Golfers use social media to react to proposed rule ban on anchoring

Editor’s Note: Needless to say, the social media world lit up on Wednesday with the announcement by the USGA and R&A proposing a rule to ban the use of anchored putting strokes. Here is a sample of the reaction -- both for and against the proposal -- by prominent golfers via Twitter (we will continue to update this feature throughout the day):

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

Joost Luiten
‏@joostluiten Good to hear that the belly putters will be banned, because you can't anchor

@joostluiten  The club annymore.Golf need to be played with your two hands holding a club and not puting it stuck into belly or chest. What do you think?

‏Dustin Johnson
‏@DJohnsonPGA  Anchored putter ban makes no difference to me. Didn't care for 'em in the first place!!!

Will Strickler
‏@wstrick17  How has this happened to golf? Baseball still has the wooden bats, similar balls and leather gloves that it had 100 years ago.

‏@wstrick17  USGA and R&A are trying to make up for lost time and regretting sitting on their hands for the last 25 years as technology took off

‏@wstrick17  So if you currently use an anchored putter should you keep it for 3 yrs and make as much $ as you can or switch sooner to get used to it??

Nick Faldo
‏@NickFaldo006  #R&A #USGA...good simple proposed change #NoAnchor #NoHindge...now can we crack on! #GrowGolf

Peter Kostis
‏@peterjkostis  Wow! I think they just said the stroke that Billy Casper used for his 51 tour victories is no longer allowed. Hands&arm against the thigh

Graeme McDowell
‏@Graeme_McDowell  Careful and considered from the USGA/R&A on rule change banning anchoring of a golf club to the body. Only decision that could be made #2016

‏@Graeme_McDowell  With the ban starting Jan 1st 2016 it will be interesting how quickly players start switching methods. Wait it out or start process now?

Steve Elkington
‏@elkpga  Can't wait to see guys using long putters not anchored!.... #mikedavis #snakekiller

‏@elkpga  I remember guys strokes before they went anchored... Scott Couples Langer Els Pete Senior Orville moody #scary

‏@elkpga  Web Simpson & Keegan Bradley have the most to lose... If they don't win anything post BAN .... Did they really Exist?

Arron Oberholser
‏@ArronOberholser  USGA, USGA, what do you see? I see lawsuits looking at me!!! PGA Tour, PGA Tour, what do you see? I see OUR OWN RULES looking at me!!!

‏@ArronOberholser  Hey Mike Davis, are you trying to get more people to play the game or play checkers?! #bifurcation NOW

‏@ArronOberholser  Love how the USGA and R&A continue to make an already hard game, harder for the average player. #bifurcation

‏@ArronOberholser  Ok, now that this is over with, can we get to the important stuff, like finding a way to NOT have 7500 yard golf courses. #dumb

‏@ArronOberholser  I feel bad for a couple of guys on tour who have made a living with the anchoring method. This could potentially cut some careers short

Gary Player ‏
@garyplayer  The R&A and USGA have made the right call on not allowing anchoring whilst still leaving all players to use long putters.

@garyplayer  Well said @jacknicklaus the ball is the major problem and needs to be tackled as more & more courses become obsolete.

‏@garyplayer  It's time for bifurcation like most other sports. If you think the game is the same for all, just watch Tiger or Rory vrs your club champ.

Joe Ogilvie ‏
@ogilviej  I applaud USGA and R&A for making a joint announcement on banning. The world of golf is getting flatter.

‏@ogilviej  USGA and R&A could've sent this press release out as soon as Adam Scott holed the final putt at Lytham & St. Annes.

‏@ogilviej  What if guys who anchor win next 4 majors & FEDEX Cup? They are now knowingly doing something that will be illegal, weird dynamic for golf.

Steve Flesch ‏
@Steve_Flesch  Enough with the 90 days and actual rule change in 3 yrs. USGA just needs to implement the rule and move on.

Jon Curran ‏
@JonCurranGolf  Where was the USGA and R&A when people were putting with anchored putters 20+years ago. This is a direct attack against specific PGA tour

‏@JonCurranGolf  Players and not a rule to "protect the game".

‏@JonCurranGolf  This ban will not stick.

D.J. Brigman ‏
@djbrigman  In my opinion, mistake by USGA n R&A 2 wait until 2016 2 implement ban on anchoring putters. Wait on announcement or take effect immediately

‏@djbrigman  USGA n R&A decision will have a negative effect on those players that do anchor in the media and from fans until 2016. #notfairtothem

Billy Horschel
‏@BillyHo_Golf  USGA and R&A making the right decision based on the history of the game! Just can't believe it won't be in effect until 2016.

‏@BillyHo_Golf  I think they should allow the Am's to continue to use the anchor method in regular play. Must confirm with rule in tournaments.

Ian Poulter
‏@IanJamesPoulter  The long putter rule change will cause some unsettle I'm sure. I've always putted with a short putter so I'm not affected by the change.

Graham DeLaet
‏@GrahamDeLaet  I don't agree with the ban on anchoring, but the changes the R&A are making to the Old Course are much more disappointing.

Chris DiMarco
‏@ChrisDiMarco  I think the USGA needs to look at the Drivers size and the golf ball! Making mockery of golf courses. #ballgoestoofar