Tuesday, 21 May 2013 14:09

European Tour backs anchored putter ban proposal

The European Tour has "confirmed its support" to back a proposed ban on anchored putters from 2016. The PGA Tour and PGA of America are both against banning anchoring, which involves resting the end of a putter against the body to act as a hinge.  European Tour boss George O'Grady said: "We understand the points put forward by the PGA Tour and the PGA of America.  The issue's received far greater focus in the US, maybe because of the number of their golfers using the method."  Golf's ruling bodies, the R&A and the US Golf Association (USGA) want to limit the use of belly and broom-handle putters over concerns anchored strokes could replace traditional putting strokes.

The world number one pulled out midway through his second round in Florida last week, later blaming his decision on a severe toothache. However McIlroy has now told US magazine Sports Illustrated that "it was a reactive decision". "What I did was not good for the tournament, not good for the kids and the fans who were out there watching me. It was not the right thing to do." McIlroy had completed just eight holes of his second round when he walked off the course.
As he left the course he told reporters he was in a "bad state mentally".