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PGA Tour issues anchor putting ban

Officials from the tour announced the ban on Monday night saying that a single set of rules for acceptable strokes in professional competitions

02 July 2013 1 minute read PGA Tour issues anchor putting ban

Officials from the tour announced the ban on Monday night saying that a single set of rules for acceptable strokes in professional competitions worldwide was "desirable and would avoid confusion".

The European Tour, R&A and the USGA had already backed the ban following a consultation process.

A number of players including the 2013 US Masters champion Adam Scott are considering legal action against the tour.

Scott became the first player to win the Masters with a long putter. The other three men's majors have also seen a player lift the trophy since 2011, using an unconventional putting stroke.

Yet, the Australian suggested in May that he would accept any ruling against using an anchored putting stroke. "If I have to separate the putter a millimetre from my chest, then I'll do that," he said.

However, other players are unlikely to accept the ban so easily. "We do have legal counsel. We're going to explore our options. We're not going to just roll over and accept this," South Africa's Tim Clark told reporters at the Crowne Plaza Invitational at the end of May.

Should their appeal fail, players pulling on their golf clothing at the curtain raising Hyundai Tournament of Champions in January 2016 will be barred for carrying one of the so-called belly, neck or broomhandle putters in their bags.

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