The ban on square grooves doesn't take effect until 2024, how are professional golfers dealing with that?

If some sort of rule is enacted, there will almost certainly be some sort of bifurcation of the rule with professional golf being affected no later than the 2014 season.

BO

i like to hear that!

announcement anticipated tomorrow

Yep, teleconference with R&A and USGA at 1330 GMT.

This will be released in 90 mins....

"The proposed Rule 14-1b, which follows an extensive review by the R&A and the USGA, would prohibit strokes made with the club or a hand gripping the club held directly against the player’s body, or with a forearm held against the body to establish an anchor point that indirectly anchors the club.

"The proposed new rule would not alter current equipment rules and would allow the continued use of all conforming golf clubs, including belly-length and long putters, provided such clubs are not anchored during a stroke.

"The proposed rule narrowly targets only a few types of strokes, while preserving a golfer’s ability to play a wide variety of strokes in his or her individual style."

Oh boy...

LOL at the notion that the long putter is allowed, you just can't anchor it.

Mega retarded decision. Nearly every talking head as well as the PGA of America have said it would be a bad change for the game but the USGA and R&A seem adamant about it regardless.

Strangely worded kneejerk ruling. It's clear they were afraid of lawsuits so they didn't actually ban the long putter or belly putter, just made it against the rules to use them in their usual way.

I'd rather they took a look at pace of play and the absurd distance that the ball goes these days.

Rory Mcilroy ‏@McIlroyRory
Because I don't NEED to.... "@Jamessharp18: @McIlroyRory If they are such an advantage why havent you started to use one?"

Rory Mcilroy ‏@McIlroyRory
Fully agree with the anchoring ban. Better image for the game of golf, skill and nerves are all part of the game. Level playing field in '16

I like it, just 40 years too late. Violates the spirit of a "stroke" imo.

so exactly how does this shorten the length of rounds and reduce green fees again?

oh sorry, i thought this rule was about making the game better.nm

Ridiculous. I have used long putter for ten years. To take that away doesn't feel right. Don't wait until some unknowns win a major to start a campaign.

If it was so easy, why didn't Adam Scott win the British Open?

This was ain't over!

Great ruling. Very happy about this.

Let's get rid of hybrids too. Not traditional at all to have a 5-hybrid. Going to ban that next.