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Seems like the smoke has settled regarding the groove issue on the PGA Tour. Commissioner Finchem held a press conference and basically outlined three options for the Tour. From what he said the Tour was taken totally off guard because they did not think players would play the Ping wedge, which if you could find one made before 1990 would be legal for play. I think what they did not consider is that the world’s number two and definite high profile player Phil Mickelson would be playing the controversial wedge. If it had been someone who flew under the radar most of the time, I don’t think the noise would have been near as loud.
Phil did not play the Ping wedges in L.A. this week however. He said he was trying to make the officials realize there is a loop hole that needs to be closed and he felt his point was made. Phil even went on record and stated he would put the wedges back in play if the rule was not changed. Now to me seems that Phil believes he can control the rules of the game to an extent, and if they are not changed he would exploit the loop hole. The intent was to reduce spin on the golf ball period. I feel spin reduction may lead to players playing softer golf balls, which will cause shorter driving distances, which I feel would be another issue the USGA would love to reel back as well.
This incident has turned out to be incredible. The rule was in place and basically ONE player called the bluff and decided to use the loop hole to his advantage. Seems like the attitude of ‘I will show them how bad this rule is ’ may have been somewhere in the players thoughts when deciding to use the Ping wedges. If it were to get an advantage I think Phil would be using the wedge this week as well, but again, I think it was simply to make a point.
Ok.. point was made.. go play golf..hit more fairways and you won’t need to worry about how skinny grooves will hurt you !!
