The U.S. Putting Tour announced its position on the use of long putters, belly putters and other non-conventional putters this week by saying that it will allow only putters that are USGA approved.
While not a USGA event, the U.S. Putting Tour will adhere to USGA rules on both equipment and amateur status. The putting tour refers golfers to the U.S. Golf Association for questions on either issue. The USGA website has an Equipment Standards section and an Amateur Status rule.
"Golfers are asking us if they can use non-conventional putters because this isn't a USGA golf championship," said USPT founder, Jim Hartley. "Our answer is an absolute no; the USPT National Championship is our country's national
amateur putting championship and, as such, will adhere to USGA rules and guidelines."
The national putting tour includes local qualifying events that will take place around the country through the first nine months of 2011. The season will culminate in the year-end
national putting championship in late September in Carlsbad, California.
The national finals for the
putting competition will take place on the primary practice putting green at The Crossings in Carlsbad, the newest course among San Diego golf courses. Golfers participating in the championship will have the opportunity to play rounds of golf around their putting tournament schedule.
More information on the putting competition and the USPT's tournament rules can be found at the USPT website.
