Rough justice for golfers as R&A get tough on spin
The Royal and Ancient and the U.S Golf Association are proposing changes to the grooves on clubs so that players cannot get out of trouble so easily.
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R&A director of rules and equipment standards, David Rickman, said: "There is clear evidence that certain club face groove markings increase the amount of spin that highly skilled players can achieve from the rough, especially when striking thin urethanecovered golf balls.
"By limiting the amount of spin that can be generated for shots from the rough, we hope to place greater emphasis on accuracy and the skill required to recover from the rough."
The new rules will apply to all clubs, except drivers and putters, made from January 1, 2010.
But weekend golfers need not throw out the old irons just yet.
While Tiger Woods and company may face restrictions from 2009, the R&A will hold a five month consultation period with manufacturers, which will help decide when ordinary players will be affected.
But whatever date they come up with, a 10-year period of grace is expected for club golfers because of the costs involved in changing equipment.
