Letters and emails on the long/belly putter continue. They've also generated tons of comment on our partner forum site, GolfWRX.com. When Tiger Woods this month weighed in on the controversy over "broomsticks" as one user put i t-- "I've never been a fan of it"-- the mail began anew. Woods suggested a rule keeping putters no longer than the shortest club in the bag, probably a wedge. He will find friends and foes on Golfdigest.com. Two recent letters
The USGA, Royal and Ancient and both the PGA and LPGA have tainted the game of golf by allowing a player to stabilize a club with his or her body. In respect for the great golfers of the past and some still with us, If a player uses that type of assistance, and wins a tournament, It should be noted by an asterisk.
Bob Kopp, Forty Fort, PA
I am a 65-year-old male with a bad back, playing to a 4 handicap. I have been using a belly putter on and off for a number of years. It helps with my bad back. I am now using a 37-inch putter with standard grip. If Mr. Tiger gets his way I will no longer be able to use my putter as my sand wedge is 35.5 inches in length. My take is if he feels the belly putter gives those who use it a unfair advantage then what is keeping everybody from using one. The way he is putting as of late, he needs to try one! Also, I can't hit any wedge above a 58-degree so they need to outlaw anything with a higher loft as I am not playing on a level field. Ha Ha.
Tom Roe,
West Plains, MO
It appears that some sort of moderation to the rules will eventually come. But I wouldn't hold my breath. The next time the rules will be revised is 4 years from now. So, about then.
Bob Carney
