Question about gaps and grooves conformity

[Shindig]

Hi all,

With the iron set I'm ordering, I am slightly concerned about the difference in how far I'll hit the PW that comes with my set and my gap wedge.  The PW in the new set is 44.5 degrees (Ping's new G400 irons).  Inferring from the 7-iron distance (on a launch monitor that accurately recorded my current 6-iron), I suspect I'll hit it about 115 yards (the PW, not the 7-iron).  For contrast, my 50 degree wedge I can hit about 90 (full swing, subject to the usual hazards of a full wedge swing) or 80 with a flight shot.  

I have debated a few things to do about this, and one thing I was considering is putting my old Nike Victory Red 47-degree wedge in the bag if the gap is as big as I think.  My problem is that this club doesn't conform to the groove rules -- when I bought it it was legal.  I play club tournaments, subject to Rules of Golf, and I have no delusions about trying to Monday qualify for the PGA Tour or play an elite USGA event.

Unfortunately, I'm either not understanding what I find online or getting conflicting information.  Is such a club legal for me, an amateur, to use, both for handicap rounds and club events?

[saevel25]

4 minutes ago, Shindig said:

My problem is that this club doesn't conform to the groove rules -- when I bought it it was legal.  I play club tournaments, subject to Rules of Golf, and I have no delusions about trying to Monday qualify for the PGA Tour or play an elite USGA event.

Yes, you would be violating USGA rules. I believe the only company to get a waiver for the grooves was PING with the PING Eye 2 irons. I am pretty sure that expired, though I could be wrong.

If anyone gets a GI set, like the G400's, it is preferable to just assume that they need the UW or GW that comes with the set. The G400 UW is 49.5 degrees and probably would fit that yardage gap for you.

[Shindig]

15 minutes ago, saevel25 said:

Yes, you would be violating USGA rules. I believe the only company to get a waiver for the grooves was PING with the PING Eye 2 irons. I am pretty sure that expired, though I could be wrong.

Darn.  I knew I couldn't buy them, but I thought that for amateurs in non-elite competition, the clubs purchased prior to the rule were still legal for a time.

Inferring 10 yard gaps puts the UW in the G400 set at the right spot for this gap though, despite the 5 degree difference (I'm sure that's accounted for when they decided the loft).  Feels a little odd to have a 49.5* and 50* in the same bag.  

[saevel25]

22 minutes ago, Shindig said:

Darn.  I knew I couldn't buy them, but I thought that for amateurs in non-elite competition, the clubs purchased prior to the rule were still legal for a time.

Inferring 10 yard gaps puts the UW in the G400 set at the right spot for this gap though, despite the 5 degree difference (I'm sure that's accounted for when they decided the loft).  Feels a little odd to have a 49.5* and 50* in the same bag.  

You might want to ask the rules committee at your club what the ruling is.

There is this from the USGA Rules on equipment,

Quote

For competitions conducted after January 1, 2014, the USGA does not recommend adoption of this Condition of Competition unless the competition involves professional-level players and/or players at the highest levels of amateur golf.

If the Committee does not adopt the Condition of Competition, clubs available prior to January 1, 2010, which conformed to the 2008-2009 Rules of Golf may continue to be used in all rounds conducted under the Rules of Golf until at least 2024

 

[Typhoon92]

I'd have the 50 degree bent to 48 to eat up the gap.