LOS ANGELES – With only a few weeks left before a decision on long putters, British Open champion Ernie Els hopes golf officials change their minds.
Els used a belly putter when he won at Royal Lytham & St. Annes. That made him the third champion in the last five majors to use a putter anchored to the body.
The U.S. Golf Association and Royal & Ancient Golf Club have proposed a new rule that would outlaw clubs being anchored to the body. The 90-day comment period on the new rule is over at the end of this month.
Els says he hasn't seen any data that would lead to a ban on the putting stroke. He also doesn't think it was an issue until he and Webb Simpson won consecutive majors.
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.