULES looking at me!!!
- Arron Oberholser (@ArronOberholser) November 28, 2012
Maybe the short putter should be banned. Seems to me that it's had far greater success than anchored putters.
- Kris Blanks (@krisblanks) November 28, 2012
When it comes to golf, I'm decidedly libertarian, set the rules, the club specs, leave St. Andrews alone and see you every 50 years.
- Joe Ogilvie (@ogilviej) November 27, 2012
Wow! I think they just said the stroke that Billy Casper used for his 51 tour victories is no longer allowed. Hands&arm against the thigh
— Peter Kostis (@peterjkostis) November 28, 2012
Glad to see the R&A's Peter Dawson take a break from ripping up the Old Course to defend the sanctity and traditions of the game.
— Eamon Lynch (@eamonlynch) November 28, 2012
Keegan Bradley, Webb Simpson, Ernie Els, Adam Scott we have beaten them all. Sam Torrance can u hear me? Your boys took a hell of a beating.
— Tweeter Alliss (@TweeterAlliss) November 28, 2012
It's amazing to me that growing popularity of anchored putting is reason to ban it. I guess it was OK when only a few used then?
— Gary VanSickle (@GaryVanSickle) November 28, 2012