The new rule, which has been brought in "to preserve one of the important traditions and challenges of the game - that the player freely swing the entire club", according to USGA President Glen D Nager, means that such putters will not be permitted when golf makes its return to the Olympics at Rio 2016.

The newly-introduced rule 14-1b states: "in making a stroke, the player must not anchor the club, either 'directly' or by use of an 'nchor point'."

Players will now no longer be permitted to use putters that rest against any part of the body, notably the "belly" and "broom handle" putters.

The new rule was proposed in November last year and has now been given approval by the R&A and USGA; a move which has been welcomed by players such as world number one Tiger Woods.

"Anchoring should not be a part of the game," said the American legend.

"I've always felt that in golf you should have to control your nerves and swing all 14 clubs, not just 13."

However, not everyone is happy at the introduction of the new rule.

South Africa's 2012 Open winner Ernie Els has used a belly putter

The PGA Tour have released a statement in which they detail discussing the matter with the player's council before making a decision on whether they will implement the rule in their competitions, such as the Ryder Cup and the PGA Championship.

"We would like to thank the USGA for providing the opportunity for input and suggestions relative to Rule 14-1b over the last several months." they said.

"During that time, various questions were raised and issues discussed.

"We will now begin our process to ascertain whether the various provisions of Rule 14-1b will be implemented in our competitions and, if so, examine the process for implementation.

"In this regard, over the next month we will engage in discussions with our Player Advisory Council and Policy Board members.

"We will announce our position regarding the application of Rule 14-1b to our competitions upon conclusion of our process and we will have no further comment on the matter until that time.

Tim Clark displays the "broom handle" putter which will be banned as of 2016

Chief executive of the R&A Peter Dawson spoke of his confidence that the decision was the correct one, despite the opposition.

"We recognise this has been a divisive issue but, after thorough consideration, we remain convinced this is the right decision for golf," he said.

"We took a great deal of time to consider this issue and received a variety of contributions from individuals and organisations at all levels of the game.

"The report gives a comprehensive account of the reasons for taking the decision to adopt the new rule and addresses the concerns that have been raised."

USGA president Nager said: "The new rule upholds the essential nature of the traditional method of stroke and eliminates the possible advantage that anchoring provides, ensuring that players of all skill levels face the same challenge inherent in the game of golf."

The technique has been used by four of the last six Masters champions, including 2013 winner Adam Scott, whose use of the "broom handle" putter earned him criticism from the likes of Woods.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]