Seasons Greetings!

It is my hope the Holiday brought fond memories to all and that you enjoyed the lights and festivities.

Golfers
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The December weather has been great for winter golf, with many days in the 50's. Starting on Dec 21st the days started to get lighter later, and that means spring is creeping closer every day.

The Links is as green as it is in summer and in great shape for winter golf.  The "Honor System" is in place until we officially open at the end of March, and you can play a round for $15.00 until then.

Now is the time to check out the new clubs you got from Santa at Christmas and decide which clubs you will put in your bag.  Remember you are allowed only 14 in all.  If you are using a long putter currently, it might be a good idea to try a standard "short" putter in the spring just to see how you do.  You still will be able to use your long putter until January 1, 2016.  On those cold winter days you can clean out your golf bag of all the old golf balls and unnecessary items in order to make your bag lighter.

Belly Putter Debate

Well, as expected, the belly putter debate is heating up in the wake of the USGA’s announced plan to ban putter anchoring, starting in 2016.

We’ve been on this story since long before the proposed ban and, essentially, predicted the current state of affairs, which now seems inevitable in retrospect.

Now the two opposing camps are further making their cases:  The pro-ban camp, which includes Tiger Woods, is hopeful the deal is essentially sealed.  The opposition, however, is making an impassioned case for averting the ban.  One of the best cases made comes from SeeMore Putter Company co-owner Jim Grundberg over at SeeMorePuttersBlog.com, who wrote at length about the issue.

Here’s a quote of Jim's summarizing his main points:

  1. "The losers in this decision lose much more than the winners will gain.  The issue is about protecting the rights of a minority group;
  2. The ruling taints some great accomplishments by some great players, whether the decision makers believe so or not.  "Anchored" now means "cheating" or an unfair advantage, and this will apply looking forward and back; and
  3. This is not a necessary decision at this time.  Without any statistical evidence to support a ban for competitive reasons, the impact is too harsh vs. the gain.”

The lack of statistical evidence is a powerful argument, as is the question of how the ban would reflect upon those who recently won major tournaments with anchored belly putters.

That said, there’s probably some merit to this quote from the “Anonymous Pro” in Sports Illustrated’s recent PGA Tour Confidential installment:  “I guarantee this rule will have a big impact. Keegan and Webb can say what they want, but every player using a belly or a long putter uses it for a reason.  Some guys, when they pull their short putter out of the bag again are going to feel as if they’re grabbing a cobra.  I see sleepless nights ahead.”

Obviously, we haven’t heard the last of this.  In fact, the wait until 2016 instead of 2013 or 2014 is another mini-debate in itself.  A lot can happen in three years, and it’s sounding like a lot will happen. Stay tuned!

Carl Pettersson: "I've used one for 15 years now.  I don't see why they should change it.  I don't like the way they say it's easier to putt with a long putter, an anchored putter.  It isn't easier.  If it was easier, everybody on Tour would use a long putter or a belly putter.  You have to practice and develop a stroke with the long putter just like you do with the short putter.  There are no guarantees of making it easier.  If you're going to ban the long putter, you might as well ban the hybrids, the big drivers, and the ball that goes 300 miles.  I think it falls under the same umbrella as some of the other equipment.  This is the way the game has gone.  Would I adapt?  Well, I'd have to.  I've got a high school diploma.  What else am I going to do?"

Enjoy your winter golf with whatever putter you use.

"All seasoned players know, or at least have felt, that when you are playing your best, you are much the same as in a state of meditation. You're free of tension and chatter.  You are concentrating on one thing.  It is the ideal condition for good golf."           -Harvey Penick

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Jim Knowles
Golf Course Manager

 email Jim Knowles