Claude Harmon, swing coach to Els, questioned why the decision had been made now despite belly putters being around for many years.

CNN: "Anchored" putting method to be banned from 2016

It was only last summer when Scott threw away the British Open by making bogey on his last four holes to lose by one shot to Ernie Els.

NPR: Scott Beats Cabrera In A Playoff At Augusta

Aiming to stop Els joining that group will be Australians Greg Norman and Adam Scott, with Colin Montgomerie also playing following his second place at the Caltex Masters in Singapore last week.

BBC: SPORT | Golf | European Tour | Els goes for four successive wins