GRAEME McDowell has welcomed plans announced on Wednesday to ban anchored putting from January 2016.
The 2010 US Open champion has long been an advocate of a ban saying back in August; “Putting is such a big part of the game. Let’s get everyone with a short putter back in the bag as the game is meant to be played.”
The 33-year-old believes golf’s governing bodies have made a ‘very considered and intelligent sort of decision’.
McDowell, who fired a three under par 69 in the opening round of the World Challenge in California continued, “It’ll be interesting to see how guys react in the short‑term, whether the long putters stay in the bag for a couple of years or whether a lot of the pro Tours will implement the rule quicker.
“I have no idea of the details, but I agree with the call. I think it’s the right call.
“You know, obviously there’s a lot of arguments out there about the driver and the ball, and whether we should be addressing those before we address the putter.
“I kind of disagree with that comment because I don’t think this is a technology issue, I think this is about integrity of the putting stroke issue.
“I think the golf ball is certainly another argument, but I think having the integrity of the putting stroke maintained, I think we very much got away from that with these long putters, I think it’s important that we go back to playing the game the way it was meant to be played.”
Meanwhile, Shane Lowry’s sublime seven iron to the 11th hole on the final day of the Portugal Masters has earned the Irishman the European Tour Shot of the Month for October.
Despite a stiff breeze at Oceânico Victoria Golf Course in Vilamoura, Portugal, Lowry measured his approach to perfection, punching a seven iron onto the green and into the hole for an eagle two which helped the 25 year old secure a one-shot win over England’s Ross Fisher.
It was Lowry’s second European Tour title, and first as a professional following his win as an amateur at the 2009 Irish Open, and the Dubliner pointed to his moment of magic as the catalyst for his victory march.
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