Should the PGA Tour go Soft Spikes only?

[chriskzoo]

I noticed that even Tiger has now switched to the Stinger spikes on his new golf shoes. I know that Phil still uses the old metal spikes and I'm sure there are a few other guys, but is it time to put an end to that?

Unles Tiger is using the Pro Stinger, which is a Stinger spike with a post in the middle, which is probably worse, LOL.

[PiKapp23]

Having grown up with steel spikes I don't remember any real advantage to them over soft spikes, but then again I have never swung as hard as the PGA Tour guys do.

[chriskzoo]

Having grown up with steel spikes I don't remember any real advantage to them over soft spikes, but then again I have never swung as hard as the PGA Tour guys do.

Especially with today's "soft" spikes, I don't see the difference. In fact, I'd say that the more points of contact make for a more solid stance. Now when you were talking the original soft spikes which just has like 10 little 1/8" nubs on each spike, I could tell the difference.

[Big_M]

YES... the tour should switch. I would go as far as to say the USGA rules should ban metal spikes... there's really no need for them anymore. Maybe in some conditions they offer a mild advantage, but pros would have no problem adapting... just like the rest of us have.

[Jared]

I miss my metal spikes. Can't we outlaw soft spikes instead?

[chriskzoo]

I more wonder if it's a fairness issue - either they should go soft spikes only or allow tamping down of spike marks. I know I would be pissed if I was wearing soft spikes and then had to deal with Phil dragging his feet all over the green in front of me, while he had no such issues.

[Damien45]

I think they should be forced to switch. We have to adapt to every change made, so why not them? I know it was mostly a course rule that enacted the change to soft spikes, but good luck finding a course that will let any of us walk on in metal spikes these days.

[iacas]

You know, in the past I've supported the PGA Tour's right to use regular spikes, but the last time I gave it any thought was about five years ago, and I'm switching my answer as of today.

So there you go. Heck, I wouldn't even care if the Rules of Golf forbade spikes of a certain length or longer (though that's perhaps not really their purview). Let's roll back spikes!

[Big_M]

I know I would be pissed if I was wearing soft spikes and then had to deal with

I love how Phil is always the person mentioned... as if dozens of others aren't wearing them as well.

[chriskzoo]

I love how Phil is always the person mentioned... as if dozens of others aren't wearing them as well.

He's the only one we see on TV using them - maybe Vijay too, I forget.

[Doctorfro]

In a short answer: Yes

[Ian]

I love how Phil is always the person mentioned... as if dozens of others aren't wearing them as well.

its cause phil is a POS, no one else has their ENTIRE family come running out and hugging them as if they found their long lost "daddy" after 20 years when they finish the 18th....

[Zeph]

I agree that they should go soft spikes only. The players won't play any worse, it sets a standard which should have been set long ago.

[Shindig]

He's the only one we see on TV using them - maybe Vijay too, I forget.

I thought Vijay confronted him about them? Maybe I'm remembering the story wrong.

[Big_M]

its cause phil is a POS, no one else has their ENTIRE family come running out and hugging them as if they found their long lost "daddy" after 20 years when they finish the 18th....

...and this has to do with spikes how? Also, I have seen many players children and wives run out on the 18th after a win... we just see Phil's family do it more because he wins more than the next guy.

It would be interesting to know how many tour pros still wear metal spikes.

[Uber$winG]

Is it possible that Tiger’s switch to soft spikes has something to do with his newly reconstructed knee?

[MiniMoe]

If I remember correctly, Steve Elkington chose not to play in a US Open qualifier because they wanted him to switch to soft spikes and he refused. It might have been someone else, I don't know. I don't care who it was. What a feaking idiot. Who says the top pros don't look down on the rest of us underlings

[golf_junkie27]

Let them keep the spikes. The greens and fairways are rolled, mowed and manicured after every round so I don't believe they are destroying the course.

As for having to putt over the occasional spike mark, they have the opportunity to repair it like they do a ball mark. (I believe) If they don't, then too bad and welcome to what the 95% of public course playing golfers deal with on a daily basis. Just adds to their superiority, IMHO.