News
USGA tells Bryson DeChambeau his putter is non-conforming
Bryson DeChambeau received word the day before the start of last week’s CareerBuilder Challenge that the USGA had an issue with his widely publicized side-saddle putting, per golf writer Adam Schupak.
Not with the putting, per se, but rather with the putter itself.
Golf’s governing body determined that the center-shafted putter DeChambeau had been using was non-conforming. He was told, reportedly, that the putter would conform if the shaft was seated at the rear of the putter and made the modification.
“I was very disappointed with the way they handled it,” DeChambeau told Schupak Tuesday at PGA Demo Day at Orange County National. “They’ve said to me, too, that they don’t like the way I’m doing it. But it’s within the rules, and I don’t know why they don’t like it. They say I’m potentially taking skill out of the game. Anything that helps shoot lower scores or makes golf more fun and grows the game, that’s what I’m all about.”
The USGA wouldn’t comment on the matter.
“The circumstances surrounding the club’s non-conformance are confidential and between the USGA and Bryson DeChambeau,” USGA spokesperson Janeen Driscoll said.
Certainly, there were those in the golfing community (and likely DeChambeau himself) who felt the USGA would work to shut down the unconventional putting style. Both DeChambeau and his instructor, Mike Schy, seem to feel the USGA now has a vendetta against the Golfing Scientist.
“They basically threatened him that if he showed up on Thursday, they would DQ him,” Schy said. “I think they thought he wouldn’t have a backup and he’d have to go back to conventional and it would be over. The week before, they made him put lead tape and mark it up. Every week, they’ve been inspecting it. It’s bad. It’s really bad. I’m telling you, they do not want him putting this way.”
We’ll keep an eye on this story as it develops.
GolfWRX Tour Photographer made the trip from the Memorial Tournament across the country to the U.S. Women’s Open at Riviera. Check out links to all the photos below!
General Albums
- 2026 US Women’s Open – Wednesday #1
- 2026 US Women’s Open – Wednesday #2
- 2026 US Women’s Open – Wednesday #3
- 2026 US Women’s Open – Wednesday #4
- 2026 US Women’s Open – Wednesday #5
WITB Albums
- Chloe Kovelesky – WITB – 2026 US Women’s Open
Asterisk Talley – WITB – 2026 US Women’s Open - Sarah Hammett – WITB – 2026 US Women’s Open
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- Hannah Green – WITB – 2026 US Women’s Open
- Amy Yang – WITB – 2026 US Women’s Open
- Auston Kim – WITB – 2026 US Women’s Open
- Paula Francisco – WITB – 2026 US Women’s Open
- Athena Singh – WITB – 2026 US Women’s Open
- Brianna Do – WITB – 2026 US Women’s Open
- Meja Ortengren – WITB – 2026 US Women’s Opens
- A Furue – WITB – 2026 US Women’s Open
- Katelyn Kong – WITB – 2026 US Women’s Open
- Natalia Guseva – WITB – 2026 US Women’s Open
- Cass Alexander – WITB – 2026 US Women’s Open
- Johanna Sjursen – WITB – 2026 US Women’s Open
Pullout Albums
- Scotty Cameron putter covers – 2026 US Women’s Open
- TaylorMade’s US Women’s Open staff bag & covers – 2026 US Women’s Open
GolfWRX is on site this week at the Memorial Tournament, with both Alistair Cameron and Tour Photographer Greg Moore on the ground in Dublin, Ohio, where a strong field is assembled to pay homage to the Golden Bear.
In addition to WITB galleries, we’ve already been treated to an in-hand look at Tommy Fleetwood’s new TaylorMade Spider putters.
Check out links to all our photos below.
General Albums
- 2026 The Memorial – Monday #1
- 2026 The Memorial – Tuesday #1
- 2026 The Memorial – Tuesday #2
- 2026 The Memorial – Tuesday #3
WITB Albums
- Jason Day – WITB – 2026 The Memorial
- Chris Gotterup – WITB – 2026 The Memorial
- SungJae Im – WITB – 2026 The Memorial
- Alex Noren – WITB – 2026 The Memorial
- Jacob Bridgeman – WITB – 2026 The Memorial
- Lucas Glover – WITB – 2026 The Memorial
- Bud Cauley – WITB – 2026 The Memorial
- Alex Smalley – WITB – 2026 The Memorial
Pullout Albums
- Jason Day’s 1off Payntr golf shoes – 2026 The Memorial
- JT Poston’s TaylorMade Spider – 2026 The Memorial
- Cameron putter – 2026 The Memorial
- Tommy Fleetwood’s TM Spider putters – 2026 The Memorial
- New Mitsubishi Chemical 1K Pro Orange shaft – 2026 The Memorial
- Bettinardi putter – 2026 The Memorial
- Min Woo Lee’s Callaway Apex 18* UT iron – 2026 The Memorial
- Wyndham Clark’s putter – 2026 The Memorial
- Lucas Glover putters – 2026 The Memorial
- Nicolai Hojgaard’s new Callaway 4 iron – 2026 The Memorial
- Adam Scott’s L.A.B. Golf putter – 2026 The Memorial
- Scotty Cameron Xperimental Prototype 11+ putter – 2026 The Memorial
- JJ Spaun’s updated/newest L.A.B. Golf putter – 2026 The Memorial
Around the world, the golf wheel spun this final week in May of 2026. From New Jersey to Austria, with stops in Korea, Texas, and North Carolina (don’t let me route your next trip) the world’s finest put their golf games on display. There were three playoffs, some known commodities and some new talent. It was the sort of week that we hope to have at this point in the seasons. June and July afford double-digit major events, and perhaps, one of this week’s champions will use this success as a springboard to new heights. Time to run it all down, tech style, in this week’s Tour Tech Rundown.
