Golf's rulemakers say they want to outlaw controversial long putters by 2016 in order to preserve the "skill and challenge" of putting.
Broomhandle or belly putters, pioneered by the former European Ryder Cup captain Sam Torrance among others in the late 1980s, are often tucked under the chin, against the chest or stomach and swung in a pendulum fashion, helping to reduce the effects of nerves when lining up a putt.
They've become increasing popular on the pro tours, and have been used by three of the last five major chamionship winners.
Some players, including the young American Keegan Bradley, the first player to win a major using the anchoring technique, have already voiced their opposition to the proposed ban.
