SAN DIEGO (AP) — PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem says a proposed rule affecting long putters is likely to be a distraction.
Finchem invited USGA executive director Mike Davis to a mandatory player meeting at Torrey Pines to explain the new rule that outlaws anchoring a club to the body. That’s the stroke used for belly putters and broom-handle putters.
The tour has the right to set its own rules, though Finchem says the tour’s objective is to follow the governing bodies. The bigger issue would be whether to enforce the rule, if it’s adopted, before 2016.
Finchem says it would be prudent to start the new rule sooner than that. He also recognizes some players might need more time.
The next step is to come up with an official response for the USGA.