Thanks to WITBHub, Today’s Golfer, GolfWRX, and Inside Tour Golf for initial research into equipment.
PGA Tour @ Charles Schwab Challenge: Heroic Henley denies Cole
Eric Cole did nearly everything that a fellow can do, to secure a first PGA Tour title. He stayed one shot clear of Ryder Cup player Ben Griffin. He kept US Open champion Gary Woodland and wunderkind Michael Brennan two shots distant. He posted 70 on day four to reach twelve under par. And then, Russell Henley revealed his Dr. Strange cloak. Henley made 47 feet of birdie putts on holes 16, 17, and 18, to jump from minus-nine to twelve-deep, and secured a spot in a playoff with Cole. The duo returned to the final tee, and put on a stripe show.
Both golfers found the fairway off the tee, and Henley improved on his regulation play with an approach to four feet. Cole did himself proud, tucking an iron to a dozen feet, but he was unable to convert the putt for three. Henley is one of the best putters on tour, and he proved it once more by draining a putt for a fourth consecutive birdie, and a sixth PGA Tour title. For Eric Cole, that first victory should come, and soon. He has done everything necessary to earn the chalice lift.
Henley’s Suitcase
- Driver: Titleist TSi3 at 10 degrees. Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black 70g 6.5 TX
- Metal: Titleist TS3 at 16.5 degrees. Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black 80 TX
- Hybrid: Titleist TSi2 at 21 degrees. Shaft: Mitsubishi MMT hybrid 100 TX
- Iron: Titleist T250 4-iron. Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Golf AMT Tour White X100
- Irons: Titleist T100 5-6 irons. Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Golf AMT Tour White X100
- Irons: Titleist T100 7-9 irons. Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100
- Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM11 at 48 and 50 degrees. Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Golf Tour Issue X100
- Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM11 at 54 and 60 degrees. Shaft: rue Temper Dynamic Golf Tour Issue S400
- Putter: Titleist Scotty Cameron T5 Tour Prototype
LPGA @ Shoprite LPGA: Welcome back, Celine!
Soo Bin Joo had her eyes on a maiden LPGA title. She held the lead after two rounds, then hit a red light at the intersection of can-I and how-To. Joo posted plus-two on day three in New Jersey, and dropped to a T4 finish, which was still a career-best for the young Korean golfer. Instead of a new face, a familiar face returned to the top of the podium.
Celine Boutier was the It Girl in 2023. She collected four victories, including a major title at Evian. Boutier reached world number one status, then simply faded into the background. No wins came her way over the next 30 months. On Sunday, she collected LPGA victory number seven, at the same trace as LPGA victory number two.
Day three saw Boutier manage the windswept Seaview Bay course with six birdies and a bogey. She was challenged in the end by Thailand’s Arpichaya Yubol, who signed for a 66 of her own. Yubol came up one shot shy of the top ladder rung. Finishing in third place at -7, two back of the winner, was Ireland’s Lauren Walsh.
Celine’s Suitcase
- Driver: PXG 0311 Black Ops Tour-1 at 9 degrees. Shaft: Graphite Design AD IZ-5
- Hybrid: PXG 0311 Black Ops at 19 and 22 degrees. Shaft: KBS Hybrid Prototype
- Hybrid: PXG 0311 Gen5.
- Iron: PXG 0311 P Gen 4 5-9 irons
- Wedge: PXG 0311 T Gen 4 PW
- Wedges: PXG 0311 Sugar Daddy II at 50, 54, 58 degrees
- Putter: Bettinardi Studio Stock 3 DASS
DP World Tour @ Austrian Alpine: KK? KK!
Kota Kaneko has a rhythmic name. It has strong vowels and a run of voiceless stops in its crunchy K sounds. On Sunday in Austria, Kaneko put a stop to a challenge from Portugal’s Ricardo Gouveia and everyone else, and claimed a first-ever title on the DP World Tour. Gouveia did well to reach 16-under par over four days, but Kaneko held firm, two shots in the clear.
