Groovy Concerns...2

Look...

I think it's safe to say the only ones who want to see any changes made to the shape and size of grooves on our irons (wedges in particular) are the folks at the USGA. Nonetheless, both equipment companies and most professional tours continue to both adopt and uphold the standards and rules that the USGA puts out, in return for the organization to act as both a governing body and an advocate for fair and equitable play, growth and so on as it pertains to game of golf.

Whatever. We get that.

We also get the actual groove changes, which for the pros take effect in 2010. Now, what may have been misleading and or under-reported up to know is the actual effect the new groove rule may end up having on the game of golf for everyone. You see, personally I find the USGA to be a pretty smart bunch (I don't always agree, though) and I sense they're using the groove changes as a means to create a rippling effect that will affect every club in the bag--including the golf ball.

Here's my logic--and yes--it's a simple one. If grooves become less sharp and wide, the ball will spin less around the green and out of the rough. This means some players may be forced to used softer-covered golf balls. Softer golf balls generally mean more spin, even with the driver, which then means the golf ball will both travel less and be more susceptible to wind and unwanted sidespin. This will in effect shorten drives, make hitting straight shots more difficult and so on.

All as a direct result of the new groove rules as they relate to our wedges.

Some have argued, "Nahh, the best players in the world will adjust and the rest of us won't even notice the difference." (As if there's only two types of players, THEM and US.) Others have conducted tests that analyze spin rates, launch angles etc., with hopes at proving or disproving the effects the new groove rules will have on both Tour players and well, everyone else. Really though, there's two sides to all of it, both saying different things. If you don't believe me, read the USGA's analysis (HERE) of the groove debate then head over to Titleist.com (HERE) and see what they say. They no-likey.

At this point, I'm willing to listen to both arguments, however I know tests can be swung any which way the wind blows. The real proof will come next year, as we watch players who have made careers out of their finesse around the greens either struggle or not, as well as watch big hitters and see how effectively they can hold the green after taking big swings from the rough. If I had to lean one way, I'd say Titleist is right about the groove changes aren't equitable across the board. Some players will be penalized way more than others. It's hard to deny that. And isn't the USGA all about helping make the game fair for everyone? Isn't that what handicaps are for?

In other words, time will tell the truth. Then again, it's possible tournament officials, who never want to see players shooting high numbers at their event (unless it's the US Open), will adjust the rough, green firmness, etc., so even with dulled grooves, players can hit the same types of shots they hit before the groove changes.

My point is, Tour players aside, I sense we all WILL notice a difference, no matter what the USGA says. Low handicappers especially. If anything, the new groove rules will make it tougher to take your game from low-handicapper to scratch (the toughest climb in all of golf, in my opinion).

And that's a darn shame.