Capelle On Golf

PGA Championship Coverage

Golf is on the verge of a crisis. Should J.B. Holmes, the 36 hole leader, or Sean O’Hair, who is three back, win the PGA, they could usher in the widespread usage on tour of a technique that violates the very spirit of the game.

When putting, they often have their caddy crouch behind them and inform them when they are aiming correctly. Then he moves away before the stroke is made as the rules require. Though this practice is within the rules, it shouldn’t be because it crosses the line from giving advice to assisting with the shot.

The rule makers have ignored the fact that lining up correctly is one of the most important skills in game, and especially so in putting. Jack Nicklaus, in fact, once said that “the best players are the best aimers.” He did not say “caddies.”

Using a caddy for this purpose is an artificial aid, and the practice should be abolished as soon as possible. Furthermore, it shouldn’t take the USGA long to enact a ban because it will mostly affect the pros (amateurs seldom use caddies) and there are no manufacturers or expensive lawsuits to worry about. Besides, there is a precedent for banning non-traditional methods of putting. In 1967 it took the USGA less than a year to ban Sam Snead’s croquet style of putting.

It is a mystery in the first place that the rules even permit this practice – but no player of any prominence has ever used his caddy this way so I suppose the rule makers have never thought to ban a crime no one had ever committed.

I would wager that if Woods’ putting with the traditional method was so bad he couldn’t compete, he would quit first before resorting to this method because it violates the spirit of the game. In fact, I’m surprised Woods hasn’t spearheaded a move to have caddy line ups banned considering that he’s come out against drugs and slow play (after playing against the tortoise like Holmes).

If you haven’t had an opportunity to see this practice before, you’ll get plenty of chances on Saturday because Holmes will be in the featured last pairing. O’Hair could also garner plenty of coverage if he hangs around the leaderboard. In fact, O’Hair, with four top 15s in the majors, does better in the big events than Holmes, who’s best in the majors is a 25t. As a result, O’Hair could become the featured player while the super fidgety Holmes might be expected to implode.

I’d be interested in what you think about their practice of using their caddies to line them up for putts. If you agree that the USGA’s rules committee should put an end to this nonsense, write them at: rules@usga.org.

As for the PGA Championship, I will spend the weekend enjoying the golf and cheering for my favorites. I will also be rooting for the demise of two players who threaten to win a major using this technique and, in the process, destroy the integrity of our great game.