R&A launch groove database
Saturday, 16 January 2010
THE R&A has developed an online club database in advance of the groove changes which become effective from January 1, 2010.
The informational club database is a searchable database of all irons and wedges, as well as hybrids and fairway woods with lofts of 25° or higher, which were in production prior to 1 January 2010 and which have been submitted to, and evaluated by, either The R&A or the USGA.
"The purpose of the database is to assist golfers and Rules Officials in determining the status of their existing clubs, when evaluated against the current Rules of Golf and the new groove and punch mark specifications," said David Rickman, The R&A's Director of
Rules and Equipment Standards.
"It is important to remember that the new specifications do not apply to any clubs manufactured prior to 1 January 2010 and those clubs will continue to conform the Rules of Golf for the vast majority of golfers until at least 2024.”
The new groove specifications on iron clubs become effective in PGA Tour of Australasia competitions beginning January 1, 2010.
For more go to www.randa.org/rules/groovetest
PLEASE NOTE: Due to manufacturing problems, with regard to new groove regulations, the PGA Tour of Australasia has decided to postpone the implementation of the new groove regulations until Monday 25 January 2010.
players will be permitted to use their current equipment during the Victorian open and the NZ PGA only.