Golf rules roll back shape of grooves in irons for 2010
The standard groove used in irons and wedges for most of the past quarter century will no longer be allowed in competition at the highest levels of golf, according to new rules announced Tuesday by golf's governing bodies.
The new rules go into effect on Jan. 1, 2010 and will -- in technical terms -- limit the groove volume and sharpness of the groove edges, with the idea that it will limit their effectiveness on shots hit from the rough.
"Our research shows that the rough has become less of a challenge for the highly skilled professional and that driving accuracy is now less of a key factor for success," said Dick Rugge, technical director for the United States Golf Association. "We believe that these changes will increase the challenge of the game at the Tour level, while having a very small effect on the play of most golfers."
Both the USGA and the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews said the rule applies to all clubs manufactured after Jan. 1, 2010, the same year it will go into effect at the U.S. Open, U.S. Senior Open and U.S. Women's Open. The R&A said it believed the rules would go into effect "at the top level of competition," meaning at the British Open. It will not apply to top amateur events until 2014.
The PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, European Tour, PGA of America, International Federation of PGA Tours and Augusta National have all indicated their support, with the intention of applying the rules beginning in 2010. For the regular amateur player, it will be a much slower process, with today's clubs grandfathered in until 2024.
"You can change the grooves, but then they're going to have to scale the golf courses back," Masters champion Trevor Immelman said. "As soon as we change the grooves, we're probably going to have to alter the ball we use, because if you're not getting as much spin, you're probably going to have to start using a softer golf ball."
(文章转自ESPN)