Putters From Heaven - An Organization Founded by Golfers and other Putters

Putters From Heaven®

This is a copy of the letter we sent to the PGA regarding the "smoking allowed" rule on the PGA Tour and broadcasting it to millions watching on TV.

We are a group of golfers that formed an organization called Putters From Heaven about 7 years ago. Our objectives are to help a variety of individuals, in many different ways. One of our main objectives is to help smokers who would like to stop, and to educate as many kids as possible from ever starting.

It is becoming more and more disheartening to see PGA Tour Professionals smoking WHILE they are playing. Many aspiring golfers are learning this behavior and forming indelible opinions of smoking while watching some of their favorite golfers at PGA/USGA events. Although, much worse than that, is that it's being broadcast on television to millions more, and is a billion dollar advertisement for the tobacco industry.

Although television stations are responsible for their commentators, many often remark with comments such as, the player must be nervous, and their smoking is calming their nerves. We believe this is totally irresponsible, and as we know, is absolutely untrue. Smoking is a stimulant, it speeds up the heartrate, and is not a relaxant. It's only calming effects are to relieve the nicotine withdrawals that the body suffers every few minutes.

From the rules standpoint alone, it's almost unheard of that a professional sports organization like the PGA/USGA has not banned smoking during competition a long time ago. From the standpoint of conduct of a PGA/USGA professional, it seems like a no-brainer that the players not be allowed to smoke while they are representing the PGA in their official duties as a golfer. I believe there is no better group of athletes/role models in ANY professional sport, yet I believe golfing may be the only professional sport that still allows smoking by it's members during competition. As a former professional bowler, I had to give it up due to secondhand smoke about 10 years ago. However, even PBA bowlers aren't allowed to smoke WHILE bowling or when representing the PBA in a public domain.

We believe it's time to address the "smoking allowed" rule and for the PGA/USGA to take responsibility in making a rule change. We believe this must be done despite any opposition or monies lost from the tobacco industry.

We kindly ask that you please reply to our concerns. Thank you very much.

Sincerely,

Robert McDonough
Founder, Putters From Heaven

E-mail our office here.