It seems that the PGA Tour and Ping have come to their senses and put the silly groove controversy behind them.
Through an agreement between the two parties that takes effect March 29, pre-1990 Ping irons with non-conforming, square grooves will no longer be allowed on the PGA, Champions or Nationwide Tours. The deal extends to the U.S. Open as well.
Ping Eye-2 irons and wedges that conform to the rule remain eligible for play on the professional tours. The grandfather clause that allowed non-conforming Ping clubs also remains in effect for USGA amateur events.
“We all believe it is in the best interests of golf,” said John Solheim, son of Ping founder Karsten Solheim. “It levels the playing field on the PGA TOUR and resolves a very unfortunate situation that we predicted would happen when the USGA first proposed the new groove rule more than two years ago.”
The controversy dates back 20 years when Ping sued the PGA Tour and the USGA over a ruling that outlawed square grooves, aka U-shaped grooves, that impart greater spin than traditional V-shaped grooves.
A settlement in the case led to the grandfather clause.
The updated ruling takes effect prior to the Houston Open on the PGA Tour in the first weekend in April while players on both the Champions and Nationwide Tours will need to abide by the middle of the month for the Outback Steakhouse and Fresh Express events, respectively.
In the fall, the USGA will hold a forum to discuss its policies on making rules and guidelines for equipment.
“Today’s announcement by the USGA that it intends to review its rulemaking process and consider the input of all stakeholders in the game of golf demonstrates the USGA’s commitment to our great game and its obligation to develop and implement rules for the game that are in the best interests of all concerned,” PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem said. “The PGA Tour will actively participate in the forum and will offer its own views on how the process may be improved.”
Give credit to Ping for removing the one impediment that rendered the rule a sham, but it shouldn’t have first been subjected to a few rounds of finger pointing.
Both the PGA Tour and Ping knew the 2010 season would open with the groove ban in place. Both parties were also aware the unique position Ping had with its grandfathered clause. The assumptions were that no one would use a 20-year old club in competition.
They were wrong as Phil Mickelson, Hunter Mahan and John Daly all chose to exploit the loophole.
It also raised more than eyebrows when Scott McCarron all but called Mickelson and the assorted scofflaws cheaters.
McCarron apologized; Mickelson said he was trying to make a point about the goofy rule exception.
It shouldn’t have come down to players making their case in the media.
This agreement should have been in place before the pros teed off at Kapalua in January.
Mike Scarr is the editor of Golflink.com. He can be reached at golflinkeditor@demandmedia.com.
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