| New rules have been introduced in the game of | | | | for fairway accuracy than is currently the case. It |
| golf that limit the groove volume on golf clubs | | | | will effectively penalise those that do not stick to |
| that have a loft equal to or higher than 25 | | | | the fairway. |
| degrees. This generally speaking will be anything | | | | From 1 January 2010 all professionals and |
| above a 5 iron. The rules mean that there is a | | | | amateurs qualified to play in professional |
| limit on groove edge sharpness on the clubface | | | | tournaments are affected by this ruling. The ruling |
| and the shape of the grooves has therefore been | | | | will apply to lower level professionals and elite |
| redefined. | | | | amateurs from 2014. It is likely that the ruling will |
| The new rules only really apply to all golf clubs | | | | be applied to all golfers with effect from 2024 but |
| manufactured after 1 January 2010. Any golf | | | | this will be reviewed in 2020. |
| clubs manufactured before this date that | | | | So, if you are an everyday golfer then you don't |
| previously met the regulations will still be valid until | | | | really need to worry about these rules as they |
| at least 2024. Pre 2010 models can still be | | | | stand now. You can still use your existing clubs |
| manufactured until the end of 2010. | | | | but keep in mind the changes if you are looking to |
| The new groove regulations mean that it is likely | | | | change your clubs in the next few years and |
| to be harder to hit a shot from the rough and get | | | | make sure you get ones that conform to the |
| as much spin on it than was previously possible. | | | | new regulations so that you are not restricted as |
| They are implementing this change because they | | | | to how long you can use them for. |
| feel that golfers should be more highly rewarded | | | | |