Wedges
Wedge Design is About to Change ...
The USGA has limited the amount of backspin allowed from wedges on the PGA Tour. This is being done by changing the grooves on wedges, limiting them and rounding them off.
As of December 31, 2010 manufacturers will only produce wedges with these new USGA-conforming grooves; however, anyone not playing on the professional Tour will be able to play with the non-conforming grooves currently being made until 2024.
It is time to stock up and get your "non-conforming" wedges while supplies last!
New Grooves:
In the spirit of competition, the USGA is changing the wedge club because professional players create too much backspin on wedge shots. By reducing the volume of grooves and the sharpness of groove edges, the backspin can be reduced by 30-40%, depending on the player. Neither the “U” or the “V” groove is going away, but both will conform to these new specifications on January 1, 2011.
Timeline:
The non-conforming grooved wedges will be still be legal on the golf course for almost everyone, but they will no longer be made. In 2014 the USGA Amateur events will require the conforming grooves and in 2024 they will be required to post handicaps.
