Amateurs will not get a reprieve when the anchored putting stroke goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2016.
Ted Bishop, the president of the PGA of America, sent an email to his membership stating that his hope that an "anchored stroke'' could be grandfathered in for amateurs had been denied by the United States Golf Association.
Bishop and PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem had lobbied USGA officials in an effort to help everyday players.
"While we are disappointed with the USGA's decision not to extend the implementation date beyond Jan. 1, 2016, I know that all PGA professionals are committed to helping amateur players choose a permissible putting stroke that will help them continue to enjoy the game well into the future,'' Bishop wrote.
The USGA and its worldwide counterpart the R&A announced last year that Rule 14-1b would go into effect Jan. 1, 2016. Bishop, along with Finchem, had expressed concern about the new rule during an open comment period last year. Both felt it could hurt participation numbers among everyday players who already find the game difficult.
When the new rule goes into effect, players will no longer be able to anchor the club against their chest or stomach.
Reigning Masters champion Adam Scott is among the prominent players who continue to legally use an anchored stroke.