European Tour backs anchored putter ban March 5, 2013 - 1:09AM The European Tour supports the proposed ban on the anchored putting stroke. The European Tour said in a statement on Monday that it backs the Royal & Ancient and US Golf Association on the rule change. Tour chief executive George O'Grady said "virtually all of our Tournament Committee and player representatives support the proposed rule even though they are aware, and have taken into account, the fact that some members and especially our senior members use the anchored method." The R&A and USGA announced the proposed rule on November 28. They allowed a 90-day comment period that ended last Thursday. The PGA Tour and PGA of America have announced their opposition to banning the anchored stroke, the common method for using belly putters and long putters that are pressed against the chest.