24 Jul 2012

Long putter firmly on R's agenda

10:05 am on 24 July 2012

One of the controlling bodies of world golf, the Royal and Ancient, will be discussing the issue of the long putter in months rather than years.

The controversial issue was highlighted yesterday at the British Open as both the winner and runner-up Ernie Els and Adam Scott use belly punters, which they anchor into their chest or stomach.

Els, a four-times major winner and widely respected promoter of the game, said last year he felt using a longer putter was cheating, but if they're allowed, then why not take advantage.

Of the last four major tournaments, three have been won by players using belly punters.

The Americans Keegan Bradley and Webb Simpson used them to win last year's U.S. PGA Championship and last month's U.S. Open.

Ireland's Padraig Harrington, a three-times major winner, slammed their use after the final round of the Open.