KAPALUA, Hawaii — Carl Pettersson says the proposed rule to ban the anchored stroke for long putters feels like a ‘‘witch hunt,’’ and that golf’s governing bodies were only reacting to three of the last five major champions using belly putters.

‘‘It seems silly to ban something that’s been around for 40 years,’’ Pettersson said in his first comments since the US Golf Association and Royal & Ancient Golf Club announced plans Nov. 28 to outlaw anchored strokes. ‘‘It’s unfortunate. I feel like I’m 16 years behind because I haven’t putted with anything else for 16 years.’’