Golf: Putter patter begins; Harry Lauder delay

First Keegan Bradley at the USPGA Championship last 
August, then Webb Simpson at the US Open last month, now an Open one-two of Ernie Els and Adam Scott.

The link? They have all used long putters – although the list may not get much longer.

Peter Dawson, chief executive of the Royal and Ancient Club, confirmed at Royal Lytham yesterday that they and the United States Golf Association, the sport’s other ruling body, are discussing a ban.

“This decision has not been taken, but I think we are going to say something in a few months rather than years,” Dawson said.

“There are further discussions to be had, but if the rule is changed it would come into effect on January 1 2016.

The Rules of Golf are reviewed every four years and that is when the new rulebook is due.

“Let me say that the Open Championship result does not have a direct bearing on the discussions about long and belly putters.

“They were going on well 
before what has happened.”

n HEAVY rain delayed the start of the knock-out stages of the annual Harry Lauder golf 
trophy at Portobello last night. It is hoped to begin tonight and use a rest day tomorrow to get back on track.