( CNN ) -- Golf 's governing bodies have ruled that the use of controversial anchored putters will be banned from 2016 , following several months of consultation that drew strong U.S. opposition to the planned change . The United States Golf Association ( USGA ) and the R & A on Tuesday ratified the decision by changing golf 's rulebook , despite formal complaints from the U.S. PGA Tour and the PGA of America . Professional golfers now have until January 1 , 2016 to adapt their putting style to comply with the new regulations . Adam Scott was the latest major winner to use an anchored putter -- where the top of the club rests on the belly or another body part -- on his way to a sensational playoff victory at the Masters in April . American Keegan Bradley was the first player to capture a major using a long putter at the 2011 PGA Championship , with compatriot Webb Simpson , winner of the 2012 U.S. Open , and last year 's British Open victor Ernie Els of South Africa following suit . Golf 's global rule-makers explained in a statement : `` Rule 14-1b , which was proposed on November 28 2012 , has now been given final approval by the USGA and The R & A following an extensive review by both organizations . `` In adopting Rule 14-1b , the USGA and The R & A have concluded that freely swinging the entire club is integral to maintaining the traditions of the game and preserving golf as an enjoyable game of skill and challenge . `` The essence of the traditional method of golf stroke involves the player swinging the club with both the club and the gripping hands being held away from the body . `` The concept of intentionally immobilizing one end of the golf club against the body ... is a substantial departure from that traditional understanding of the golf swing . '' Before introducing the ban , the USGA and the R & A first wanted a three-month period for comments to be made amid strong opposition from the U.S. PGA Tour and the PGA of America . In response to the ban , the U.S. PGA Tour said it acknowledged the decision and thanked the USGA for hearing its voice during the long discussions . It added that it would now consider whether to implement the ruling during competitions under its jurisdictions on U.S. soil . The PGA of America said it was `` disappointed with this outcome '' but acknowledged the openness of the forum . `` We do not believe 14-1b is in the best interest of recreational golfers and we are concerned about the negative impact it may have on both the enjoyment and growth of the game , '' it said in a statement , adding that its board will meet in late June to `` decide how best to proceed . '' The European Tour , the LPGA and the Ladies European Tour have all supported the new regulation . World No . 1 Tiger Woods had also backed the ban , with the 14-time major winner calling for the ruling to be implemented `` as soon as possible . '' The use of `` belly '' or `` long-handled '' putters fixed to the body has sparked debate in golf for the last two seasons . The sport 's governing bodies accepted that their decision wo n't please every player who takes to the green using such a club . `` The anchored method of stroke has been a subject of controversy within the golf community for quite some time , '' the joint statement said . `` Many individuals and organizations feel strongly about the anchoring issue , and there is no single outcome that will please all . '' Meanwhile , Europe 's Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley announced Tuesday that he will have three wildcard selections for next year 's match against the United States at Gleneagles , Scotland . That will mean nine automatic places are on offer through qualifying results , as opposed to the 10 under his predecessor Jose Maria Olazabal last year . U.S. captain Tom Watson reduced his wildcard selections from four to three earlier this year .
Golf 's governing bodies ban use of anchored putters from start of 2016 . Adam Scott used such a club to win the 2013 Masters , continuing a trend . USGA and R & A say anchored putters are not in traditional understanding of golf swing . U.S. PGA Tour will decide whether to incorporate the ban in its tournaments .