“Be Patient, It Won’t Take Effect Until 2024”

So we’re conducting the recent test for the Wedges and we get asked by a couple of people in the morning, ”Hey, what’s the deal with the USGA and the changes in grooves?” We hear this again & again throughout the day.

I like to try to know what’s going on in the golf world, especially on the equipment side, but I was stumped. “I remember hearing something about them changing the grooves rule, but… “

So, I spoke with USGA Senior Technical Director, Dick Rugge
Thank you Dick, very helpful.

Bottom line is that they are changing the manufactures guidelines for grooves. Interesting though, is that it will probably not affect you and I until 2024, no really 2024!

According to the USGA’s website, “The revisions are designed to restore the playing shots to the green from the rough by reducing backspin on those shots. The initial focus of the new rules will be competitions involving highly skilled professional golfers and will have little impact on the play of most golfers.”

The rules apply to the clubs manufactured after Jan. 1, 2010 and through the “condition of competition”. This will apply the U.S. Open, U.S. Women’s Open and U.S. Senior Open. For all the USGA Amateur events, the rules will apply January 1, 2014.

I hope this clears it up for you, I know I learned a lot. You can also go the USGA website and check out more information. I will continue to love the game and when I’m hitting a shot into the green, I’ll try not to think about whether or not my wedge has sharp enough grooves… at least until 2024.

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