Quotes on the anchored stroke ruling

Selected quotes on the Royal & Ancient and U.S. Golf Association approving Rule 14-1b, which bans in 2016 the anchored stroke commonly used with long putters:

“We are doing what we think is right for the long-term benefit of the game for all golfers, and we just can’t write them for one group of elite players.” _ USGA executive director Mike Davis.

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“I think it’s best for the game now that we put this behind us and all get around the rule and move forward. I think the governing bodies have always had the right … to make rule changes down the years, and I think people coming into the game know that that’s a possibility. And so personally, I don’t think lawsuits will be on particularly strong ground, but I certainly hope we don’t have any.” _ Royal & Ancient chief executive Peter Dawson.

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“We’ve been writing the rules of golf and setting the gold standard in the rules of golf for over 100 years, and all of the other organizations that you’ve referred to have chosen to play by our rules because they know they’re the gold standard. The comment process brought that out … that the world golf community said we want one set of rules and we want them provided to us by those who have experience at doing it, those who are independent and those who are unbiased, and that’s what the USGA is and that’s what the R&A is. And that’s why we hope that these organizations will continue their past behavior of playing by a single set of rules for the good of the game.” _ USGA president Glen Nager.

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“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.” _ PGA of America president Ted Bishop.

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“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.” _ LPGA commissioner Mike Whan.

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“It’s been talked about and talked about and it’s just disappointing. I just don’t understand why it took them 40 years to come to their conclusion.” _ Two-time Masters champion Bernhard Langer, who uses the broom-handle putter, to Golfweek magazine.