'Anchored' putting set for 2016 ban by Royal & Ancient, US Golf Association
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In this Sept. 22, 2011, file photo, Keegan Bradley putts on the third green during the first round of the Tour Championship golf tournament at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta. Webb Simpson and Keegan Bradley, two of the major faces in the debate over belly putters, said Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2012, they would not fight a change in the rules if golf's governing bodies decide to outlaw putters anchored to the body. -- PHOTO: AP
LONDON (AFP) - "Anchored" putting, whereby the club is pivoted by a player's belly or chest, is set to be outlawed by 2016, world golf's two law-making bodies announced Wednesday.
In a joint statement, the Royal & Ancient (R&A) and the United States Golf Association (USGA) unveiled proposed changes to the sport's rules that would prevent players 'anchoring' the club in making a putting stroke.
The proposed rule would prohibit strokes made in such a way but would not alter existing equipment rules which allow for the use of so-called 'belly' or 'long-handled' putters.
However, the R&A and the USGA said that prior to taking a final decision they would "consider any further comments and suggestions from throughout the golf community".
