What are the new USGA/R&A Groove Rules?
According to the R&A, St. Andrews: “From 1 January 2010, there will be revisions to golf’s equipment Rules, which are designed to enhance the benefits of accuracy by making playing from the rough a more challenging prospect in future. The new Rules, which relate to club face grooves will significantly increase the spin differential between shots from the fairway and shots from the rough, by limiting groove volume and groove edge sharpness. The limit on groove edge sharpness will be applied to clubs with loft greater than or equal to 25 degrees (generally a standard 5-iron and above). The Rules will apply to all new models of clubs manufactured after 1 January 2010. Research conducted by the USGA and R&A found that current club face grooves provide too much spin, thereby reducing the importance of shot accuracy and overall skill from the rough and near-green shots. The groove rules produce the following changes to golf clubs: >Rounded edges on grooves instead of sharp angles >Lower groo