Davis Bryant of the USA also forged a strong challenge for the win. He ended in a tie with Gouveia for second place. Kaneko began and finished his final round in a bit of a malaise, but he caught fire midway through. Birdies at 10, 12, and 13 provided the necessary cushion to cruise to the finish line without breaking a serious sweat.
Kaneko’s Suitcase
- Driver: Ping Max G440
- Metals: TaylorMade Qi4D at 15, 16.5, 21, and 24 degrees
- Irons: TaylorMade P760 5 and 6 irons
- Irons: TaylorMade P7TW 7-9 irons
- Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design at 46, 52, 56, and 60 degrees
- Putter: Odyssey Ai-One Cruiser Arm Lock #7
Korn Ferry Tour @ UNC Health Championship: Improbably Alvaro
Alvaro Ortiz may have had a bit of scare on the outward nine on Sunday, but he came through in clutch fashion in the end. Ortiz began the day bogey-double, and added another double bogey at the 11th hole. He was mired in a downward trend, spiraling away from the top of the leader’s board. Ortiz found hope at the 14th, where his first birdie of the day tumbled home. Inspired, he closed with birdies and 17 and 18 to catch Ross Steelman at 10-under par, and the duo returned to the 18th deck for overtime.
The extra session concluded in brief time. Ortiz, buoyed by his newly-retrieved confidence, hit the fairway with driver, then approached to six feet and drained the putt. Gobsmacked, Steelman could do little more than smile and applaud, as his run at the top came to a close. The victory was the first for Ortiz on the KFT, and will implant him squarely in the chase for a PGA Tour promotion.
Alvaro’s Suitcase
- Driver: Ping G430 MAX driver at 9 degrees loft
- Metal: Ping G430 MAX 3W
- Iron: Ping iDi Driving Iron
- Irons: Ping Blueprint S irons
- Wedges
- Putter: Scottsdale TR Piper C
A party on the green!
Alvaro’s time comes in Raleigh with his first win @UNCHealthChamp ? pic.twitter.com/2dmtZdbSzk
— Korn Ferry Tour (@KornFerryTour) May 31, 2026
LIV @ Korea: Me llamo Joaquin
Chile’s Joaquin Niemann had been away from the LIV winner’s circle throughout all of 2026. This week in Korea, he reminded us that he is still a force to consider. Niemann chased down Taylor Gooch over the closing holes at Asiad Country Club, then claimed victory with a hole-one birdie in extra time. Bryson DeChambeau claimed solo third, one shot in arrears at minus-eleven. Dustin Johnson finished on fourth, one putt farther back.
Niemann’s Suitcase
- Driver: Ping 440 LST
- Metal: Ping G440 Max at 15 degrees
- Metal: Ping G425 Max at 21 degrees
- Hybrid: Ping G430 at 25 degrees
- Irons: Ping Blueprint S 5 through PW
- Wedges: Ping S159 at 52, 56, and 60 degrees
- Putter: Ping PLD Anser
Justin Rose WITB 2026 (April): Full WITB breakdown with new McLaren irons
What’s the story behind Webb Simpson’s custom-stamped irons?
Cadillac Championship Tour Report: Spieth’s sizable changes, McLaren Golf launches, and more
Kristoffer Reitan’s winning WITB: 2026 Truist Championship
Russell Henley’s winning WITB: 2026 Charles Schwab Challenge
Cameron Young’s winning WITB: 2026 Cadillac Championship
Aaron Rai’s winning WITB: 2026 PGA Championship
Nelly Korda WITB 2026 (April)
Justin Rose on the switch to McLaren Golf, learnings from previous equipment moves
Photos from the 2026 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Chris Gotterup WITB 2026 (June)
Chris Gotterup had >14 clubs in his bag when photographed prior to the Memorial Tournament. Drivers: TaylorMade Qi4D (8 degrees), Ping...
Jason Day WITB 2026 (June)
Jason Day had >14 clubs in his bag when photographed prior to the Memorial Tournament. Driver: Ping G430 LST (10.5 degrees...
Nastasia Nadaud WITB 2026 (June)
Driver: Titleist TSR4 (9 Degrees) Shaft: Project X EvenFlow Riptide CB 6.0 S 3-wood: Titleist GTS2 (15 degrees) Shaft: Graphite Design Tour AD DI...
Keith Mitchell WITB 2026 (June)
Driver: TaylorMade Qi4D LS Shaft: Project X Titan Yellow 6 X 3-wood: TaylorMade Qi10 (16.5 degrees) Shaft: Mitsubishi Tensei 1K Blue 90...
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Bob Parson Jr.
Jul 8, 2018 at 11:40 am
USGA? Not my money!
Ivor Robson
Feb 3, 2017 at 8:09 pm
It’s hard to watch. I have to look the other way when that lad strokes his gutta percha
RG
Jan 29, 2017 at 12:32 am
That’s hilarious!!!! The USGA is like a closet full of clowns! Every time they try to make a rule I just laugh! Oh… scores are to high. I know lets get rid of box grooves,th clubs that’ll fix it! I dont like how people putt, I know, lets’s get rid of anchored putting ( how’d that hinder Bernhard Langher?) I don’t like this guy with the one length clubs and the side saddle, lets think of a reason to get rid of it!1 USGA you are not correct.
