Golf adopts rule to ban anchored putting stroke

[May 21, 2013]  (AP) -- Golf's governing bodies have adopted a new rule that outlaws the putting stroke used by four of the last six major champions.

The Royal & Ancient Golf Club and U.S. Golf Association announced Tuesday that Rule 14-1b would start in 2016. The new rule will make it illegal to anchor the club against the body when making a golf stroke.

By adopting the rule, they are going against two major golf organizations that argue long putters are not hurting the game. The PGA Tour and PGA of America spoke out against the rule.

R&A chief executive Peter Dawson feels otherwise. He says he believes the rule is the right decision for golf. The rule does not ban the long putters, only the way they commonly are used.

[Associated Press; By DOUG FERGUSON]

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