‘We’re not doing this because we said (anchoring) is a great advantage. It may be advantageous for some, but this is fundamentally about what we think is the right thing for the game.’ – U.S. Golf Association executive director Mike Davis, on the proposed ban on anchored putting that would become effective January 2016.
‘We’re not going into a 90-day comment period lightly. We want to listen to what people have to say, and if something new comes up, we will certainly consider it. But I would stress this is not a popularity contest, not an election. As the governing body we are doing what we think is best for the game of golf, and this is our responsibility.’ – Royal & Ancient chief executive Peter Dawson, who along with the USGA is behind the proposed anchor ban.
‘I feel like the USGA has really put an X on our back and really shined a light on us, and I don’t know if that’s exactly fair. You know, I just hope that people look at us for the type of players that we are and the accomplishments that we’ve had and not because we use a belly putter, and now the USGA says it’s going to be illegal. When we started putting with it, they were legal, and they still are.’ – Keegan Bradley, who is at the center of the anchored putter controversy being the first player to win a major with one, at last year’s PGA Championship.
‘I’ve been catching such flak on Twitter and these other places. I had a guy yesterday telling me to send my application in to Burger King for 2016.’ – Bradley, again, joking about the flak he’s been receiving since the announcement of the ban. He went on to say he borrowed Tiger Woods’ putter this week on the practice green and made three of four putts from 10 feet.
‘I actually agree with both sides. I don’t think there’s a right or a wrong answer. There’s a lot of other fights in the game of golf that I’d rather focus my attention on.’ – Phil Mickelson, on the USGA’s proposed anchored putter ban. In early November, Mickelson called the potential ban ‘grossly unfair’ after allowing players to use, practice and play with for 30 years.
''This is what started it all for us. If we didn’t have this event, we wouldn’t have the learning center here in Orange County. It brought awareness to what we’re trying to do for kids. ... It’s important to me to help these people and give these kids a chance.’' – Tiger Woods, on keeping his World Challenge tournament in business for the foreseeable future. Chevron dropped out as the title sponsor after last year’s event and Woods put up $4 million of his own money this year to cover some of the operating costs.
''It shows what this event means to him. There’s a lot of things Tiger does that people don’t know about.’' – Steve Stricker, on friend Tiger Woods’ dedication to to the World Challenge, originally started in 1999 by Woods and his late father as a “showcase event” to raise money for his foundation.
‘McIlroy is an interesting case because he has not caught on as much as one might think with the American public. But he is certainly trending upward.’ – Peter Laatz, an executive for research firm Repucom, on the report that Tiger Woods still dominates the world No. 1 in generating media value for sponsors.
‘If you’ve got a bullet in the gun, you might as well use it.’ – Stuart Appleby, who will use the second of two exemptions based on his career earnings to keep his Tour card for the 2013 season. The 41-year-old has dealt with lingering back issues and cracked the top 20 only twice in 24 starts this season.
‘When I was younger, after I got my card on the Symetra Tour, I vowed that I would never have to go to Q-School. I would now say that nobody should be that arrogant. But now that I’m here, it has a very unique atmosphere. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity that everyone should do at least once ... just once.’ – Two-time LPGA winner Christina Kim, on her first appearance at Q-School.
‘Do they allow fivesomes?’ – Meen Whee Kim, 20, who led the final stage of PGA Q-School through three rounds, on being told he left his idol, Tiger Woods, out of his dream foursome. He included Ironman, James Bond and the Terminator.