RG
Jan 29, 2017 at 12:27 am
That’s hilarious!!!! The USGA is like a closet full of clowns! Every time they try to make a rule I just laugh! Oh… scores are to high. I know lets get rid of box grooves,th clubs that’ll fix it! I dont like how people putt, I know, lets’s get rid of anchored putting ( how’d that hinder Bernhard Langher?) I don’t like this guy with the one length clubs and the side saddle, lets think of a reason to get rid of it!1 USGA YOU ARE A JOKE!!
joro
Dec 24, 2018 at 6:37 pm
Closet full of Clowns, ha ha ha I love it. What other group throws it’s Championship in an area that is known for Thunder Storms most of the time. What other group walks around a course in Temps over 100 degrees with long sleeve shirts and a Black Armband. Of course the Snobby ones, the USGA, ruler of all Golf.
Great comment RG, I have dealt with them on a couple of issues and they truly are a bunch of Clowns.
KCCO
Jan 28, 2017 at 2:46 pm
USGA….lol. I totally agreed with anchoring, this is totally different. IMHO I see no advantage to his putter, or style of putting. Whether advantage or a disadvantage to golfers as a whole, this should be explained a bit more thoroughly for everyone. His shAft appears to be in an angle, so what is the angle they are reguiring if that’s USGA’s beef? That being said, if his style or putter is not working for them, hypothetically when someone uses toe of putter to move from edge of green onto green where does that fall? Or players who have turned their club 180 degrees to give ability to make a shot when pressed against an obstruction and switching their dexterity. I know I may be a little of target with my examples and rant, but come on. It’s not hinged, I’ve never seen lie angles measured at a PGA sanctioned event tour or smaller venue.
Figure out something else to bitch about, and focus energy and time on something to grow this game as it doesn’t seem to be growing. From a youth perspective, I do see growth in them joining the game. Other than that doesn’t look like it did when tiger was dominating . I’m speaking of those who play, those who watch, and the die hards that are part of this industry. Good luck getting half of all of your average social golf fans that tuned in for the “woods show” as it looked like Tiger (who I am a fan) was the glue that held this game together for television market, doesn’t look to promising for the big picture for numbers pertaining to the average fan who only knows tiger as a household name. Gonna be tough to hold interest when every month it’s a new “greatest player since sliced bananas” then disappear.
They should be encouraging Bryson to do what he’s doing. Beside us, no one else cares about the Jason Day of the month. (not saying he isn’t a great player, but they do put players on a pedestal and three weeks later, poof they’re gone) *sarcasm just meaning it’s gonna be tough for Scotty Cameron to make a limited edition putter for each months new “golf great”.
Chuck
Jan 29, 2017 at 2:02 pm
How many times does it have to be repeated in this thread, that the USGA acted on a piece of equipment — namely one of Bryson’s several putters — and not in relation to a putting method?
ooffa
Jan 28, 2017 at 7:01 am
The hat is non conforming. Way non conforming! They should make that illegal!
Ron
Jan 27, 2017 at 12:11 pm
Two things.
1. Anyone who tinkers with their putting to this level, is likely a pretty bad putter. Not saying that’s true in this particular case, but overall, if you’re sinking putts, you’re not doing a lot of tinkering with that. So, if you’re a bad putter, what’s the harm in going side-saddle. or putting between your legs, or any other wacky method you want to use. You’ll likely remain a bad putter.
2. By enforcing the borg-level “you must conform” standard, the USGA is stifling the free market. Can you imagine the crazy things the merchandise show would have if the USGA just took it a little easy?
Daniel Forbes
Sep 25, 2018 at 4:38 am
Silly comment…putt between your legs… thats called straddling the line of your putt…
DJ
Jan 27, 2017 at 11:42 am
i don’t get the whole ban on anchoring or this issue with the side saddle putting. the golfer still has to read the break and get the speed right. let’s get rid of the claw grip cause it’s an unfair advantage. ur gonna allow golfers to tamp down spike marks to make more putts and speed up the game. but then you create restrictions on putters and putting method so more golfers miss putts.
S Hitter
Jan 27, 2017 at 12:15 pm
Anchoring was proven that it takes away one of the complexities in the stroke to make it easier to hit putts on line is why it was banned. Claw gripping is not an unfair advantage. Spike marks are not allowed to be tramped down, only ball marks. Please read the rules
Tiger Noods
Feb 14, 2019 at 4:44 am
This reply did not age well…
JThunder
Jan 26, 2017 at 9:53 pm
Wow. The USGA are ruining the game by trying to maintain some semblance of rules. DeChambeau is a jerk, narcissist and elitist because he knows something about physics and has an education. He’s also a jerk for not wearing a baseball cap (but instead a cap that’s more traditional to golf, BTFW).
