Proposed ban on anchoring long putters from 2016
28th November 2012

Three of golf's last five major champions will not be able to continue putting as they do from 2016 under a proposed rule change announced today.

What would be one of the biggest alterations in decades to the way golf is played was finally revealed by the ruling Royal and Ancient Club and United States Golf Association after months of deliberations.

Keegan Bradley switched to a belly putter just after turning pro in 2008 because "it felt more comfortable"

But with a number of leading players having complained about the planned move, the final decision has still to be taken and both the R&A and the USGA "will consider any further comments and suggestions from throughout the golf community".

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Under the proposal, long putters like those used by Keegan Bradley, Webb Simpson and Ernie Els could still be put in the bag in four years' time, but could not be anchored to the body.

The ruling bodies said in a statement: "The proposed Rule 14-1b, which follows an extensive review by the R&A and the USGA, would prohibit strokes made with the club or a hand gripping the club held directly against the player's body, or with a forearm held against the body to establish an anchor point that indirectly anchors the club.