(CNN) -- Golf's governing bodies have ruled that the use of controversial anchored putters will be banned from 2016, following several months of consultation that drew strong U.S. opposition to the planned change.
The United States Golf Association (USGA) and the R&A on Tuesday ratified the decision by changing golf's rulebook, despite formal complaints from the U.S. PGA Tour and the PGA of America.
Professional golfers now have until January 1, 2016 to adapt their putting style to comply with the new regulations.
Adam Scott was the latest major winner to use an anchored putter -- where the top of the club rests on the belly or another body part -- on his way to a sensational playoff victory at the Masters in April.
American Keegan Bradley was the first player to capture a major using a long putter at the 2011 PGA Championship, with compatriot Webb Simpson, winner of the 2012 U.S. Open, and last year's British Open victor Ernie Els of South Africa following suit.
Read: Why Scott's win creates 'unease' in golfing world
Golf's global rule-makers explained in a statement: "Rule 14-1b, which was proposed on November 28 2012, has now been given final approval by the USGA and The R&A following an extensive review by both organizations.
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Adam Scott of Australia smiles while wearing the green jacket after winning the 2013 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, on Sunday, April 14. Scott captured golf's most prestigious event in an oh-so-close sudden-death playoff with Angel Cabrera. Click through to see all the shots from the fourth day and look back at the third round.
Photos: The Masters: Final Round
"In adopting Rule 14-1b, the USGA and The R&A have concluded that freely swinging the entire club is integral to maintaining the traditions of the game and preserving golf as an enjoyable game of skill and challenge.
"The essence of the traditional method of golf stroke involves the player swinging the club with both the club and the gripping hands being held away from the body.
"The concept of intentionally immobilizing one end of the golf club against the body ... is a substantial departure from that traditional understanding of the golf swing."
Before introducing the ban, the USGA and the R&A first wanted a three-month period for comments to be made amid strong opposition from the U.S. PGA Tour and the PGA of America.
In response to the ban, the U.S. PGA Tour said it acknowledged the decision and thanked the USGA for hearing its voice during the long discussions.
It added that it would now consider whether to implement the ruling during competitions under its jurisdictions on U.S. soil.
The PGA of America said it was "disappointed with this outcome" but acknowledged the openness of the forum.
"We do not believe 14-1b is in the best interest of recreational golfers and we are concerned about the negative impact it may have on both the enjoyment and growth of the game," it said in a statement, adding that its board will meet in late June to "decide how best to proceed."
The European Tour, the LPGA and the Ladies European Tour have all supported the new regulation.
World No. 1 Tiger Woods had also backed the ban, with the 14-time major winner calling for the ruling to be implemented "as soon as possible."
The use of "belly" or "long-handled" putters fixed to the body has sparked debate in golf for the last two seasons.
The sport's governing bodies accepted that their decision won't please every player who takes to the green using such a club.
"The anchored method of stroke has been a subject of controversy within the golf community for quite some time," the joint statement said.
"Many individuals and organizations feel strongly about the anchoring issue, and there is no single outcome that will please all."
Meanwhile, Europe's Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley announced Tuesday that he will have three wildcard selections for next year's match against the United States at Gleneagles, Scotland.
That will mean nine automatic places are on offer through qualifying results, as opposed to the 10 under his predecessor Jose Maria Olazabal last year.
U.S. captain Tom Watson reduced his wildcard selections from four to three earlier this year.
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Adam Scott celebrates his win on the 10th hole.
Adam Scott, left, hugs Angel Cabrera after winning.
Adam Scott celebrates after he makes a birdie putt on the second sudden-death playoff hole.
Angel Cabrera flips his putter after missing a birdie putt on the second sudden-death playoff hole.
Chairman of The Masters Competition Committee, Fred S. Ridley, watches during the final round of the 2013 Masters Tournament.
Adam Scott of Australia makes a birdie putt on the 18th hole.
Angel Cabrera chips on the first sudden-death playoff hole.
Adam Scott celebrates after he sinks a birdie putt on the 18th hole during regular play.
Angel Cabrera of Argentina hugs caddie Angel Cabrera Jr. after Cabrera makes a birdie putt on the 18th hole to force the playoff with Adam Scott of Australia.
Jason Day of Australia reacts after missing a birdie putt on the 18th green.
Angel Cabrera of Argentina reacts to a putt on the 12th hole.
Adam Scott of Australia lines up a putt on the 18th green.
Angel Cabrera of Argentina smiles to his caddie and son Angel Cabrera Jr. after he sinks a birdie putt on the 18th.
Tiger Woods of the U.S. stands on the 18th green.
Henrik Stenson of Sweden lines up a putt on the third green during the final round.
Luke Donald of England hits a shot on the fourth hole.
Vijay Singh of Fiji putts as his caddie watches on the third hole.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland hits his second shot on the fourth hole.
Paul Lawrie of Scotland tees off on the fourth hole.
Phil Mickelson of the U.S. walks past the gallery as spectators clap during the final round.
Guan Tianlang of China hits his third shot on the eighth hole.
Jason Day of Australia lifts his club after hitting the ball out of the bunker for an eagle on the second hole.
Lee Westwood of England hits a shot on the first hole.
Brandt Snedeker of the U.S. tees off on the second hole.
Tiger Woods of the U.S. hits a shot on the second hole.
Angel Cabrera of Argentina tees off on the second hole.
Rickie Fowler of the U.S. tees off on the second hole
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