Players Refuse To Roll Over On Bellys

In a week of arguments and feuds another is on the horizon concerning the proposed rule changes over belly putters.

South African Tim Clark says he is among "a fair number" of players taking legal advice over plans to ban the anchoring of putters.

The R&A and USGA confirmed on Tuesday that the ban will come into effect from 1 January 2016, with Rule 14-1b approved after consideration of comments and suggestions made during the 90-day consultation process.

Legal action from players who use anchored strokes had long been mooted with four of the past six majors being won by players with long or belly putters, Clark said: "We do have legal counsel. We're going to explore our options. We're not going to just roll over and accept this."

Clark, who has used the anchored putting technique since college, said "a fair number" of other players were exploring their legal options and felt the consultation period was "all smoke and mirrors".

The American Webb Simpson, who won the US Open last year with an anchored putter, feels players should have more input into the rules, but also wrote on Twitter: "What am I going to do? Well I always use short putter at home to make sure my set up is same. So I will keep practicing and see what the Tour says. I was going to maybe switch at some point anyways, whatever will make me better!"

For all the latest news, reviews and a lot, lot more from the world of golf, click here for the latest edition of Golf Punk Magazine.