Anchored putter debate: European Tour statement

The European Tour has aligned itself with the R&A and USGA and expressed its support for the proposed rule change (14-1b) prohibiting anchored strokes.

PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem announced two weeks ago the PGA Tour was opposed to such a change, but the European Tour hasn't followed suit.

The announcement from European Tour Chief Executive George O'Grady follows statements from both the R&A and USGA in response to the closing of the 90-day consultation period.

"The European Tour has been fully involved in the consultation process which ended on February 28th, and deeply value this involvement. Our Members support the unique role played by the governing bodies in formulating the Rules of Golf," he said.

"Additionally, virtually all of our Tournament Committee and player representatives support the proposed rule even though they are aware, and have taken into account, the fact that some Members and especially our Senior Members use the anchored method.

"We understand the points put forward by the PGA Tour and the PGA of America and respect and sympathise with their views, which are based on their experience and the evidence before them, and have been expressed with great concern for the game. The whole issue has received far greater focus and comment in the United States than in the rest of the world, perhaps because of the numbers of their golfers using the anchored method, and the set up in general terms of their golf courses and the firmness and speed of their greens."