This place sounds like an inbred white trash Trump rally. Keep lowering the bar folks.
birdy
Jan 27, 2017 at 10:42 am
sounds like you’re the inbred
namthanh20982
Sep 26, 2018 at 11:42 am
This article has inspired me to golf and also some minor deficiencies. See more at golf to be more complete
Ell
Jul 24, 2020 at 2:05 pm
Sounds like you never picked up a club in your life unless it was part of an anti-fa march.
Kent
Jan 26, 2017 at 8:00 pm
Spent 3 days following and watching a good share of players at Career Builder last week, 95% plus of the pros are very similar in the way they set up and swing (and Putt) and these are the better players. There is simply a way to play this game at a high level and being the odd man out with a different set up and swing is only going to work for a small fraction of players (very small) and the sad thing is amateurs are going to get lured into these odd movements with the idea this could be the holy grail for their game…pretty simple leave what Bryson does to him…do not be fooled into thinking his way is an answer, if odd swings work for a majority we would all hit it like Moe Norman.
Jack's Hit
Jan 26, 2017 at 11:58 pm
And even Moe Norman has been debunked, that is, he thought he was a one-plane swinger throwing the clubhead straight down the line, when all video analysis points to him setting up shut and aimed right and pulling the ball a la Snead and not lined up square and hitting it down the line
Tim
Jan 27, 2017 at 2:38 pm
Would agree, cannot count Moe Norman the man hit balls on the range until hitting them straight was the only option left for the golf ball…if you can repeat a swing 1000 times a day 365 days of the year you may hit a huge percent straight also……
Scott
Jan 31, 2017 at 12:43 pm
I am not sure that is considered “debunked”.
jeff monik
Feb 20, 2017 at 2:05 pm
you must work for the PGA teachers association
Mad-Mex
Jan 26, 2017 at 7:38 pm
And they wonder why golf participation is on a decline,,,,,,,,
Brian
Jan 27, 2017 at 7:16 pm
Do you really thing the average, recreational golfer has any idea what the USGA says or does? I didn’t know, or care, about the rules of conforming equipment, the proper way to take a penalty, the fact that you can’t ground your club at address in a hazard until after I became a passionate player.
Participation is on a decline for a myriad of reasons, USGA rulings likely being the least responsible among them.
Rich Douglas
Jan 26, 2017 at 5:53 pm
Just because you can’t understand the science doesn’t make it any less valid.
ButchT
Jan 26, 2017 at 5:21 pm
He does not seem arrogant to me – just trying to play golf. He is different, but in a good way, I think. Single length clubs are here to stay.
gunmetal
Jan 26, 2017 at 4:59 pm
Biggest issue I have here is the USGA telling him they don’t LIKE the way he’s putting. Who the %^$& cares what they like? Ban the stupid thing then. It’s what you do best. But if he’s within the current rules, shut the heck up and let the guy do his job.
Chuck
Jan 26, 2017 at 8:55 pm
But the USGA made no statement. Are you saying that you believe that we know what the USGA is thinking, simply through a comment by deChambeau’s coach and friend?
Philip
Jan 27, 2017 at 12:59 am
Of course, didn’t you know that if someone writes something it has to be the truth? People never give misleading information to sway others to their side … what would be nice is an actual photo of the putter so that we can form our own opinion on the putter instead of misinformation.
Rich Douglas
Jan 28, 2017 at 11:21 pm
Not making a statement IS making a statement. And that statement is: They’re making it up as they go.
If his putter is non-conforming, explain why publicly. Oh, and how he swings it is irrelevant. The putter is either conforming or nonconforming based on its design, not its use.
The USGA looks like the foolish amateurs they are. No wonder they make stupid decisions at U.S. Opens…and here.
Chuck
Feb 2, 2017 at 3:31 pm
No. Not making a statement is not “making it up as they go.” Not making a statement is the opposite of that. It is in keeping with a pre-existing policy. That policy is an agreement between the USGA and equipment manufacturers who submit equipment for testing. The agreement, for good reasons, is that the USGA won’t make statements about the reasons for particular pieces to have been ruled non-complying. You can imagine all of the problems, with R&D, with marketing, and with trade secrets, if the USGA started making statements all the time whenever they felt like it, or to defend themselves in controversial cases.
So there is good reason for the policy, and you just couldn’t even trouble yourself to think about it.
That said, it would NOT prohibit Team de Chambeau from talking about it. They could, if they wanted. Again, as I have said elsewhere in this comments thread, that if I had been writing the story, I’d have questioned Bryson and his coach and his equipment people very carefully about what they were told. I imagine that it is a very interesting and maybe compelling story.
But it really seems that most of the commenters here just wanted an excuse to go off on the USGA.
Randall
Jan 26, 2017 at 2:12 pm
The USGA sucks!
BIG STU
Jan 26, 2017 at 6:10 pm
I agree with you 110% Randall— The USGA sucks screw em!
