Sunshine Tour won’t oppose putter ban

Ernie Els of South Africa uses the belly putter, which is anchored to the stomach, giving him more stability.

Ernie Els of South Africa uses the belly putter, which is anchored to the stomach, giving him more stability.

Published Mar 1, 2013

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Johannesburg – The Sunshine Tour confirmed on Friday it would not oppose the controversial ‘anchoring’ ban proposed by the game’s rule makers, the USGA and R&A, should it go ahead as planned at the beginning of 2016.

“The issue here is not whether we, as the controlling body for professional golf in Southern Africa, agree with the proposed ban or not,” Sunshine Tour executive director Selwyn Nathan said in a statement.

“It is about respecting the bodies who are tasked with the sometimes unenviable job of making changes to the rules of golf from time to time.

“In our case, the body from which we take this lead is the R&A and, as we have always done, we will continue to play the game in accordance with the rules of golf as set out by them.”

The USGA and R&A announced the intention to ban the anchoring of putters to the player’s body during the putting stroke in late 2012 and allowed for a period of comment.

The proposed rule change will come into effect on January 1, 2016. – Sapa

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