USGA, R&A Today Announce Proposal To Ban Anchoring Of Club

The USGA and the R&A this morning announced a proposal to prohibit the anchoring of a club. The organizations will listen to objections for three months before a final vote is taken next spring. The proposed rule change would take effect on Jan. 1, 2016. R&A CEO Peter Dawson said the proposal came about because anchored strokes “threaten to supplant traditional strokes.” USGA Exec Dir Mike Davis said belly putters and long putters will still be allowed (“Morning Drive,” Golf Channel, 11/28).

Prior to the proposal coming down, Golfer Keegan Bradley sought to clarify remarks about his position on the ban. Bradley: "I never said the word 'sue'; I never said the words 'legal action.' Somehow it got twisted around into that" (GOLFCHANNEL.com, 11/27).