Woods favors TGA anchored putting ban

BETHESDA, Maryland - Agence France-Presse

Tiger Woods hits from the 18th fairway during the final round of The Players championship golf tournament at TPC Sawgrass, Sunday, May 12, 2013. AP photo

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.

The US Golf Association and Royal and Ancient Golf Association were late yesterday set to announce 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 on May 20 at an appearance at Congressional Country Club, where he will defend his title next month at the $6.5 million US PGA National.

“Anchoring should not be a part of the game. It should be mandatory to have to swing all 14 clubs,” he said.

“And as far as the PGA Tour, I hope they do 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 on May 24, 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.

“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.