| By now you will have heard (or have you?) about | | | | Now you would be forgiven in asking, "Won't pro's |
| the change in the rules governing the grooves in | | | | just stick to the models made before January 1st |
| golf clubs that comes into effect on 1st January | | | | 2010? Well they can try but it's not going to work. |
| 2010. Do you know how these rules will affect | | | | The R & A and USGA clearly thought of |
| you and your golf equipment? | | | | that and have countered it by making it a |
| The R & A and USGA carried out extensive | | | | "Condition of Competition" that pro's use clubs |
| research on grooves based on what was | | | | manufactured according to the new rules. |
| happening on tour. The new V groove | | | | So what does this all mean for you? are you |
| configuration was resulting in golfers generating | | | | going to have to fork out for a new set of clubs |
| the same amount of spin from the rough as they | | | | or face banning from the club competitions? |
| were from the fairway! This was effectively | | | | Fortunately you don't have anything to worry |
| diminishing the penalty of being in the rough. | | | | about unless that is you are playing golf at the |
| In order to reward straight shots and make life | | | | top amateur or professional level. |
| more difficult if you missed a fairway or green | | | | Any clubs existing on December 31st 2009 and |
| and had to play from the rough the R & A | | | | made up until December 31st 2010 that meet the |
| and USGA are now going to limit groove volume | | | | current requirements will still be legal until at least |
| and edge sharpness on all clubs excepting drivers | | | | 2024. There is a review of this by the two bodies |
| and putters with lofts greater than or equal to 25 | | | | planned for 2020 when they will decide whether |
| deg. As a general rule this translates to applying | | | | to extend the date even further than 2024. |
| to your 5 iron to wedges. All the existing | | | | So you can relax and continue to fondle your |
| limitations on grooves and face texture will remain. | | | | favourite crocodile teeth clubs with pride while |
| The new rules apply to new models of clubs | | | | understanding that playing great golf is more to |
| made on or after 1st January 2010. Existing | | | | do with the mind than the equipment, that is |
| models as of that date will still be allowed to be | | | | presuming you have half decent equipment to |
| manufactured until end 2010. | | | | start with. |