I'll admit that I didn't see or hear Bubba's comments, but my first thought is that he probably had a big smile on his face when he said it. He's 9 strokes back, and realistically has no chance to win tomorrow. I don't think he'd make a comment like that if he really meant it. I could be wrong, but I have to believe that his comments were definitely tongue-in-cheek.
As for the long putter debate, I don't think we'll ever agree on this, but I have no problem with them. If they really did "carry an unfair advantage", why wouldn't more players be using them? If we do see the USGA and/or the R&A step forward with a ban of some type, I think you'll see the it with belly putters, due to the fact that their use includes the anchoring of the putter to some part of the body (e.g., the belly). It'll be curious to see if something is done in the next year or two, particularly in light of the fact that a couple of recent majors were won with belly putters.

 

 

I am disappointed in the 141th Open Championship.   This major is playing easy and just like Rory's win @ Congressional last year, it's because once again the weather ran away & hid.  If the heat & humidity had surfaced last year @ Congressional and the wind & rain appeared this year @ Royal Lytham, no way Adam would be going into the final round with a score of -11 or Rory would have won his major with a score of -16.    But, I am glad Adam will be playing with Graeme because McDowell will play like a determined bulldog and keep the pressure on Adam from their very first shots.   

What rule(s) of golf covers the type of golf clubs acceptable for play on the PGA Tour, @ the Masters and on other golf tours worldwide?   

Before Adam Scott switched to a broomstick (per Curtis Strange) putter, was Scott required to get approval from the USGA, PGA or R&A etc?     

Do you think any golfer would bring a lawsuit against the USGA, R&A etc. if in 2016 they ban the belly or broomstick etc. putters?

I totally agree with you and it is so interesting reading all the comments  in this thread.  Before the tournament, they practiced in horrible weather conditions and it is well known that the weather (and the bunkers) make links golf  very challenging. Snedecker's score yesterday and Adam's today, illustrate that the course is definitely not playing as a  major, same as at Congressional. Having said that, all golfers have the same opportunity to score low. Perhaps, the course will bare its teeth tomorrow, but as Tiger said, they have been wrong every day about the weather.

I do not mind Adam Scott. He grew up adoring Tiger and went as far as copying  his swing. Sometimes, he plays well and at others, he doesn't.  He seems like a decent person but I was upset when he had the opportunity to "correct" Steve Williams when he made a racist comment about Tiger..but  he said nothing. I suppose he didn't want to lose him as a caddy but in a sense, he was condoning it. Should he win tomorrow, all power to him but  I would resent the way Steve would gloat because he beat Tiger. BUT tomorrow is another day, and there are others who could win, including Tiger. Personaly, I don't find it physicaly attractive looking at someone using the belly putter.... I do feel that it  gives a golfer an unfair advantage as it is anchored to their body. It is well documented that Adam did not putt well before he changed to the belly putter...but as others mentioned, it is legal. Several times during the tournament, announcers alluded to the fact that the R&A are looking into it but a decision wouldn't be made until 2016 I think.

It is all weather dependent. If the weather stays the same I think the winner will be at -14 so that means Tiger needs to shoot a 62 to have a chance. That's just my take on it. If the wind picks up I think the winner will be at -9 or -10 so Tiger would only need a 66 to be in the thick of things IMHO.

GO TIGER! BEAT 18!!!!!!!!!

You are right VG. Tiger knows best. You and I certainly know how a golf game can go south in a hurry. One minute you are thinking "by george, I have this figured out" and the next minute you are scratching your head in bewilderment. What a great game!!!!!

GO TIGER! BEAT 18!!!!!!!

P.S. Glad you agree with me regarding the long putters.

As numerous people have said it's not cheating because it's allowed under the rules.   The entire subject is under review by both the USGA and the R & A and it's more likely now that these clubs will be restricted.   By restricted I mean that there will be gandfathering for players using the club today,  but no new users.  How do you take away a club that a player has been playing with potentially for a number of years and then force them to use something different.   The issue works both ways.

I would be shocked if there is an outright ban,  don't think it will happen

Thanks UPT, I do appreciate and respect your comments about the belly putters and long putters. There still are some great golfers that have them, no doubt. :)  Also, I don't have anything really against Adam, he seems like a nice guy. :) But it's just the darn guy on the bag! lol Can't stand him. On another note, I think Tiger has something special in store for us tomorrow!! :) I like the game plan, but I do think it is time for him to pull driver on 11, 13, and 16 depending on wind direction, etc. But I trust Tiger to do the right thing as always. lol Should be interesting. :)

I actually read his comment on the PGA website this morning but now it isn't there anymore. However, I did copy this quote from the Open Championship website so you are probably correct. He was kidding around. I wish when they put a quote like that on a website that they would tell you that. Otherwise it makes the person who made the quote look really bad because you can't see them or hear them to know they are joking.

Anyway, here is the quote that was on the Open Championship website:

Bubba Watson, tied for 10th after shooting two under
Asked if he enjoys seeing a leaderboard full of Americans: “Well, obviously, no. I’d rather it be me on the leaderboard. Who cares about the other people?”

I am pretty sure that was said as a joke.

Well.....they did with irons......changed regulations on grooves.....and not grandfathered!