USGA Meets with Ping About Eye2 Irons
Officials from Ping and the USGA met Wednesday in hopes of working out a reasonable solution to the controversy surrounding the use of Ping Eye2s with square grooves. At 3:16 pm Thursday I got the following e-mail statement from the USGA:
Officials from the USGA and PING met yesterday in Dallas to discuss the use of PING EYE2 clubs on the PGA Tour.
USGA President Jim Hyler issued the following statement today:
“We met with representatives from PING yesterday. Our conversation with PING regarding the status of the PING EYE2 irons on the major professional American tours was productive, and we are hopeful that a solution can be found that respects and reflects the best interests of golfers and the game.”
Eight minutes later I got an e-mail statement from Ping saying:
“We had a productive meeting with the USGA yesterday regarding the PING EYE2 groove debate on the PGA Tour,” said PING Chairman & CEO John Solheim. “I’m encouraged by their willingness to openly discuss some of the challenges the golf industry faces relating to equipment issues. We left the meeting with an understanding we would continue to seek a solution that benefits golfers and acknowledges the importance innovation plays in the game.”
As Yogi Berra said, “It ain’t over ’til it’s over.” And this baby is far from over.
See-Try-Buy: Learn more about Ping clubs and schedule your fitting with GolfTec.
Related: Follow David Dusek on Twitter
(Photo: Phil Mickelson’s Ping Eye2 lob wedge, which he’s no longer carrying. By Robert Beck/SI)
Categories: golf putting Tags: Ceo John, David Dusek, E Mail, Golf Industry, Golfers, Hyler, Lob Wedge, Pga Tour, Phil Mickelson, Ping Clubs, Ping Eye2 Irons, Ping Irons, President Jim, Reasonable Solution, Respects, Robert Beck, Twitter, Usga, Willingness, Yogi Berra
The Putting Solution (full video)
The Putting Solution was developed as an aid to help teach all golfers the proper mechanics and feel in the uncompensated putting stroke.
It maintains the proper plane angle of the putter during the stroke It also enforces the motion of the proper plane line.
It’s easy to use, gives us instant feedback on the proper stroke and is guaranteed to take strokes off your game.
Duration : 0:9:40
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Ping Responds to Eye2 Wedge Controversy
Using a loophole in the new groove rules, several players, including John Daly and Phil Mickelson, have made the controversial decision to play Ping Eye2 wedges in recent PGA Tour events, prompting some criticism from fellow Tour pros. John Solheim, Ping’s chairman and CEO, issued a statement on the issue last night.
“Over the last several weeks we’ve watched with great interest the impact of the Ping Eye2 and its role in the USGA’s 2010 Groove Regulation. We’ve read and heard numerous inaccurate reports from various sources, including several PGA Tour Professionals, about the new groove regulation, specifically that “U” or “Square” grooves are “banned” as part of the regulation. As the USGA states on its website:
“A common misconception is that “V” shaped grooves will be required under the new specifications and that “U” shaped grooves will no longer be allowed. This is not the case.”
This misconception has contributed to Ping Eye2 irons being characterized as “non-conforming” or “illegal” and has created a division among many of the players on the PGA Tour.
We’re thankful that the PGA Tour helped clarify this issue in a statement last weekend:
“Under the Rules of Golf and the 2010 Condition of Competition for Groove Specifications promulgated by the USGA, pre-1990 Ping Eye2 irons are permitted for play and any player who uses them in PGA TOUR sanctioned events taking place in jurisdictions of the USGA is not in violation of the Rules of Golf; and
Because the use of pre-1990 Ping Eye2 irons is permitted for play, public comments or criticisms characterizing their use as a violation of the Rules of Golf as promulgated by the USGA are inappropriate at best.”
Naturally, this entire episode takes us back more than 20 years when our company took a stand against both the USGA and PGA Tour over their attempts to ban Ping Eye2 irons because of the grooves. In an effort to protect the interests of the millions of Ping Eye2 owners who had purchased their clubs in good faith and for the good of the game, we negotiated an agreement with the USGA which “grandfathered” all Ping Eye2 irons manufactured prior to April 1, 1990.
In 1993, the PGA Tour agreed they “will not in the future adopt or attempt to adopt any separate PGA Tour rule which would prohibit the use of U-grooves on any golf club if such PGA Tour rule differed from a USGA rule.”
When the USGA proposed the New Groove Rule more than two years ago, we reminded them of their agreement relative to the PING EYE2 irons. At the time, I was vehemently against any new groove rule for a variety of reasons and advised both the
USGA and PGA Tour in a letter dated July 31, 2007 that what is happening on the PGA Tour today was very much a possibility.
