Reigning Open Champion Ernie Els has again his disgus golf’s ruling authorities will ban anchoring the belly or long putter to any part of the body.

Els is among the favourites to capture this week’s Volvo Champions event and on the Durban Country Club course where he has won two South African Open titles including one with a 25-under par victory tally.

However the current World No. 24 was again drawn into the belly and long-handled putter debate on the eve of this week’s Euro 2m event.

Four time Major winning Ernie Els still not content anchoring of the belly and long handled putter will be banned. (Photo – www.golffile.ie)

“Well, I think ten years ago, I was in a different view mind than I am now but for a lot of guys they thought it was a magic wand; you put your hands on it and you’re going to make putts,” he said.

“But it’s taken me a long time to get used to it.  I was fortunate to win The Open Championship with the long putter.

“You know, making those putts on the final nine ‑‑ I hit a lot of greens that week, but it’s not a magic wand.  You have to putt work into it.  You have to get used to it.  I’ve seen guys use it that go away from it, back to the short putter.

“So in all honesty, I’m not for it if they change it, but if so be, I’m not the rules maker.  There are people that want to look after the game and the future of the game, and if they so feel that they need to ban it, I’ll go with it, but I’m definitely not for that.

“But it’s not the long putter that’s banned; it’s the anchored that’s banned, but I’m not for it.”

And when asked, Els said he has made those views known to the R & A.

“Yes, I’ve given my views, so they know where I’m coming from, so when I make these comments, it’s no shock to anybody,” said Els.

“I’m against it, but, whatever they say the rule will be or might be, I’ll go with it.  I’m a golfer; I’m not a rules maker.  I’m not making the rules.  I want to honor the game, wherever it takes us.”