The world of grooves is about to change beginning January 2010, although the full impact of the incoming regulations won't be seen for several years beyond that
Golf’s rules-makers have been concerned that skilled players, using today's modern irons with sharp and wide grooves, are having too easy a time hitting approach shots out of the rough.
The new standards affect the cross sectional area of grooves on all clubs, with the exception of drivers and putters, and limit groove edge sharpness on clubs with equal to or greater than 25 degrees of loft. For the most part, this means irons from No. 5 and up, including pitching, gap, sand and lob wedges. The rules are not expected to affect lower-lofted long irons. Depending on the loft, some fairway woods and hybrids may be in jeopardy.
Below is an easy-to-use timeline that specifies dates for various stages of the new groove rule
The depth and shape of the grooves on your wedges will contribute to your control of the ball around the green, so make sure that you have a set of pre 2011 grooves for maximum short game assistance.
Why is surface roughness so important on your wedges?
The surface roughness on the face of your wedge determines the friction between the cover of the ball and the face surface. It becomes more important on higher-lofted clubs where there is less direct contact. Many golfers will be looking to upgrade their wedges in the next 12 months. In January 2011, manufacturers will stop producing and shipping "aggressive groove" wedges and will only be producing wedges which conform to the new rule.
Contact Custom-Golf.co.uk to see how these rule changes will affect you and how we can update your clubs to keep you legal!
