The PGA Tour has announced its support of the USGA's proposal to outlaw anchored putting strokes from the professional game from the beginning of 2016.
PGA officials had previously resisted the rule alteration, but have changed their stance following long deliberations with its Player Advisory Council and Policy Board members.
This U-turn means that there should now be a universal ban across all of the tours, including the lucrative American circuit, run by the PGA, who are still campaigning for anchored putters to be allowed in the amateur game.
A PGA statement read: "The PGA Tour Policy Board today acknowledged that the USGA's ban on anchored strokes, known as Rule 14-1b, will apply to PGA Tour competitions beginning on January 1, 2016."
"In making this acknowledgement, the Policy Board also passed a resolution strongly recommending, along with the PGA of America, that the USGA consider extending the time period in which amateurs would be permitted to utilise anchored strokes beyond January 1, 2016."
Adam Scott was the latest to benefit from an anchored putter in a Major-winning effort, triumphing at the Masters earlier this year.
Joe Fish
