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Change of tack: Tim Finchem and the PGA Tour have now agreed to accept the ban on anchoring 

World’s richest professional circuit agrees to adopt controversial ruling

The PGA Tour has backed down from its opposition to the anchoring ban announced in May by the R&A and USGA.

Having originally been vehemently opposed to the proposed ruling, the tour has now acquiesced and confirmed that it will implement the rule in its events from January 1, 2016, when it comes into effect.

In a statement, tour commissioner Tim Finchem said the decision to adopt the controversial ruling had been made after a meeting of the PGA Tour Policy Board.

“In making its decision, the Policy Board recognised that there are still varying opinions among our membership but ultimately concluded that while it is an important issue, a ban on anchored strokes would not fundamentally affect a strong presentation of our competitions or the overall success of the PGA Tour,” said Finchem.

“The Board also was of the opinion that having a single set of rules on acceptable strokes applicable to all professional competitions worldwide was desirable and would avoid confusion.”

Finchem added: “Although the Board has elected to follow the USGA in this case at the elite level, it continues to be mindful of its responsibility to review future rule changes that might be adopted by the USGA in order to determine whether they should apply to PGA Tour competitions.”

Submitting to the rule change is an embarrassing climbdown for the tour which was one of the most vocal opponents to the anchoring ban. Indeed, it had even been suggested that it might introduce a local rule at its events to get around the ruling. On that note, Finchem had a word of warning for the R&A and USGA

“It is not inconceivable that there may come a time in the future when the Policy Board determines that a rule adopted by the USGA, including in the area of equipment, may not be in the best interests of the PGA Tour and that a local rule eliminating or modifying such a USGA rule may be appropriate,” he added.

“Having said that, we have been assured by the USGA that as we move forward we will have an open and effective communication process on a number of levels with the decision makers at the USGA.

“Importantly, this will include a direct communication between the Commissioner’s Office of the PGA Tour and the USGA Executive Committee. Such a process will ensure that our position is fully and carefully considered and addressed in future rule making.”

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Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

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