Brian
Jan 27, 2017 at 7:11 pm
Big Stu is clearly a mathematician.
Jordan
Jan 26, 2017 at 1:19 pm
Those damn millennials and their innovative way of thinking
Rich Douglas
Jan 26, 2017 at 12:03 pm
Golf is a game of rules. What rule is he violating? His stance is conforming. His putter is conforming (except that the USGA says it isn’t without saying why). Some of the poster who object simply because they don’t like it are entitled to their opinions, but that is insufficient when applying the rules.
The USGA has a habit of coming across as arbitrary and lacking context. This is just another example.
Chuck
Jan 26, 2017 at 9:29 pm
I would like to read a story wherein the specific rule was discussed. If I were reporting the story, it’s the first question I would have asked Bryson and his team. I expect that the answer is interesting, and that the information would help understand the USGA’s side of the dispute.
Mat
Jan 27, 2017 at 6:32 pm
Yep. Total lack of facts, and you can only extrude the USGA doesn’t want to say… because they emotionally don’t like him following the rules his way.
Chuck
Jan 28, 2017 at 9:51 am
No, the USGA is following its own policy of not discussing private rulings. They said, “No comment.” All of the rest of this story comes from Bryson’s side.
David Montgomery
Jan 26, 2017 at 10:17 am
I cannot love this enough. Time to go back to the garage and make another doozy of a putter.
Stephen Boudreau
Jan 26, 2017 at 3:31 am
I was out of golf from 96 to 2009, 13 years and the first time I saw the CLOWN SHOE Sized Driver Heads I was astonished. I came around quickly but what a shock. All to make Golf more attractive to the public? Lower scores? More money for the organizations I say. It’s always about money. As another commenter said “You want to grow the game of golf make it more affordable to the average Joe” I paid over a grand for two year old equipment to have a more modern Bag. WHAT! When I started playing golf in 92 I purchased my first new clubs in 94 and paid $300 for a new leftover set of Titleist Tour Models and less than that for Big Berthas D, 3 & 5 woods. All new, I may have found a deal but still top of the line stuff. I can’t pay $150 for a round of golf, that’s almost a full days pay for me and I’m 55 and a Machinist for 38 years. Really! Golf is still an elitist rich man’s game and the poor slobs get treated as such. We get the rundown courses that have been gobbled up by the big corps and crappy fairways and less than desirable greens. Thank god for GolfNow.
Johnnylongballz
Jan 26, 2017 at 3:11 am
Good for the USGA! Golf is a side on game. Please find the right verbiage to make this style of putting illegal all together.
Jay
Jan 26, 2017 at 9:47 am
He’s still standing to the side – are you favoring we outlaw open stances??
Johnnylongballz
Jan 26, 2017 at 10:10 am
Having an open stance, and standing directly facing the hole are two different things. That is why the USGA need so come up with a rule with the correct verbiage to help people like you understand.
Jack
Jan 26, 2017 at 10:40 am
Really? Then why did David Fay tell Golf Digest that the method is “really just an extremely open stance”. I hope this helps you understand.
OntheGrass11
Jan 26, 2017 at 11:24 am
This is an idiotic statement.
Stephen Boudreau
Jan 26, 2017 at 3:11 am
Rules are Rules. Period. I can’t do 100 MPH on the highway and not get busted. Though the usga MUST clearly and definitively decide once and for all weather Bryson’s Putter is legal or not, if his stance is legal or not, if his grip is legal or not. He is anchoring the grip to his arm, I didn’t like seeing that at all because they made the long Putter chest anchor illegal. When I golf I count all my mis hits and shots into the woods because I’m not going to get better cheating myself. Neither will he. All rules of golf should be universal and global on ALL TOURS…
Mat
Jan 26, 2017 at 5:26 am
I don’t understand why it’s not… it’s a centre-shafted 80º stick. What’s wrong with that?
Jason
Jan 26, 2017 at 1:18 pm
Rules are rules but the USGA seems to constantly be asking for players to hit a moving target in regards to what is allowed and what is not.
lolgolf
Jan 26, 2017 at 12:34 am
That “girl” hits it 300 yards and is 6′ tall, your wife must love you.
C
Jan 26, 2017 at 8:08 am
Wife?
Rex
Jan 26, 2017 at 8:59 pm
That’s his mom. I know. Gross right
Boobsy McKiss
Jan 26, 2017 at 12:14 am
The frustration and envy in your voice is unbecoming. LOL.
StillBoard
Jan 25, 2017 at 7:29 pm
USGA is ruining the game.
Brian
Jan 25, 2017 at 7:43 pm
Every Saturday and Sunday morning, the game is the same to me no matter what the USGA and R&A decide, so no, they aren’t “ruining” the game.
S Hitter
Jan 26, 2017 at 2:20 am
Well said, Brian.
Ell
Jul 24, 2020 at 3:40 pm
My retired buddies and I could care less what the USGA has in their rule book.
