Clark talks to lawyers over anchored putter ban

South Africa’s Tim Clark has said he is among “a fair number” of players taking legal advice over the ban on anchored putters.

The R&A and USGA confirmed on Tuesday that the ban will come into effect from January 1, 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 — four of the last six Majors have been won by players with long or belly putters — and 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.”

R&A chief executive Peter Dawson admitted on Tuesday to being concerned about possible lawsuits from players.

“I very much hope not,” he said. “I don’t think lawsuits will be on particularly strong ground.”

Clark, who has used the anchored putting technique since college, said he felt the consultation period was “all smoke and mirrors”.