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.
See in-hand photos of DeChambeau’s putter in our forums.
- LIKE389
- LEGIT28
- WOW93
- LOL44
- IDHT12
- FLOP15
- OB23
- SHANK102
|
- LIKE1
- LEGIT1
- WOW0
- LOL1
- IDHT1
- FLOP0
- OB0
- SHANK1
GolfWRX is on site this week in McKinney, Texas, at the 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson (FKA the AT&T Byron Nelson).
Last year at TPC Craig Ranch, Jason Day ended a five-year winless streak. J-Day is in the field again, as are Jordan Spieth, Tom Kim, and Will Zalatoris.
We have our usual assortment of general galleries, WITBs, and pullout albums for your perusal. As always, we’ll continue to add links to additional albums as they make their way to us from the Lone Star State.
Check out links to all our photos below.
General Albums
- 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson – Monday #1
- 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson – Monday #2
- 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson – Tuesday #1
- 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson – Tuesday #2
- 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson – Tuesday #3
WITB Albums
- Pierceson Coody – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Kris Kim – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- David Nyfjall – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Adrien Dumont de Chassart – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Jarred Jetter – North Texas PGA Section Champ – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Richy Werenski – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Wesley Bryan – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Parker Coody – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Peter Kuest – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Blaine Hale, Jr. – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Kelly Kraft – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Rico Hoey – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Pullout Albums
- Adam Scott’s 2 new custom L.A.B. Golf putters – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Scotty Cameron putters – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Ben Griffin playing Maxfli golf ball
See what GolfWRXers are saying in the forums.
- LIKE10
- LEGIT0
- WOW0
- LOL0
- IDHT0
- FLOP0
- OB0
- SHANK1
As anticipation mounts for the 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla in a few weeks, the PGA Tour makes a pit stop in McKinney, Texas to play The CJ CUP Byron Nelson.
Last year was the third time TPC Craig Ranch hosted the Byron Nelson. Prior to 2021, the event was held at Trinity Forest Golf Club in Dallas.
TPC Craig Ranch is a 7,414-yard par-71 that features Bentgrass greens. The event historically plays relatively easy, and that has remained the case in the three editions at TPC Craig Ranch.
The course structure may provide some additional intrigue with the par-3 17th featuring a stadium setup called “Ranch 17” which is reminiscent of the 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale. The course also has both long and difficult par-4s mixed with drivable par-4s, which should create some exciting moments.
There are 156 golfers in the field this week, and many stars will be taking the week off to prepare for 2023’s second major championship in a few weeks and a “signature event” at Quail Hollow next week. Notable players in the field include Jordan Spieth, Jason Day, Sungjae Im, Stephan Jaeger, Tom Kim, Si Woo Kim, Min Woo Lee, Alex Noren, Adam Scott and Will Zalatoris.
Past Winners of the AT&T Byron Nelson
- 2023: Jason Day (-23 at TPC Craig Ranch)
- 2022: K.H. Lee (-26 at TPC Craig Ranch)
- 2021: K.H. Lee (-25 at TPC Craig Ranch)
- 2019: Sung Kang (-23)
- 2018: Aaron Wise (-23)
- 2017: Billy Horschel (-12)
- 2016: Sergio Garcia (-15)
- 2015: Steven Bowditch (-18)
Key Stats at TPC Craig Ranch
Let’s take a look at five key metrics for TPC Craig Ranch to determine which golfers boast top marks in each category over their last 24 rounds.
Strokes Gained: Approach
Strokes Gained: Approach remains the best measure of current form.
Hot iron play will be at a premium this week. Last year, Jason Day gained 6.4 strokes on approach, which was fourth in the field. In 2022, K.H. Lee was ninth in the field in Strokes Gained: Approach, gaining 5.2 strokes. In his 2021 victory, he was second in the field and gained 8.3 strokes on the field in the category.
Strokes Gaines: Approach Over Past 24 Rounds
- Tom Hoge (+1.12)
- Keith Mitchell (+1.02)
- Henrik Norlander (+0.99)
- Ryan Moore (+0.98)
- Ben Martin (0.80)
Strokes Gained: Off the Tee
Fairways are wide at TPC Craig Ranch.
Distance will certainly be helpful, and there aren’t too many difficult holes on the course. Golfers who put themselves in position off of the tee this week should have a sizable advantage.
Strokes Gained: Off the Tee Over Past 24 Rounds
- Peter Kuest (+0.93)
- Kevin Daugherty (+0.91)
- Alejandro Tosti (+0.83)
- Keith Mitchell (+0.82)
- Kevin Tway (+0.74)
Birdie or Better %
There aren’t many hazards on the course, and all of the par-5s should be reachable in two for the majority of the players in the field. I am anticipating a birdie fest, and this statistic should be helpful in finding the birdie-makers.
