PGA Tour to oppose Anchoring Ban

PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem has announced that the PGA Tour will oppose the anchoring ban that has been proposed by the USGA and R&A. The decision was made following a Player Advisory Council meeting voted  to oppose the ban last Monday. 

Finchem said: 

“Essentially where the PGA Tour came down was that they did not think that banning anchoring was in the best interest of golf or the PGA Tour” 

I've read some things that would suggest that this is some kind of a donnybrook between the PGA of America and the PGA Tour on one side and the USGA on the other, and that's not really correct,”He went on to say “They've asked us to give our comments. All we're doing at this point is saying this is our opinion.”

The USGA released a statement following the announcement by Tim Finchem

“As we consider the various perspectives on anchoring, it has always been our position that (the potential ban) aims to clarify and preserve the traditional and essential nature of the golf stroke, which has helped to make golf a unique and enjoyable game of skill and challenge. It is our plan to take final action on the proposed rule in the spring.”

Although the PGA Tour have announced they will oppose the ban it may not go as far as to actually decide to play by different rules:

“We have not even begun that discussion" said Finchem

The USGA and R&A are currently in 90 day period of comment and consultation with games organisations. The European Tour is expected to make statement outlining their stance before the Thursday deadline. 

More on the proposed anchoring ban:

Anchoring ban info-graphic - Click Here

Anchoring ban - The Stats - Click Here

Golfers react to new anchoring ban - Click Here