The recent statement from the PGA Tour and several PGA Tour players that they could invoke a “local rule” required us to remind the PGA Tour of the terms of the agreement which prohibits them from straying from a rule that “differed from a USGA rule.”
While I fully expect the PGA Tour to honor this agreement, I’m willing to discuss a workable solution to this matter that would benefit the game and respect the role innovation has played over the long history of golf.”
See-Try-Buy: Learn more about Ping clubs and schedule a fitting with GolfTec.
(Photo by Lenny Ignelzi/AP Photos)
Categories: golf putting Tags: Attempts, Ceo, Common Misconception, Controversial Decision, Controversy, Inaccurate Reports, John Daly, Jurisdictions, Loophole, New Groove, Pga Tour Events, Pga Tour Professionals, Phil Mickelson, Ping Eye2 Irons, Ping Irons, Public Comments, Rules Of Golf, Solheim, Usga
Video: Nike Athletes on Groove Rule Changes
In this video provided by Nike Golf, Stepen Ames, Trevor Immelman, Stewart Cink, Anthony Kim, Suzann Pettersen and Amanda Blumenherst talk about how the new USGA groove rule changes are going to effect their game. See-Try-Buy: Learn more about Nike clubs and schedule your fitting with GolfTec. Related: Follow David Dusek on Twitter | Groove Rule Changes
Read more…
Categories: golf putting Tags: Amanda, Ames, David Dusek, game, New Groove, nike, Nike Golf, Rule Changes, Stepen, Stewart Cink, Suzann Pettersen, Trevor Immelman, Usga, Video Nike
Stop Bad Weather From Boosting Your Golf Handicap
Sometimes you have to play when the weather is bad. Unfortunately, the USGA makes no specific provisions for “winter play,” as it’s called. There’s also nothing in the rules about the lift, clean, and place practice used on the PGA tour when it’s wet. Meanwhile, playing in bad weather adds strokes to scores and golf handicap, if you’re not careful. But you can save the strokes, if you know when and how to take appropriate relief.
The USGA prefers players play the ball as it lies. What’s more, most golf lessons or golf instruction sessions don’t cover winter play—leaving many players guessing what to do when they play in bad weather. Sometimes players make up their own rules to cover certain situations. That’s not appropriate. If you’re brave enough to play in bad weather, you should follow the rules as closely as possible. Here are some golf tips that may help you do that.
Check Out Local Rules
Appendix I of the USGA rulebook provides for local rules when playing in bad weather. Check them out. In fact, check out the local rules of any course you’re not familiar with. It’s good information to know before teeing off. Other than that, the key USGA rule concerning bad weather is Rule 25, which covers abnormal ground conditions.
You also need to read up on the procedures covering casual water—defined as an “accumulation of water on the course visible before or after a player takes his stance.” Simply put, if your ball lies in casual water or you must stand in casual water to play the ball, you get relief. The rule doesn’t apply to water hazards or later water hazards. But water that overflows beyond the hazard’s margin is considered casual water.
To take relief, determine the nearest point to your lie that allows for complete relief from the water, but not nearer the hole. Then drop the ball one club length from this spot. The club you use to measure should be the club you intend to use to play the next shot. Your drop may not be on the putting green or in a hazard. Also, you can clean your ball.
Abnormal Ground Conditions
Relief from abnormal ground conditions in a hazard or on the green is slightly different from that above. In a hazard you must take your drop within the hazard. You can drop outside the hazard, but it costs you a stroke. If a bunker is filled with water and the ball rolls into the water no matter where you drop it, you have two choices. After two drops, you can place it in the bunker outside the collected water, or you can take the penalty.
If there’s water on the green you may place the ball at the nearest relief point, even if it is off the putting surface. You can get relief from casual water that’s in the intended line of your putt, but you can’t mop up dew or water on the intended line of your putt. If you’re off the green and there’s casual water on your intended line, that’s tough luck. You can’t mop it up.
Rule on Embedded Balls
Another important rule to know is the embedded ball provision of Rule 25. It says that if the ball plugs in your own pitch mark, you can lift, clean, and drop it, but not if you’re in the rough. Also, you can’t have someone else protect your head while taking a shot. But you can hold an umbrella over your head and hit.
If you serious about cutting strokes from your golf handicap, you’ll keep these golf tips in mind next time you play in bad weather. They provide relief and can save strokes. Also, check the local rules. They can also provide relief as well.
