"Beggars Belief" - Tour Coach Slams "Ridiculous" Rule Change

Figures in the golfing world gave their thoughts on the new rule change, which will see professionals hampered on the greens.

Phil Kenyon gives views on new putting rules
(Image credit: Getty Images)

The golfing world has seen a number of rules changes in the past week or so, with the main talking point being the restrictions on green reading books.

As of January 1, 2022, players and caddies in PGA Tour events will have restricted usage of their green and yardage books. They will be allowed to include handwritten notes about greens and slopes, but must do so using only information gained from their own eyes, and not with the aid of levels or other slope-reading technology. 

In the released statement from the PGA Tour, it also noted that "In addition to this new Local Rule, a Tournament Regulation will be amended to extend the prohibition on using any device to test the conditions of the putting greens to include all practice greens, and during all official practice rounds and Pro-Ams."

Phil Kenyon's Instagram post on the new ruling

(Image credit: Instagram: @philkenyonputting)

In the statement, Kenyon, who has worked with the likes of Rory McIlroy, Brooks Koepka and Justin Rose, branded the ruling "ridiculous" and "stupid."

He even went on to say, "Sadly once again the governing bodies haven’t thought it through well enough in my opinion. Let’s pick on putting. Let’s avoid the real issues. How far the ball goes and slow play."

It wasn't just Kenyon who had this view, with Bryson DeChambeau commenting "Couldn't agree more with your take," and 2015 BMW PGA Championship winner, Byeong-hun An, saying "I like how they banned greenbooks during tournament play but I don’t understand why they banned using practice devices during practice round."

With the positive step of restricting green books, only time will tell how this device rule change will affect the game. Initially, it seems that players and coaches certainly aren't in support...

Matt Cradock
Staff Writer

Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover news and social media.

Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round is a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine.

Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?

Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°

Fairway Wood: Ping G430 LST 15°, 19°

Irons: TaylorMade P7CB

Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°

Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero

Ball: Titleist Pro V1