Uhit
Jan 25, 2017 at 6:26 pm
Maybe it is time to simply use the R&A rules, from the home of golf, for golf – worldwide… 😉
Kevin
Jan 26, 2017 at 2:16 pm
http://golfweek.com/2017/01/23/rules-of-golf-ra-usga-changes-2020/
ScottC
Jan 25, 2017 at 6:00 pm
Golf has always had an experimental aspect to equipment and playing. Just look at the PGA show going on in Orlando this week; new clubs, new shafts, some innovative, some updates from previous iterations. Not all players have the same swing (See John Jacobs comments on the swing) thus, not all clubs fit all players.
Yes, BDS has some different ideas about clubs and putters. Cobra thought enough of that to create a line of single length clubs. Let the market determine their success on that form of club. I have seen him play at the Western Am and US AM (that he won). It works very well for him. Just as the putter seems to work for him. Maybe it will work for you, maybe not. It doesn’t mean he is wrong, just different. I am sure people thought Gene Sarazen was crazy when he invented the modern sand wedge.
The USGA doesn’t like different. Even if they have no evidence that his putter creates an advantage for him over a “standard” putter. This reminds me of Sam Snead putting croquet style, the USGA didn’t like that either and outlawed that stroke. Primarily because they didn’t like the look of the stroke.
Does the putter meet the definitions as supplied by the USGA? If it does then it should be allowed. If it does not, then tell BDS and the golfing public why it does not meet the standard.
Here is some of the USGA rules on putters from their website:
If the overall design of a putter is such that the player can achieve a “vertical-pendulum” style stroke (i.e., putt effectively with the shaft in a vertical or near-vertical position), it would be ruled contrary to Appendix II, 1d, even if the shaft angle does satisfy the 10-degree Rule when the putter is in its “normal address position.” The shaft angle on such a putter could be required to be increased to as much as 25 degrees. In assessing whether a putter can be used effectively in a “vertical-pendulum” style manner, the combination of the following features should be considered:
length of shaft
position of shaft attachment to head
angle of shaft in toe-to-heel plane and front-to-back plane
shape and weight distribution of head
curvature and shape of sole
intent of the design
Even though each of these putter features, when considered separately, could conform to the Rules, the combination of the features might lead to a decision that the putter does not conform.
This is an extremely good example of an area where rules officials should take care not to make a decision unless they are 100% certain they are correct. If, after examining the club and carrying out all of the appropriate consultations, it is still not possible to give a definitive ruling, a Duration of Competition or Duration of Round Answer should be given (see Field Procedures – Guidance to Rules Officials Concerning Questions on the Conformity of Clubs at Competitions).
S Hitter
Jan 26, 2017 at 2:21 am
What the heck is BDS
C
Jan 26, 2017 at 8:08 am
Some guy named Bryson. I think…
S Hitter
Jan 26, 2017 at 12:27 pm
That would be BDC, innit?
ScottC
Jan 26, 2017 at 2:11 pm
Yes, you are correct…..got a little quick with my typing..lol
Zubair
Jan 25, 2017 at 5:33 pm
Really happy that his gimmick non sense is being discouraged. Stupid putter, stupid stance. Hes not growing the game with this stuff or helping people. Its just his own mad scientist fetish he is scratching. Lol growing the game, that phrase is so misused now. LOWER the costs of green fees, equipment, INCREASE pace of play, awareness of the game in lower middle class families. Brysons equipment choices and ideas have a 0.1% impact on the game. Few retailers releasing single length irons doesnt change anything.
D mack
Jan 25, 2017 at 10:13 pm
Maybe we should all put side saddle. We could all look like a bunch of side saddle putting ninnies. Maybe you could have your caddie sit spread eagle behind the hole and if the put doesn’t drop you smash him in the nuts with a croquet mallet. I bet that’s not clearly defined in the rules either.
Rich Douglas
Jan 26, 2017 at 5:50 pm
Actually, it is. It is two strokes of the penalty.
RAT
Jan 25, 2017 at 11:10 pm
Totally agree, He just wants to stand out .Time will tell whether this is worthy of discussion gauged by his winning and wins in Majors.
Former PGA Professional
Jan 25, 2017 at 5:32 pm
Why do we continue to have the governing board of an Amateur organization telling Professionals what they can and can not do? The PGA Tour (and PGA of America for that matter) should be the ruling the body of the professional side of the game, not the USGA.
S Hitter
Jan 26, 2017 at 2:25 am
That’s why you’re a Former
Chuck
Jan 26, 2017 at 9:32 pm
Because, Former PGA Professional, the PGA of America, and the PGA Tour don’t want the responsibility and expense of doing all of the things that the USGA does for them right now; testing balls and conforming clubs, turfgrass research, etc.
The PGA’s have been free-riding off the USGA for years on the hard issues, and they want to keep it going.
Dr Troy
Jan 25, 2017 at 5:05 pm
Tisk, tisk USGA. Another antiquated BS rule perhaps?
