The groove’s concept in golf clubs is beneficial for the golfers to play with, but all sorts of golf clubs are not legal in golf. For example, squared grooves are illegal. And there is a lot to learn about it. Scroll down if you are looking for detailed learning on golf club grooves.
What clubs&equipment are illegal in golf?
What Clubs & Equipment Are Illegal in Golf? While there are no clubs that the USGA considered “banned” or “illegal” in that exact verbiage, there are clubs that do not strictly conform to their general rules of acceptability.
What are the rules for grooves on golf clubs?
For clubs with lofts of 25 degrees or more (five iron and shorter clubs) there are even more restrictions. The edges of the grooves must be round with a radius of between 0.010 and 0.020 inch. Contrary to popular reporting on this issue, these restrictions do not outlaw the U-shape, also know as square or box grooves.
Are “U” grooves illegal?
Many “U” grooves became illegal due to their dimensions, and manufacturers had to comply with the new regulations. There are several stages to this new rule, and the PGA will be assessing the efficacy of it as more and more rounds are played.
Are U-grooves banned on the PGA Tour?
The rules ban clubs with “sharp-edged U-grooves,” according to the PGA Tour, in favor of “the V-groove designs used predominantly in the past.” The groove rules took effect on the PGA and LPGA tours on Jan. 1, 2010. Golfers wishing to learn whether their wedges are banned by the PGA can search the USGA’s “Informational Club Database.”
Is it illegal sharpen the grooves on a golf club?
Are golf groove sharpeners legal? While it is perfectly legal to use a golf groove sharpener, your modified club must still comply with the rules of the game regarding golf groove alignment, depth and spacing.
What is the legal groove depth on a golf club?
0.020”If any single measured groove width exceeds 0.037” then the club is non- conforming. 3.2. 1. If 50% or more of the measured groove depths exceed 0.020” then the club is non-conforming.
Are there any illegal clubs in golf?
The rules affect clubs with lofts of 25 degrees or more and, therefore, affect wedges of all types. The rules ban clubs with “sharp-edged U-grooves,” according to the PGA Tour, in favor of “the V-groove designs used predominantly in the past.” The groove rules took effect on the PGA and LPGA tours on Jan. 1, 2010.
What year were square grooves banned?
1990Saying that the use of square or U grooves in golf irons ''has changed the nature of the game,'' the PGA Tour Policy Board today declared clubs with square grooves illegal for use in PGA Tour events starting Jan. 1, 1990.
Are V grooves legal?
Golf club manufacturers can continue to make clubs with grooves shaped like a “V”, a “U” or “square”. The USGA Rules have previously allowed, and will continue to allow, for a series of “straight grooves” with diverging sides and a symmetrical cross-section.
Can I Regroove my wedges?
Getting the wedge regrooved is an option, but it's an inexact process that's probably not worth the time. "A lot of things can happen when you regroove an old wedge," said Kyle Cronkright, the director of club fitting at the Jim McClean Golf School's Texas Golf Center (Ft. Worth) facility.
Is the Nike SasQuatch illegal?
Are Nike SasQuatch Drivers Illegal? According to the USGA and Randa.org, all versions of the Nike SasQuatch driver are legal to use in all casual, amateur, high-level amateur, and professional tournaments. In other words, all versions of the Nike SasQuatch (SQ) driver are legal.
Is a square strike wedge legal?
Does the Square Strike Wedge conform to USGA and R&A rules? Yep, it's 100% conforming, which means you can use it in any round, tournaments included.
Are Spin Milled wedges legal?
According to the USGA and R&A, the Titleist Vokey Spin Milled Wedges are legal to use in any casual, high-level amateur, and professional golf games and tournaments. In other words, Vokey Spin Milled Wedges conform to the equipment rules of golf, thus making them totally legal to use.
Do I have V or U grooves?
