The golf media generally is pretty thorough and accurate when it comes to such things as equipment and equipment rules. But in regards to the U.S. Golf Association’s impending new rule on grooves that is scheduled to go into effect next year, the media is off base. I have never seen such a level of misinformation before in this industry. And I’m betting you’re going to hear a lot more misinformation about the subject of grooves as 2010 approaches.

The media has messed this up so much that even PGA Tour players are talking about “when we go back to V grooves.” Does anyone not read what the USGA published on this???

In addition to reading in several places about “when square grooves are outlawed”, just this past week I received a “scare tactic” promotional email from one of the newer wedge brands, which announced right in the subject line, “USGA To Eliminate Square Grooves”. The email went on to say that:

“The USGA has implemented a rule change that the PGA Tour will adopt for next season, eliminating the use of square grooves on wedges.”

In this case, either this manufacturer didn’t really read what the USGA rule says, or they are just out-and-out lying in an attempt to try to sell you their wedges. I’m going to choose to believe that ignorance, not deception, was their fault here.

So, in the spirit of public (and accurate) information, let me set the record straight about what is going on with the “great groove issue”. With the hard facts, you can be the recognized expert in your group and at your club with regard to what the real story is about the new ruling governing grooves on wedges.