Anchored putters banned from 2016

The R&A and United States Golf Association have agreed to ban anchored putters from 2016 in the adoption of Rule 14-1b in the Rules of Golf.

The Rule to prohibit the anchoring of putters was proposed in November last year and has now been officially approved by the R&A and the USGA.

It will come into effect on January 1, 2016 when the four-year cycle of Rule changes next comes around.

"We took a great deal of time to consider this issue and received a variety of contributions from individuals and organisations at all levels of the game," Sky Sports News quotes the chief executive of the R&A, Peter Dawson, as saying.

"The report published today gives a comprehensive account of the reasons for taking the decision to adopt the new Rule and addresses the concerns that have been raised.

"We recognise this has been a divisive issue but after thorough consideration we remain convinced that this is the right decision for golf."

The PGA revealed earlier this year that they were opposed to the ban.