Paddy Power

Padraig Harrington, one of the most prolific tinkerers in the game, played with a belly putter for the first time in a competitive round at the Wells Fargo Championship. Unfortunately, he didn’t have the best day, shooting an opening 80, which included 32 putts.

While Harrington thinks the anchored stroke should be banned, he’s using the belly putter because he thinks it’s helping him stroke it better. Which is intriguing coming from the three-time major champion and R&A ambassador because it basically strengthens the argument for the USGA and R&A’s looming ban that is expected to be announced later this month. (continue reading…)

Ernie sucked up his pride last year

Since golf’s governing bodies, the USGA and the R&A, announced that they were taking a “fresh look” at implementing a rule to ban belly/long putters or “anchoring,” inquiring minds have asked some of the biggest names in golf for their opinions. Of course, last week at Pebble Beach Tiger Woods shocked us all when he gave his most opinionated answer in years (obviously he is a strong proponent of banning them). Here, at Riviera in the pre-tourney pressers, other esteemed players chimed in. (continue reading…)