'Anchored' putting set for 2016 ban by Royal & Ancient, US Golf Association

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".