0:040:59How to Identify Types of Grooves on Golf Clubs - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThere's two types of grooves that the USGA honors. You have u grooves. And then you have V grooves.MoreThere's two types of grooves that the USGA honors. You have u grooves. And then you have V grooves. Now you grooves.
Why is the Ping Eye 2 wedge banned?
The uproar resulted in the PGA Tour issuing a statement that included, "Because the use of pre-1990 Ping Eye 2 irons is permitted for play, public comments or criticisms characterizing their use as a violation of the Rules of Golf as promulgated by the USGA are inappropriate at best."
Are Ping Eye 2 square grooves?
A few square-groove clubs (Ping Eye 2 made between 1985 and 1989) were illegal, but have been grandfathered and may be played legally today. Even those clubs were not illegal because of their square grooves, but because of a technicality due to measurement after the edges of the grooves were rounded.
What are grooves on golf clubs?
By Don Patton. Grooves on your golf clubs primarily are designed to create spin when the ball is struck properly. Grooves on golf club faces are there primarily to impart spin to the ball. They also channel water and foreign material away from the clubface, especially for shots from heavy rough. The larger grooves on some irons allow players ...
Why do golf clubs have grooves?
Grooves on golf club faces are there primarily to impart spin to the ball. They also channel water and foreign material away from the clubface, especially for shots from heavy rough.
How wide is a clubface groove?
The cross section may be U- or V-shaped as long as it is symmetrical and the sides don’t converge or have sharp or raised edges. The dimensions of each groove are limited to 0.035 inch wide and 0.020 inch deep. The required minimum spacing is three times the groove width and no less than .075 inch.
How much less spin on golf shots?
This means 30 percent to 50 percent less spin on shots hit from the rough with very little effect on fairway shots.
What are the groove regulations in golf?
The optional groove regulations, which apply to all clubs except drivers and putters, are in effect for all USGA championships, including qualifiers. This optional Local Rule is recommended only for events played at the very highest level of amateur golf involving expert players. (See Model Local Rule G-2 in Section 8 of the Committee Procedures, part of the Official Guide to the Rules of Golf).
What is the optional groove rule?
The optional groove regulations, which apply to all clubs except drivers and putters, are in effect for all USGA championships, including qualifiers. This optional Local Rule is recommended only for events played at the very highest level of amateur golf involving expert players.
Why are U grooves illegal?
In turn, because the rough shots were so “easy”, the PGA took action. They implemented regulations restricting the dimensions of grooves that were legal to use in competition play. Many “U” grooves became illegal due to their dimensions, and manufacturers had to comply with the new regulations.
Why do you use grooves on golf balls?
They allow water and debris to move away from the ball’s point of contact to provide cleaner contact with better control. Striking a ball from the rough can be unpredictable when there is a lot of debris between your club and the ball. Grooves help tremendously to make these shots more predictable.
Why did the PGA use the U groove?
In turn, because the rough shots were so “easy”, the PGA took action .
What is the difference between a grooveless and a smooth face golf club?
The smooth face would have more surface area to come in contact with the ball. More surface area means more friction and therefore more ball spin. From a perfectly clean lie with no obstructions between the ball and the club face, a grooveless club will always out spin a club with grooves.
What is a roll back in golf called?
In golf jargon, this roll back is called “check”. Many players mistakenly attribute the ball “checking-up” to the grooves on the club face.
Does a smooth face golf ball have more surface area?
The intuition is correct that the more “grab” on the ball at the point of impact, the more it will spin. Many people don't know that a club face with no grooves would actually put more spin on the ball. The smooth face would have more surface area to come in contact with the ball. More surface area means more friction and therefore more ball spin.
What is the groove rule on golf clubs?
Groove Rule. The USGA announced new rules regarding club head grooves in 2008. The rules affect clubs with lofts of 25 degrees or more and, therefore, affect wedges of all types. The rules ban clubs with “sharp-edged U-grooves,” according to the PGA Tour, in favor of “the V-groove designs used predominantly in the past.”.
What are wedges banned from the PGA?
