Oncoming broom putter ban could put expiration date on some careers

Pros who have relied on the anchored putter, like Tim Clark and even world No 1 Adam Scott, face the daunting prospect of totally retooling their short game when the ban goes into effect in 2016, writes Steve Elling.

Tim Clark lines up a putt during the final round of the Canadian Open, which he won, on Sunday. Charles Laberge / Getty Images / AFP / July 27, 2014

One of the game’s most controversial decisions is finally being framed in a personal context.

When the game’s ruling bodies decided in 2012 to eventually ban the use of anchored putters, it was greeted by mixed reviews. But most understood that using the chest or abdomen as a fulcrum point hardly meets the definition of a “swing”.

The ban will be instituted in 17 months, and a sense of panic has already begun to grow among some devotees of the long putters.

South African veteran Tim Clark used only 10 putts on the back nine in winning the Canadian Open last weekend, a blistering performance, and said that the impending abolition of his broom putter in January 2016 has caused more than a little stress. Shaky over short putts, Clark has used a long-handled model since college.

In brutal terms, his career could have an expiration date.

“Every time I’m home, I’m tinkering with stuff, seeing what I’m going to do,” said Clark, 38. “I think that’s taken away from my play.”

The world No 1 Adam Scott uses a broom putter and faces the same predicament.

Greatly admired over the course of his gritty, 16-year career for succeeding in an era of rivals who are long off the tee, the undersized Clark’s victory is a frank reminder that the rule’s ticking clock no longer seems like faint background noise.

It has become a steady drum roll.

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