Mickelson, Harrington, Daly using PING wedges for grooves. Unfair advantage?

[Tiger Spuds]

At the Sony Open this week, John Daly is using Ping wedges from 1986 that do not conform to the new V groove rule.He's allowed use them because of a technicality - Ping wedges of that era can still be used because they were allowed under a settlement when Ping sued the governing body.

No surprise that it's Daly that would sniff out a loophole like this.What do you think?If I was one of the other players I wouldn't be too pleased that Daly's got an advantage.Other's may think he's just being inventive.Also, does this mean we'll see the entire tour breaking out 1980's Ping wedges? Can't imagine the other manufacturers will be impressed.

More. http://sports.espn.go.com/golf/news/story?id=4827156

[Shindig]

The rule isn't "John Daly can use these clubs and no one else can" ; the rule is that these particular wedges are allowed.

From their scores today, I'd bet that Zach Johnson isn't worried about Daly having an advantage over him.

[Tiger Spuds]

The rule isn't "John Daly can use these clubs and no one else can" ; the rule is that these particular wedges are allowed.

True, but it's a bit against the spirit of competition isn't it?Why not challenge yourself to adapt to the new grooves like everyone else has?

[bogeyhitter25]

It's not going to do him much good when he'll be hitting his 7th shot from the deep stuff anyway. Daly needs all the help he can get.

[Big_M]

I don't really think it is against the spirit of the competition... just like using a free drop or otherwise. Knowing the rules often helps players gain an advantage.... I see this as no different.

[Shindig]

True, but it's a bit against the spirit of competition isn't it?Why not challenge yourself to adapt to the new grooves like everyone else has?

Yeah, I guess it is against the spirit of competition. But it's not really an unfair advantage: anyone else in the field can use the same wedge.

[Shorty]

How can anyone say it is against the spirit of competition? He is using a legal club. End of story.

[senorchipotle]

is it just me, or does he look sick?

[James_Black]

True, but it's a bit against the spirit of competition isn't it?Why not challenge yourself to adapt to the new grooves like everyone else has?

Not really, if your playing fora LIVING why wouldn't you take any edge you can get?

is it just me, or does he look sick?

Well he lost a lot of weight quickly which musn't be good for him.

[Tiger Spuds]

Anyone think some of the other Pro's will be rooting out the old wedges?As the article said, given the age of the wedges, there might not much of an advantage over the new clubs.Although, if there was no difference, Daly and Wilson wouldn't be using them.

[Tiger Spuds]

Daly: ""Ping said the ones I have are all good to go, I think a lot of guys are going to switch. I know a lot of guys are buying them off eBay."

What was the point of bringing in the new rules then?

[woodzie264]

Yeah, I guess it is against the spirit of competition. But it's not really an unfair advantage: anyone else in the field can use the same wedge.

exactly;

As a professional, I'd agree with the OP that he should be staying current with club regulations, but as previously stated: 1. he's not breaking any rules, everyone in the field could be using his clubs if they so desired 2. I dont think the field is too concerned or is making a fuss about it - as much as JD tries, he's no longer a cream-of-the-crop player

[Bump-n-MI]

How can anyone say it is against the spirit of competition? He is using a legal club. End of story.

+1

Legal under the rules of golf, no controversy in my opinion.

[HoosierGolfer]

The rule isn't "John Daly can use these clubs and no one else can" ; the rule is that these particular wedges are allowed.

+2. I agree. I don't see too many guys worried about JD any week.

[DaSportsGuy]

True, but it's a bit against the spirit of competition isn't it?Why not challenge yourself to adapt to the new grooves like everyone else has?

I don't think anyone on the tour cares about challenging themself(during a tournament, at least). They're out there to win the tournament, not challenge themself or set some personal best.

[iacas]

Anyone think some of the other Pro's will be rooting out the old wedges?As the article said, given the age of the wedges, there might not much of an advantage over the new clubs.Although, if there was no difference, Daly and Wilson wouldn't be using them.

Could all be in his mind. If he thinks it's a help, it may very well be.

Also, I'm curious about the rules regarding the old clubs. I know they're legal, but can you refinish the grooves to make them legal or must they still be like the "factory grooves"? If you can't refinish the grooves, then it's pretty pointless. Maybe John should have spent more time practicing with the new grooves. He's always had great touch - I'm surprised he felt the need to go that route. Maybe his ball is too hard and he can't get softer ones...

[Tiger Spuds]

Also, I'm curious about the rules regarding the old clubs. I know they're legal, but can you refinish the grooves to make them legal or must they still be like the "factory grooves"? If you can't refinish the grooves, then it's pretty pointless.

Ping are taking back the 80's wedges to be 're-touched' and re-finished.I assume that includes groove sharpening.The only thing they can't do is make new clubs to same specifications of the 80's clubs.

I find this a bit annoying.What was the point of introducing the new rules and making a big fuss about implementing it when there's this loophole, and half the tour is on ebay buying 1980's wedges.Seems ridiculous to me.

[allin]

This is an issue that the tour could address. They could require clubs be used that comply with current rules of manufacture, the USGA could also seek a sidebar agreement with Ping agreeing to allow the exemption to expire. I doubt Ping benefits greatly from this financially. If it becomes to widespread one of thes actions might become a real possibility, especially if other equipment companies place it in their endorsement contracts.