Several PGA Tour players are “exploring their options” regarding the recent ban by the USGA on the anchored putting stroke.

A group of nine players has retained Henry L. Manion III of the law firm of Cooley Manion Jones. The group includes Tim Clark, Carl Petterson, and Adam Scott.

On the one hand, courts are reluctant to say that the governing body of a sport cannot make its own rules. On the other hand, if this rule prevents a player from pursuing his livelihood, a case could be made for eliminating the rule.

The rule, 14-1b, which is not based on any evidenced competitive advantage, but on cosmetics and an odd conception of golf’s traditions, takes effect in 2016.