USGA, R&A Announce Anchored Putting Ban, Effective In '16

The USGA and the R&A this morning announced a ban on anchored putting, beginning on January 1, 2016. USGA President Glen Nager said the use of anchored putters has “generated serious division within the game and among players about whether those who anchor play the same game and face the same challenges.” Nager: “Such divisiveness is corrosive to a game that's based on sportsmanship." USGA Exec Dir Mike Davis added, “This is not an equipment rule, this is a playing rule.”

Golf Channel's Kelly Tilghman said, "We can assure you that you are going to see some pushback over the next couple of hours. We already have commentary pouring in from manufacturers and also from leaders of other industries that are very important to the game of golf." Golf World's Tim Rosaforte added there will be players “lawyering up" (Golf Channel, 5/21).