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

[iacas]

Should the governing bodies change the rules so the "grandfathering" of clubs is eliminated?

They can't.

However, the Phil bashing is unwarranted in my view if he is 1) not breaking the rules as defined, and 2) other pro's are just as able to take advantage of said rules.

Yeah, they're just pissed they don't have a stash of Eye2s in their garage/basement. Big whoop.

Besides at 64 degrees, Phil will probably use the club for the short trouble shots and flops most of the time. Those rely on trajectory to stop the ball, not spin so much.

[kpaulhus]

Iacas, I think they were discussing his 64* last night saying that the difference in the new vs eye2's was that the ball would roll out too much. While I agree with you that a flop shot is determined by the flight of the ball and not the spin, I think that having it check up sooner can only help.

[plugged]

Perception is everything. If Phil wins or does very well, everyone and their dog will be using old wedges. If he does poorly, no one will care and even Phil may toss them.

For all we know, this could all be part of a publicity stunt by Phil and Callaway. He might come out next week and say "yeah, the old wedges are great, but these Callaway wedges are so good they even beat out the old square groove clubs," then Callaway hands him a big fat check.

[Zeph]

I don't imagine the other pros care what wedges Phil or John Daly uses. They got their own equipment. If they don't have equipment that works for them, they might consider the Eye2, or another wedge. I hardly believe that change in spin will make such a big difference anyways. The players adapt to the new rules and have probably familiarized themselves with the new grooves for some time now. Besides, it affects everyone, so it can't be unfair. If Phil started hitting more greens, he might not have to use the wedges as much.

[iacas]

Iacas, I think they were discussing his 64* last night saying that the difference in the new vs eye2's was that the ball would roll out too much. While I agree with you that a flop shot is determined by the flight of the ball and not the spin, I think that having it check up sooner can only help.

I recall them saying that, above 60 degrees, the ball flew as much as 20 yards different depending on things you couldn't easily control. There was a 20 yard "margin of error" on full swings with the "new grooves" above 60°.

My point is that if you don't ever swing a wedge over 60° with a full swing, that margin becomes irrelevant. If you only use it within a few yards of the green then who cares?

[stebed]

Has anyone got a list of the players using them? I have it on good authority that a certain Irish player has some but wanted to see if other high profile players were gaming them before he put them in play. Apparently it makes a massive difference to these guys and as soon as one uses the others have to.

[wolverine_man]

This thread is interesting. My dad has a full set of Eye 2s in the BeCu: 2i-SW. I've been meaning to get him that rare, BeCu LW as a gift, possibly for his upcoming birthday. I bet the already high price on that LW is going to go up even more.

[iacas]

Has anyone got a list of the players using them? I have it on good authority that a certain Irish player has some but wanted to see if other high profile players were gaming them before he put them in play. Apparently it makes a massive difference to these guys and as soon as one uses the others have to.

They're not even legal under R&A; rules. Only in the U.S. and Mexico.

And I don't think it makes a massive difference. Phil's only using it in his 64° club because he said conforming grooves don't work above 60°.

[golf_junkie27]

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?

Funny how two players: Rocco Mediate and Scott McCarron both feel that JD and Lefty are violating the "spirit" of competition, too. Yet, both use putters that many feel are violating the "spirit" of the game. Yup, you can use that damn belly putter and it's okay but players can't use wedges that are legal? I find that amusing coming from both of those guys.

Tell you what, Scotty and Rocco, go putt with a Wilson 8802 and JD/Dean Wilson/Lefty will use "normal" wedges. Deal?

[Tiger Spuds]

Funny how two players: Rocco Mediate and Scott McCarron both feel that JD and Lefty are violating the "spirit" of competition, too. Yet, both use putters that many feel are violating the "spirit" of the game. Yup, you can use that damn belly putter and it's okay but players can't use wedges that are legal? I find that amusing coming from both of those guys.

Golf Pro's just want something to whine and moan about, lets be honest.

I can understand why more pro's are trying the Ping's out now though (Phil, Padraig maybe).None of them would want to feel like they're missing out on something or being left behind, especially the great wedge players, even if the differences in the wedges would be miniscule at best, or even non-existant.Probably a psychological thing if anything.

[MSDOGS1976]

Funny how two players: Rocco Mediate and Scott McCarron both feel that JD and Lefty are violating the "spirit" of competition, too. Yet, both use putters that many feel are violating the "spirit" of the game. Yup, you can use that damn belly putter and it's okay but players can't use wedges that are legal? I find that amusing coming from both of those guys.

Good point.

But I putt with a belly putter, so watch it.

[iacas]

Funny how two players: Rocco Mediate and Scott McCarron both feel that JD and Lefty are violating the "spirit" of competition, too. Yet, both use putters that many feel are violating the "spirit" of the game. Yup, you can use that damn belly putter and it's okay but players can't use wedges that are legal? I find that amusing coming from both of those guys.

That's a good point. I think belly putters should be disallowed but I've given up hope that the USGA will see it my way. I don't believe you should be able to anchor something to your body.

[sean_miller]

At the Sony Open this week, John Daly is using Ping wedges from 1986 . . .

Cut JD some slack guys. Maybe he thinks it still is 1986?!?

[Zeph]

Juding by his pants, that may very well be the situation.

[iacas]

Scott McCarron just talked very strongly about how he thinks it's "taking unfair advantage" of the rules. He also said he isn't even sure they spin more but it "looks bad."

(Note: I'm behind on the recorded coverage: this occurred at about 90 minutes into coverage.)

[Three Putt]

I wish I had some Eye 2 wedges to sell.....

Great point on the belly putters...should be illegal.

I had no idea Scott M. was still on the tour?

Rocco...child please. Keep living of your loss to Tiger.

[duckhook]

I think it's just like knowing the rules and using it to your advantage. It doesn't bother me and I really doubt that it bothers many pro players.

As for the belly putters, I know a lot of people think they shouldn't be allowed. I have used one on off for 5-6 years and I see what people are saying but as long as everyone has the opportunity to use one then I see no issue with it. If they were banned I would have no problem with it.

I'm just always of the opinion that no matter what equipment, you still have to pull the shot off.

[iacas]

Everyone should read this:
http://freedrop.wordpress.com/2010/0...eeling-groovy/