New Groove Rule???
by Dan Walden

There have been many questions and much speculation about the new groove rule being implemented this year by the USGA. Some additional questions arose after Phil Michelson and John Daly, among others, put into play the I2 PING pitching wedge that has a different groove standard than more current models. Let’s put some of these questions to rest.

The USGA has created a new rule to limit the backspin performance of grooves on lofted clubs. The rule downsizes groove volume and limits edge sharpness from a 90% edge down to no more than a 20% edge for all grooves manufactured after January 1, 2010 so they're equal to or less than the previously approved V-groove dimensions. PGA Tour players must use wedges conforming to the rule beginning January 1, 2010. The ruling will decrease backspin and increase stopping distances pros typically achieve from grassy lies, and place more of a premium on hitting fairways. From the middle of a fairway, where grass is not commonly trapped between ball and club face, this will have little, if any, impact on the spin rate of the ball.

How does the new rule affect you? If you're an amateur who wants more backspin, you realize the grooves you play determine the third factor in your backspin equation and the stopping distances you achieve on greens. In this regard the USGA has been lenient. The rule gives amateurs (who don't play in Major/USGA events) a choice of which grooves to play until at least 2024. If you want to maximize your short-game backspin, you can legally play with box or U-groove wedges (manufactured prior to 1/1/10) until 2024, or maybe forever. On the other hand, if you play with any wedge manufactured after 1/1/10 (like the pros will be doing), it must have grooves with spin performance at or below V-groove levels. This will limit you to mediocre spin performance out of the rough. Again, from the fairway there is no or very little difference between V-shaped grooves and U-shape/Box shaped grooves. The USGA leaves this groove choice up to you. All club MGA and Texas Star events will allow play of these grooves until 2024 or forever. Have fun, play well!