Birdie or Better % Over Past 24 Rounds:
- Wesley Bryan (31%)
- Kelly Kraft (26.2%)
- Peter Kuest (25.9%)
- Matti Schmid (25.7%
- Jimmy Stanger (25.2%)
Strokes Gained: Putting (Bentgrass)
Many golfers on TOUR have some major putting surface variance in their statistics and prefer Bentgrass to other surfaces.
Bentgrass is common in Texas, and we often see golfers who play well in Texas continue to do so, finding a great feel around the greens.
Strokes Gained: Putting (Bentgrass) Over Past 24 Rounds:
- Maverick McNealy (+0.92)
- Aaron Baddeley (+0.87)
- Callum Tarren (+0.86)
- Harry Hall (+0.81)
- Nick Hardy (+0.69)
Course History
This statistic will tell us which players have performed the best at TPC Craig Ranch over the past three seasons.
Course History Over Past 12 Rounds:
- Jordan Spieth (+2.69)
- K.H. Lee (+2.59)
- Seamus Power (+1.84)
- Ryan Palmer (+1.76)
- Adam Scott (+1.72)
CJ CUP Byron Nelson Model Rankings
Below, I’ve compiled overall model rankings using a combination of the five key statistical categories previously discussed — SG: Approach (27%), SG: OTT (24%), Birdie or Better % (18%), Course History (17%) and SG: Putting Bentgrass (16%).
- Alex Noren
- Adam Scott
- Keith Mitchell
- Si Woo Kim
- Stephen Jaeger
- Jordan Spieth
- Jhonnatan Vegas
- Nate Lashley
- Brice Garnett
- Tom Hoge
2024 CJ CUP Byron Nelson Picks
Byeong Hun An +3000 (DraftKings)
Byeong Hun put together an excellent performance at The Masters, finishing T16, which ties his best ever finish at a major championship (also T16 at 2019 U.S. Open). The South Korean gained 9.16 strokes from tee to green, which ranked 2nd in the field behind only the champion, Scottie Scheffler.
An’s next start at Harbour Town didn’t go as well (67th), but he still had a fantastic ball striking week. The 32-year-old bled strokes both around and on the greens, which was his eventual undoing. In his past three starts, An has gained significant strokes on the field both off the tee and on approach.
Benny had a strong start at last year’s Byron Nelson, finishing in a tie for 14th. With limited challenges on the course, he shouldn’t have to do much scrambling. In his past 24 rounds, he ranks 17th in the field in Strokes Gained: Off the Tee and 17th in the field in birdie or better percentage. The putter is up and down per usual, but his ceiling putting weeks with his LAB Golf putter in 2024 are higher than they’ve been in past seasons.
An is starting to become my “white whale” of the PGA Tour, but I believe in his talent and TPC Craig Ranch is a course that should suit his excellent tee to green play.
Mackenzie Hughes +5500 (FanDuel)
Mackenzie Hughes is quietly putting together a very good season. He finished in a tie for 3rd at the Valspar Championship and followed that up with a T14 at the Texas Children’s Houston Open.
In his past 36 rounds in Texas, the Canadian ranks 5th in the field in Strokes Gained: Total. Last year, he finished in a tie for 14th at this event and gained strokes putting and off the tee. Mackenzie played well that week despite being in extremely poor form. He missed two cuts in a row prior to the event, and four consecutive cuts immediately after. His irons were off that week, but in 2024, we’ve seen an improvement in Hughes’ approach game. He now comes to the event playing some steady golf. He’s gained strokes on approach in four of his past five events and is hitting the ball very well from tee to green.
Hughes has two victories on the PGA Tour, both coming in relatively low-scoring affairs (-17 in each). He will need to go a bit deeper to win the CJ Cup Byron Nelson but has the type of putter that can keep pace in a birdie barrage.
Seamus Power +7000 (FanDuel)
After struggling over the past few seasons with injuries, Seamus Power seems as if he is rounding back into the form that made him a really consistent player on the PGA Tour.
Power finished T12 in his most recent start at the RBC Heritage, which is encouraging considering it was a “signature event” with a very strong field. For the week, the Irishman gained 4.4 strokes on approach and 2.8 strokes putting, which is the combination he’s used in the past to contend on Tour.
In his three trips to TPC Craig Ranch, Power is yet to finish outside of the top-20, with his best finish being a T9 in 2019. He ranks 4th in Strokes Gained: Total at the course. The 37-year-old thrives on easy tracks and has won in 2021 (Barbasol Championship) and 2022 (Butterfield Bermuda) on easier layouts with weaker fields.
Power has the game to go extremely low and I believe he can get back in the winner’s circle for the third time in four years.
Chan Kim +10000 (FanDuel)
Chan Kim has been striking the ball beautifully this season and is a proven winner with two wins on the Korn Ferry Tour in 2023 as well as eight career Japan Tour wins.
