Putters - is it time to ban the belly and the broomhandle?

I see that the R&A and USPGA have been in talks as to whether there will a rule amendment in 2016, which will outlaw the use of the longer putters. I guess that the fact that belly and broom took 1st and 2nd place at The Open, making it the 4th Major win for those who favour the long sticks, will intensify the calls for some change to be implemented.

I've never tried either of these putters, to be honest they both look rather awkward to use, and I'm happy with my short stick. What do the rest of you think - is it "cheating" to use one of these putters? Would you give it a go if your putting became abysmal and was ruining your game?

Yes in my humble opinion. These are the only clubs that utilise 3 anchor points instead of 2 which has always been the norm for any club. Scott blew his chance on Sunday but he's only been able to get success over the past couple of years since he changed the putter. I know all the arguments for and against, and accept many, but to end all doubt just ban them.

I think that they are unfair, due to the fact that they can be anchored against the body, having said that, will they banned.?
I think the problem now is that they have been allowed to be used for to long, that it could be deemed unfair to ban them.

We will wait and see what the wise men of golf will do.

Unfair or not (and I have mixed feeling about it), they should have been investigated when people first started to use them - probably about 20 years ago. It's too late now!

I asked the question over on the darkside ages ago but never really got an answer; I thought I could remember that they were "banned" years ago - with something like a 5 year grace period for them to be phased out. Obviously, if I am remembering correctly, something changed in the grace period so it was never enacted.

Or maybe I'm just imagining it all but I was pretty sure I heard this, 10 years ago or more

Davie
I think the R&A did try and do something, but I think they could not get agreement with the PGA, so nothing was done, I think then the priority turned to drivers with the spring loaded faces, and there was agreement to ban them.

That makes sense, OPW

I think the thing that's changed is that people who weren't struggling with normal putters are choosing to use them now. Whereas before allowing their use was a concession to enable people to continue to play/enjoy the game, nowadays it's allowing people to gain an unfair advantage.

I watched the interview on Sunday with Peter Allis and Nick Faldo, a question was asked about this subject and Faldo said he thinks they will be allowed soon, and allis said they are definatley going as its already been decided. 'Put your house on it' he said. Also hear Butch make a similar comment on Sky a couple of weeks ago.

Yes, ban them..............