Keegan Bradley & Ernie Els would fight a rumoured ban on long putters

Keegan Bradley and Ernie Els have become the latest players to voice their concern about a rumoured ban on long putters, insisting they will contest any attempt to enforce such legislation.

No quick fix

The four-time major champion went on to dismiss the idea that longer putters offer some kind of 'quick fix' and claimed they merely provide an alternative rather than a magical cure. "It's not just about tucking it into your belly and you start holing putts," Els added. "A lot of work has to go into it to perfect your style. You still feel the nerves and you can still miss." A clearly affronted Bradley claimed that the proposed move would also demean his achievements and serve to discourage large numbers of people from taking up the game. "Everybody on Tour who uses an unconventional putter has a big say in this," he continued. "I hear the USGA and the R&A have talked to a lot of players about this. Well, they've never approached me. They should get our side before they make any drastic decision - which I think they already have. "To say they will ban this after we've won majors is unbelievable. It's the way we've practised and made our living. Some players have put in 15 to 20 years of practice and all of a sudden they're going to make up a rule. That's harsh. "It would be a very sad thing for people to look back and see our achievements with a belly putter and think, 'Oh, that shouldn't even count'. "The USGA [United States Golf Association] and the R&A's [Royal and Ancient Golf Club] goal is to attract players to the game and I think this would be pushing players away."