PGA Of America: "We are disappointed with this outcome."
/The PGA of America is disappointed. PGA of America president Ted Bishop's statement:
Over the past few months The PGA of America has taken a vocal and active position which reflected the strong viewpoint of our PGA Professionals in opposing the USGA and R&A's proposed Rule 14-1b that would ban the anchored stroke. Today, the governing bodies indicated that they will proceed with the formal adoption of the rule.
We are disappointed with this outcome. As we have said publicly and repeatedly during the comment period, we do not believe 14-1b is in the best interest of recreational golfers and we are concerned about the negative impact it may have on both the enjoyment and growth of the game. Growing the game is one of the fundamental purposes of The PGA of America.
Although we do not agree with the decision, we applaud the USGA for its willingness to listen to our concerns and engage in meaningful discussions. In our opinion and based on our experience, the USGA treated the comment period for what it was intended to be -- a time to exchange opinions, concerns and potential solutions.
And a more supportive statement from the LPGA:
The LPGA has consistently conducted our official events in accordance with the Rules of Golf as established by the USGA and the R&A. We recognize the need for an independent governing body to maintain the rules of the game. We trust in the ability and expertise of both the USGA and R&A to make the decisions that are in the best interests of the game.
The USGA provided ample time and opportunity for us to not only educate our players, but also to solicit input, concerns and feedback surrounding Rule 14-1b. While we know that not every one of our members is in favor of the rule change, the LPGA will continue to respect and follow the Rules of Golf which includes the implementation of Rule 14-1b in January of 2016.
Golfweek has a roundup of player reactions, get your Kleenex box out.
**Tom Lehman, playing Colonial this week, does not agree with the decision. Jason Sobel reports:
“I’m in support of the PGA of America and growing the game, making it more inclusive and fun for everybody,” Lehman said while preparing for this week’s Crowne Plaza Invitational. “This is a real issue, because I just can’t imagine that all the clubs around the United States, when they have their member-guests or their club championship, they’re going to have a local rule and say, ‘We’re not going to play by USGA rules.’ So I think the USGA and R&A are setting themselves up for a situation where people don’t follow their lead, which will diminish their credibility as ruling bodies, and I think there’s a potential problem with that.”
