Anchored stroke ban remains divisive
Decision ends fierce debate on whether the putting method provides an unfair advantage, and the effect of a ban on the game at large
The decision by golf's two governing bodies to outlaw the anchored putting stroke used by four of the last six major champions ends six months of sometimes rancorous debate.
The Royal and Ancient Golf Club and the US Golf Association adopted rule 14-1b, which prohibits players from anchoring a club against their bodies, to be applied from 2016, and urged the PGA Tour to follow along so the 600-year-old sport is still played under one set of rules.
It's really important that the PGA Tour - and all the professional tours - continue to follow one set of rules
"We strongly believe that this rule is for the betterment of the game," USGA President Glen Nager said. "Rule 14-1b protects one of the important challenges in the game - the free swing of the entire club."
The rule was opposed by the PGA Tour and the PGA of America, which contended that the stroke commonly used for long putters was not hurting the game and there was no statistical proof that it was an advantage.
"We recognise this has been a divisive issue, but after thorough consideration, we remain convinced that this is the right decision for golf," R&A chief executive Peter Dawson said at European Tour headquarters outside London.
The next step - and perhaps the most important step - is for the PGA Tour to follow the new rule or decide to establish its own condition of competition that would allow players to anchor the long putters. Most believe that would lead to chaos in golf. If a special condition were allowed for the PGA Tour, it would mean players could not use the anchored stroke at the US Open and British Open. Augusta National is likely to follow the new rule at the Masters.