New Groove Rule Confirmation Needed

[villa]

Anything Less Than 24 Degrees Is Allowed?

I've just had a few of my old clubs sent over from the UK along with a few 2 irons. There are several but the ones that I would potentially put in play are the Callaway Big Bertha '04 and Ping Eye 2+.

Can't seem to get a definite answer but am I right in saying that any club with less than 24 degrees is exempt from the new groove rule?

I believe that both of these iron sets are non-conforming but are the 2 irons allowed?

[joec65]

The new groove rule applies to clubs whose loft angle is greater than or equal to 25 degrees.

[Drexel64]

I thought that also but I played an event on the Canadian Tour and the took my 3 wood away to check the grooves. I was
like "what the hell" it came back ok. I asked the offical and they said all clubs need to be tested. This was last
year when there was more confusion about the rule change.

[JCAG]

[quote name='joec65' timestamp='1313831079' post='3504456']
The new groove rule applies to clubs whose loft angle is greater than or equal to 25 degrees.
[/quote]

It begs the questions: are there differences between the USGA/the R&A and which governs Canada?

[joec65]

The R&A has adopted the same specification as the USGA.

As far as which competitions governed by the R&A that this "Condition of Competition" will be applied to and what dates it begins, I am unsure. Don't know if R&A is using the same "competition types" as the USGA.

Also, don't know how the Ping Eye2/USGA lawsuit settlement effects the R&A.

[Llortamaisey]

Actually all the clubs in the set are okay until 2024. That's when the rule effects the majority of competitions.

[villa]

Thanks for the replies guys.

The reason I asked is because I've started playing decent golf again and I plan on potentially playing some events on the Australasian Tour next year.

I've spoken to various people and some say that it's fine if they're less than 24 degrees whereas others say if the iron is on the non-conforming list, it's not allowed regardless. Any other opinions or experiences would be appreciated.

I've pretty much always played a 2 iron (those two being my favourites) but I don't want to get used to something again if I find that I've got to take it out of the bag when playing competition.

[joec65]

"whereas others say if the iron is on the non-conforming list, it's not allowed regardless"

Don't understand what justification they are using for this. The rules are clear on the 25 degree & higher restriction.

[villa]

[quote name='joec65' timestamp='1313914864' post='3506448']
"whereas others say if the iron is on the non-conforming list, it's not allowed regardless"

Don't understand what justification they are using for this. The rules are clear on the 25 degree & higher restriction.
[/quote]
Just found out why mate and it makes it all more confusing.

Was sent the link to the USGA website http://www.usga.org/InfoClubsDB/search_results.asp

Looking at the Callaway page, there's a list of several 2 irons that they clearly say don't meet the 2010 groove rule. They are all well under 24 degrees so why don't they conform?

I realise this thread isn't very important but I am keen to know more before putting something in play and then having to take it out of the bag.

[Big Ben]

This groove rule is a disaster, makes no sense especially for the average consumer who will now only buy older model wedges vs new offerings "if they are wise", stifling OEM sales and/or making the game more challenging is ridiculous...BB

[NakMan]

I agree BB. If my current clubs are good till 2024 why would I ever want a conforming wedge when I'm happy and comfy with my current.

When my CG15 wears out why would I want the 16?

Further, why can't OEMs continue to make the old ones and conforming? 90% of golfers don't need conforming so why push it on us.

[joec65]

[quote name='villa' timestamp='1313935840' post='3506699']
[quote name='joec65' timestamp='1313914864' post='3506448']
"whereas others say if the iron is on the non-conforming list, it's not allowed regardless"

Don't understand what justification they are using for this. The rules are clear on the 25 degree & higher restriction.
[/quote]
Just found out why mate and it makes it all more confusing.

Was sent the link to the USGA website [url="http://www.usga.org/InfoClubsDB/search_results.asp"]http://www.usga.org/...rch_results.asp[/url]

Looking at the Callaway page, there's a list of several 2 irons that they clearly say don't meet the 2010 groove rule. They are all well under 24 degrees so why don't they conform?

I realise this thread isn't very important but I am keen to know more before putting something in play and then having to take it out of the bag.



[b]Very strange on what the USGA has on the web site. Don't understand why they are listing 1 & 2 irons as 2010 non-conforming. I have no explanation to offer.

[/b][/quote]

[Big Ben]

[quote name='NakMan' timestamp='1313951665' post='3507154']
I agree BB. If my current clubs are good till 2024 why would I ever want a conforming wedge when I'm happy and comfy with my current.

When my CG15 wears out why would I want the 16?

Further, why can't OEMs continue to make the old ones and conforming? 90% of golfers don't need conforming so why push it on us.
[/quote]
Exactly, you wouldnt want the 16's (or 17's, 18's etc) unless you are planning to go Pro. So what will you do, my guess head to a on-line discount venue and pay half the price for another set of 15's....why? What fun is that, we are reduced to recycling the old stuff.....just dumb!!! BB

[Johnny]

Maybe they tested it for COR and not grooves ???

[villa]

[quote name='Johnny' timestamp='1313970121' post='3507888']
Maybe they tested it for COR and not grooves ???
[/quote]
I did wonder if there was something else that makes them non-conforming but the website does state "Meets 2010 Groove Rules".

Think I'm going to have to send a few emails to find out the answer!