At last week’s Zurich Classic, Kim and his partner Doug Ghim finished in a tie for 28th. Prior to that, the South Korean T14 at the Valero Texas Open and T6 at the Corales Puntacana Championship. His success this season in Texas as well as he propensity to play his best golf on the PGA Tour’s easier courses make him and ideal fit for TPC Craig Ranch.
2024 has given plenty of longshot winners on the PGA Tour, and with a birdie fest like this, I believe there’s a strong chance we get another this week in McKinney, Texas.
Alejandro Tosti +10000 (FanDuel)
Alejandro Tosti is one of the most polarizing players on the PGA Tour thus far in the 2024 season. His antics can rub many the wrong way, but he’s shown on a few occasions that he has what it takes to compete in Tour events.
This season, Tosti has been elite off the tee. In his past 24 rounds, he ranks 2nd in Strokes Gained: Off the Tee. The Argentine hits it long and straight, which works at any course on earth. He got a taste of contention a few starts ago at the Texas Children’s Houston Open, finishing in a tie for 2nd place.
Tosti had a fantastic year in 2023 on the Korn Ferry Tour, where going low is a prerequisite to success. If this turns to a shootout, which it likely will, the 27-year-old has the ability to set the pace. Tosti will look to become the second Argentine to win in Texas in the past two seasons after Emiliano Grillo emerged victorious at last year’s Charles Schwab Challenge.
C.T. Pan +15000 (FanDuel)
Outside of a T3 at the Mexico Open, C.T. Pan doesn’t have strong results this season in terms of finishes. However, over his past two starts, Pan’s iron play has come alive. At The Players, he gained 6.6 strokes on approach. At the Valero Texas Open, he gained 3.7. At last week’s Zurich Classic, Pan and his partner Kevin Yu finished T28. For a player who can get extremely hot with his scoring clubs, I believe he’s playing better than the results have shown over the past month or so.
Last season, Pan finished 4th at TPC Craig Ranch and was spectacular across all the major stat categories. In his past 36 qualifying rounds, he ranks 16th in Strokes Gained: Total in Texas.
Pan has won on the PGA Tour at the RBC Heritage and is always a player that I believe has what it takes to win on a Sunday if he finds himself in contention.
- LIKE16
- LEGIT11
- WOW3
- LOL0
- IDHT0
- FLOP3
- OB0
- SHANK4
Dave Portnoy places monstrous outright bet for the 2024 Masters
John Daly stuns fans into silence with brutal opening tee shot on PGA Tour Champions
Things got heated at the Houston Open between Tony Finau and Alejandro Tosti. Here’s why
Justin Thomas on the equipment choice of Scottie Scheffler that he thinks is ‘weird’
Tiger Woods arrives at 2024 Masters equipped with a putter that may surprise you
‘Absolutely crazy’ – Major champ lays into Patrick Cantlay over his decision on final hole of RBC Heritage
Report: Tiger Woods has ‘eliminated sex’ in preparation for the 2024 Masters
Two star names reportedly blanked Jon Rahm all week at the Masters
Report: LIV Golf identifies latest star name they hope to sign to breakaway tour
Neal Shipley presser ends in awkward fashion after reporter claims Tiger handed him note on 8th fairway
Taylor Pendrith’s winning WITB: 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Driver: Ping G430 LST (9 degrees) Buy here. Shaft: Accra TZ Six ST 3-wood: Ping G430 Max (15 degrees) Buy here....
Ben Kohles WITB 2024 (May)
Driver: Titleist TSR3 (9 degrees, D1 SureFit setting) Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Blue 6 X 3-wood: TaylorMade Stealth Plus (15 degrees)...
Kris Kim WITB 2024 (May)
Kris Kim what’s in the bag accurate as of the CJ Cup Byron Nelson. More photos from the event here....
Richy Werenski WITB 2024 (May)
Richy Werenski what’s in the bag accurate as of the CJ Cup Houston Open. Driver: Titleist TSR3 (10 degrees, D1...
-
19th Hole2 weeks agoJustin Thomas on the equipment choice of Scottie Scheffler that he thinks is ‘weird’
-
19th Hole2 weeks ago‘Absolutely crazy’ – Major champ lays into Patrick Cantlay over his decision on final hole of RBC Heritage
-
19th Hole3 weeks agoReport: LIV Golf identifies latest star name they hope to sign to breakaway tour
-
19th Hole3 weeks agoNeal Shipley presser ends in awkward fashion after reporter claims Tiger handed him note on 8th fairway
-
19th Hole3 weeks agoBrandel Chamblee has ‘no doubt’ who started the McIlroy/LIV rumor and why
-
19th Hole1 week agoLET pro gives detailed financial breakdown of first week on tour…and the net result may shock you
-
Equipment3 weeks agoJason Day on his recent switch into Srixon ZX5 and ZX7 Mk II irons
-
19th Hole5 days agoGary Player claims this is what ‘completely ruined’ Tiger Woods’ career
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.