BK24BK
Jan 25, 2017 at 4:29 pm
agreed. his “scientist” and “artist” bs is enough already. he’s not doing anything that hasn’t been done in the past.
S Hitter
Jan 26, 2017 at 2:26 am
That hat he wears is asinine too, doesn’t look good on him at all
golfer
Jan 26, 2017 at 7:33 pm
wow you’re so cool you can insult his hat. what a tool. delete your account.
3 metal stinger
Jan 25, 2017 at 4:26 pm
This guy barely has his tour card and I’m already sick of his act. Win a tournament with your stupid single length irons or just shut up and play golf.
Zac
Jan 25, 2017 at 4:43 pm
He did… He won a ncaa title, an US amateur title and the DAP championship on the web.com tour to keep his card. He has no act or attitude, he wants to grow the game and break barriers. If it were speith or tiger or any other accomplished tour pro it would be a completely different story..
S Hitter
Jan 26, 2017 at 2:27 am
Yes Zac, but those other players you mentioned don’t play with weird clubs and don’t claim to be physicists or whatever
Kevin B
Jan 26, 2017 at 11:30 am
S Hitter I am not sure if you are aware, but he did graduate with a degree in Physics.
MM
Jan 26, 2017 at 11:47 am
He did not graduate, so no degree. He left when SMU was sanctioned.
Kevin B
Jan 26, 2017 at 12:13 pm
Interesting, I thought he did end up completing his degree, just not playing for them. Thanks for the correction MM.
3 metal stinger
Jan 26, 2017 at 2:24 pm
Kevin B stays holding these Ls
Kevin B
Jan 26, 2017 at 4:13 pm
Holding these L’s? Oh man, how old are we? 10? Good luck with everything 3 metal stinger, trolling the internet does no one any good. Best of luck.
3 metal stinger
Jan 26, 2017 at 4:29 pm
L
Tim
Jan 27, 2017 at 2:33 pm
Winning an NCAA title is like playing college football, what maybe one other future NFL player on the other team….NCAA title what maybe one or two future PGA players in the field? BS swings just do not stand up to the polished modern swings most PGA players display…there is a reason more swings look alike then different…they work more often then not.
Kevin B
Jan 25, 2017 at 4:43 pm
3 metal stinger – he has won a few tournaments with single length irons. Try again.
3 metal stinger
Jan 25, 2017 at 4:47 pm
Cool story bro, how about a tournament that someone actually cares about? E.g. PGA Tour/European Tour
Kevin B
Jan 25, 2017 at 5:01 pm
Plenty of people care about the Web.com and the NCAA tournaments. These are the up and coming players. Just because you chose to ignore them, and have some hatred towards BDC, no need to get all defensive.
3 metal stinger
Jan 25, 2017 at 5:36 pm
Notice how I referenced him having a tour card? That would mean that my “no wins” comment applies to the PGA Tour. Reading is hard, I know.
BP
Jan 25, 2017 at 5:03 pm
3MS-You can’t argue with a comment this arrogant and stupid.
Kevin B
Jan 25, 2017 at 5:21 pm
BP – how is my comment arrogant and stupid?
BP
Jan 25, 2017 at 5:47 pm
Sorry Kevin….that was for 3 metal stinger. You are spot on!
Kevin B
Jan 25, 2017 at 6:58 pm
No worries bud, hard to read the front page posts sometimes the way it is laid out. Have a good one.
3 metal stinger
Jan 27, 2017 at 10:21 pm
You can hold this L too
Bud
Jan 25, 2017 at 4:48 pm
Well he did win the US Amateur and the NCAA title year before last. (Which has only been accomplished by a very small, elite group…)And a Web.com event last year…He’s not done winning.
I don’t have a problem with what he’s doing. He’s thinking outside the box. The USGA is ran by stuffy, rich old white dudes who issue completely arbitrary rulings. If Bryson is pissing off the powers that be at the USGA, then he’s doing something right in my book.
bajaokie
Jan 25, 2017 at 9:03 pm
Agreed!
Alfredo Smith
Jan 25, 2017 at 11:31 pm
Agree also, and while we are bashing rules they need to rethink the rule where you can’t post your score if you play alone… and the stupid no music rule… sheesh
ScottC
Jan 26, 2017 at 2:15 pm
The “can’t post your score when you play alone” issue is a concession to the Rest of World (ROW) due the upcoming changes in the handicapping system (2018).
While the basis of the handicapping system will continue to be what we are used to in the USA, the USGA had to give some concessions to the ROW handicapping groups. In many parts of the world your handicap is based on tournament rounds or when playing with others who can corroborate your scores. Thus, the change here.
COGolfer
Jan 26, 2017 at 10:11 pm
Something far worse than playing alone is not being able to move from a divot in the fairway. Grounds under repair is definitely obvious, but the fact they haven’t made a rule on this in the last 100 years is hilarious.