‘Belly Putter’ Ban Opposed By PGA Tour

A proposed “belly putter” ban is opposed by the PGA Tour. The US Golf Association has been considering a ban on the putters, which are pressed against the chest or stomach to help keep the club stable.

Three of the last five major PGA champions have used the belly putters, making their possible ban a serious situation.

Commissioner Tim Funchem announced on Sunday that the PGA Tour opposes the ban because there is no evidence to show players using the longer putter had an advantage. The Los Angeles Times reports that Finchem stated:

“We hold the USGA in highest regard as a key part of the game of golf. We don’t attempt to denigrate that position in any way whatsoever.”

But, despite the praise, Finchem added:

“It’s just on this issue, we think if they were to move forward, they would be making a mistake.”

The proposed belly putter ban was introduced in November by the USGA, as well as the Royal & Ancient, according to CNN. The ban would outlaw the longer putters by the year 2016. Finchem’s comments came at the World Golf Championship event at Dove Mountain on Sunday.

He was also quick to insist that the PGA Tour has not yet decided what action it would take should the ban be implemented. There has been talk to rally against the USGA, but that has not been decided yet. Finchem added:

“Our regulations provide that we will follow the rules as promulgated by the USGA provided, however, we retain the right not to in certain instances if we see fit.”

Given the comments by the commissioner of the PGA Tour, the US Golf Association will have to consider if they want to upset the Tour by implementing the ban, or if they want to keep the belly putters in use.

Do you think the USGA should ban belly putters and risk the outrage of the PGA Tour?