A few years back congress passed a law that mandated that all new toilets limit flushes to 1.6 gallons. This created a booming market for “old toilets” and had many people crossing into Canada to get the 3 gallon beauties. No one wanted to break the law or degrade the environment, but the old toilets worked better and one flush of 3 gallons was (and still is) less than 2 or more flushes of 1.6.
Why all the bathroom talk?
Because soon, we will be faced with a similar situation with golf clubs.
The USGA has ruled that starting in 2009 wedges using “U” grooves will not be allowed in tournament play. “U” grooved clubs will be grandfathered for other competition for 10 years but after that, no dice.
A What Groove?
“U” grooves put more spin on a golf ball - particularly from the rough than older “V” style grooves. The result of using “U” grooves is that more approach shots from off the fairway will hit - and stay on greens. The decision to ban them is a noble, but misguided attempt by USGA to protect the future of golf from the current "bomb and gouge" trend.
Everyone agrees that golf courses should not be forced to stretch out to 8,000 yards to be considered championship caliber. Maybe this policy makes sense for PGA Tour events, but for average players it’s a real step backwards for the game. Even if it doesn’t take effect for 10 years, why would we do ANYTHING that makes an average round of golf LONGER?
In anticipation of the rule change, most manufacturers will be changing all their wedges so that they will be conforming in 2009. That means just about any wedge we purchase in 2009 and beyond will actually perform worse than previous years. I’ve heard it straight from the mouths of industry reps- “buy now!”
Might just want to buy and stash a set. If you think your buddies will need a wedge, you should buy a few. Then you can charge them antique prices.
The idea to ban “U” grooves is straight out of the playbook that brought us “New Coke”. It needs to be flushed right down the tubes…
We just might want to use an old throne to do the job.
-JJ
Link to BCS
