Tiger wants PGA anchored putting ban ASAP

BETHESDA, Maryland (AFP) –

Tiger Woods lines up a birdie putt at TPC Sawgrass on May 12, 2013 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Woods wants the US PGA Tour to enact a ban on anchored putting “as soon as possible” if golf’s governing bodies impose a ban on the stroke on Tuesday.

World number one Tiger Woods wants the US PGA Tour to enact a ban on anchored putting “as soon as possible” if golf’s governing bodies impose a ban on the stroke on Tuesday.

The US Golf Association and Royal and Ancient Golf Association are expected to announce on Tuesday their decision on whether or not to ban anchored putting, which has aided four of the past six major winners, starting in 2016.

Woods has made no secret of his support for a ban and repeated it Monday at an appearance at Congressional Country Club, where he will defend his title next month at the $6.5 million US PGA National.

“I hope they go with the ban,” Woods said of Tuesday’s decision. “Anchoring should not be a part of the game. It should be mandatory to have to swing all 14 clubs.

“And as far as the PGA Tour, I hope they do (ban) it as soon as possible to be honest with you. I’ve always said that. I’ve always felt that golf you should have to control your nerves and swing all 14 clubs, not just 13.”

Woods will defend his crown June 27-30 in an event that serves as a fundraiser for his foundation. Masters champion Adam Scott of Australia, an anchored-stroke putter, is among those set to compete.

Other recent major winners using the belly putter style include reigning British Open champion Ernie Els of South Africa and Americans Webb Simpson and Keegan Bradley.

Woods is in talks with club officials to keep the National at Congressional, which has hosted five major championships and last year managed to complete the event despite a storm that toppled more than 40 trees Friday, knocking out power and forcing organizers to keep out spectators on Saturday.

Woods said there are other options for hosting the event, mentioning Philadelphia and Baltimore as well as Washington.

Next month, Woods will be in Philadelphia trying to win his first major title since the 2008 US Open and the 2013 US Open in Merion, a revamped course he has not seen since amateur days.

“I will play it before tournament week. Generally that’s when I do a lot of my scouting on the greens and do all my charting,” he said.

“Then when I get to the tournament side it’s now about feel, what the weather forecast is going to be, how are the USGA going to try and set it up.

“Once I come up with a game plan for the week, then it’s about executing it and being disciplined.”

Woods has won four titles this year, including the Players Championship earlier this month, the fastest in any season that Woods has won four titles.

It was his 78th career triumph, four shy of matching the late Sam Snead’s PGA Tour record.

“My game is coming around and to have won seven times the last couple years is something I’m proud of. It’s not easy to do,” Woods said. “I’m starting to get the consistency and I feel like what I’ve done from last year and this year, being healthy, it’s certainly pretty positive.

“I’m stronger now than I ever have been.”