FILE - In this Aug. 17, 2012 file photo, Tim Clark, of South Africa, putts on the ninth green during the second round of the Wyndham Championship golf tournament in Greensboro, N.C. Keegan Bradley and Clark are the faces in this emerging showdown over the anchored stroke used for long putters. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome, File)
March 01, 2013 - 6:45 AM
ST. ANDREWS, Scotland - A plan to outlaw the anchored putting stroke is being supported more by international golfers than those in the United States, the Royal & Ancient Golf Club said Friday.
The R&A and U.S. Golf Association announced the proposed rule on Nov. 28. Because it is a sensitive issue, they allowed a 90-day comment period that ended Thursday.
"We note that this matter has proved particularly sensitive in the United States, while the proposed rule change has been received more favourably across the international golfing community," the R&A said in a statement.
The PGA Tour and PGA of America have announced their opposition to banning the anchored stroke, the common method for using belly putters and long putters that are pressed against the chest. No other tour or golf organization around the world has publicly stated its opposition.
The governing bodies released separate statements Friday that they will evaluate the comments before deciding whether to adopt the rule.
Three of the last five major champions have used belly putters.
News from © The Associated Press, 2013