What Wedges Are Banned From the PGA? On the PGA Tour, players must use equipment “which conforms with the USGA Rules of Golf,” according to the 2012 PGA Tour Player Handbook. In practice, manufacturers typically provide a new club to the United States Golf Association for testing, to be certain that the club is compliant with the rules.
How to find out if wedges are banned?
Golfers wishing to learn whether their wedges are banned by the PGA can search the USGA’s “Informational Club Database.”. Type in the name of the club’s manufacturer, the product name and describe the club’s markings in the appropriate boxes. Make sure the club type is set for “Irons & Wedges,” then click the “Submit” button.
What are the rules of golf?
Appendix II of the Rules of Golf lists the general characteristics of a legal club. A club “must not be substantially different from the traditional and customary form and make,” meaning that it must contain a shaft and a head, and that it “may” also contain a grip. These parts must be secured together to form “one unit,” ...
When did Ping Eye 2 irons become legal?
The USGA and the PGA Tour first attempted to ban PING Eye 2 irons, including wedges, in 1990. As a result of the company’s lawsuit, Eye 2 irons manufactured prior to April 1, 1990, were grandfathered in as conforming clubs. The clubs remained legal after the new groove regulations took effect in 2010, at which point Phil Mickelson, Hunter Mahan, ...
Why are grooves important in golf clubs?
Why are golf club grooves important? The grooves are designed to allow water to flow and clean specks of dirt. This was the primary reason behind golf club grooves. Which ultimately helps to have better control even in wet conditions.
What is groove in golf?
In a golf club, grooves are the deep notch on the clubface to allow more control and spin on each swing. The grooves on a golf club can be both horizontal and parallel. Not just the spin, the groove is vital for a better chip shot or lofted shot as well.
How to sharpen a groove?
Things you will require in this process: 1 Brush (a toothbrush is recommended) 2 Liquid Dish Detergent 3 Warm Water 4 Lubricant 5 Masking tape 6 And last but not least, a groove sharpening tool.
How to clean a golf club with a toothbrush?
First thing first. Make some soapy water by putting some liquid detergent in the warm water and mixing it. Dip your golf club in soapy water and remove the dirt using a brush. You can use a scrubbing brush or toothbrush. You may even use a toothpick to replace a toothbrush, but that would take more time to clean.
Is it legal to use a golf club with a groove?
The groove’s concept in golf clubs is beneficial for the golfers to play with, but all sorts of golf clubs are not legal in golf. For example, squared grooves are illegal. And there is a lot to learn about it. Scroll down if you are looking for detailed learning on golf club grooves.
Can you play golf without grooves?
Yes, without grooves on the clubs, it would have been challenging to generate spin, especially backspin, and control the ball while hitting. But this is not the primary reason behind grooves. Image Source: deolauto.ca. As mentioned earlier, grooves on golf clubs are as important as having treads in tires. A flat tire has a higher possibility of ...
What is the groove of a club?
The groove of the club is the V-shaped or U-shaped lines on the face of the club.
What is a groove sharpener?
A groove sharpener is a tool that is used to clean the dirt and debris from the club’s groove.
Are groove sharpener legal?
As long as you are using a USGA conforming golf club, a groove sharpener is completely legal to use.
What happens if you alter the width of the grooves?
If you alter the width, shape or depth of the grooves then you render the club non conforming. The very fact that you are scraping metal off the clubface would indicate that you are altering the club. Click to expand... I understood it that you can adjust / sharpen the grooves, as long as you do not make them illegal.
Is it legal to sharpen grooves?
While groove sharpeners are legal and the how you use them in an attempt to return the grooves to their cutting best as if they were new, the result could be you increase the size of the groove making them illegal.
Is groove sharpener legal?
Exeter..ish - Devon. Yes groove sharpeners are legal, after all it's just a tool. It's what you do with it as D4S has stated that can make your club non conforming. All clubs now have their grooves machined to maximum tolerances, if you increase the size of them through scraping your club becomes non conforming.