Jack Moorehouse
http://www.articlesbase.com/golf-articles/stop-bad-weather-from-boosting-your-golf-handicap-1009396.html
Categories: golf putting Tags: Accumulation, Bad Weather, Casual Water, Fact Check, Golf Handicap, Golf Instruction, Golf Lessons, Golf Tips, Instruction Sessions, Overflows, Pga Tour, Provisions, Rules Appendix, Strokes, Usga, Water Hazards
VH Hawkeye Putter
Unique golf putter and unique putting method patented and approved by the USGA and demonstrated by it’s inventor, long-time PGA member Paul Voyer. See how this method and design allows golfers of all levels to retain the traditional feel of the short putter while insuring that the elusive solid “V” sought by all golfers cannot break down during your stroke. Limited numbers of putters may be available for purchase and relationships with substantive and experienced manufacturers and distributors will be considered. For further information e-mail to derrellhunter@bellsouth.net
Duration : 0:2:44
Categories: golf putter Tags: approved, golf, Golfers, instructional, Inventor, method, paul, putter, Putting, solid, Stroke, traditional, unique, Usga, V, Voyer
Leupold GX-I Digital Golf Rangefinder
Digital Golf Rangefinder – GX-I Manufacture ID: 64080 Leupold GX I Rangefinder 64080 is incredibly an precise range finder that can help to make a marked improvement on anyone’s golf game. With 7 pre-loaded reticle options, the Leupold GX-I features Leupold’s exclusive PinHunter Laser Technology utilizes a combination of cutting edge microprocessing circuitry and an advanced infrared laser to accurately and consistently hunt down the pin against any background, to a maximum of 250 yards. This handy golf rangefinder comes equipped with a Quick Set Menu, this unique feature is intuitive and easy to use, and provides you fast access to the incredible performance of your Leupold Rangefinder and helps improve your overall golfing. All features and modes are easy to see without cluttering the field of view on the green. The Leupold GX-I Range Finder is USGA approved and conforms to Rule 14-3 so you can bring the GX-I to all your golf tournaments and have the confidence and reliability to perform great. In addition to the features found on the Leupold GX-I by Leupold features a Club Selector function, when activated this function takes TGR a step further. Factoring your specific striking distance and TGR to the target, the Club Selector automatically recommends the appropriate club for each shot, even indicating when the distance falls between clubs. This feature means you can take your golf game further, not only can you impress your friends with your newfound knowledge but you will also be hitting fewer shots and getting closer to the pin. Simply input the striking distance for 3 specific clubs and the GX will do the rest. The gx by leupold also features a True Ballistic Range Capability that allows you to range trees up to 600 yards away, reflective markers from 750 yards, pins from 250 yards with an accuracy commitment of plus or minus 1 yard. Both Leupold Rangefinders bring you excellent performance and precision, be a better golfer without the costly lessons.
Categories: golf greens Tags: Ballistic Range, Circuitry, Club Selector, Digital Golf Rangefinder, Golf Game, Golf Tournaments, Golfing, Infrared Laser, Laser Technology, Leupold Rangefinder, Newfound Knowledge, Precise Range, Range Capability, Reflective Markers, Rsquo, Set Menu, Striking Distance, Target, Tgr, Usga
Garmin Approach G5 Golf GPS Navigation System – 010-00697-30
Garmin Approach G5 Golf GPS Navigation System – 0100069730/ 240 x 400 Pixel Touchscreen Display/ Waterproof/ USB Interface/ Manual Pin Positioning/ Course Preview/ Digital Scorecard/ Computer Scorecard Review/ USGA And R&A Compliant/ Grey Finish
Categories: golf review Tags: Amp, Course Preview, Digital Scorecard, Garmin Gps, Golf Gps, Gps Garmin, Gps Navigation System, Gps System, Interface, Shopping, Usga, X 400, Yahoo
Any tips for a first-timer on a golf course?
Tomorrow I’m going to a 9-hole public golf course for the first time with one of my buddies. I’m kind of nervous. He has played on golf courses a couple of times, but basically we are both beginners. He basically knows what it’s like on a golf course but I don’t.
I’ve been to the driving range many, many times, just never out on a course. My friend keeps telling me that we should go and I finally agreed. I can drive the ball pretty far, but I often have trouble and slice the ball far to the left. I can’t really drive it consistently. I have done a little bit of work with irons but I’m not very good at it. I’ve also never putted before in my life (mini golf doesn’t count!).
So are there any tips or things I should know about before I tee off tomorrow? I just don’t want to make a complete fool of myself. Also, how am I to determine which iron to use in which situation? I have a full set (I think). I have so many questions, but can’t think of them all to put here!
Please help.
What does raking the bunker mean?
How do I know when it’s my turn on the fairway/green?
How do I know if it’s my job to pull the flag when someone is putting?
etc. etc. Give me any details you can!
Etiquette, etiquette, etiquette.
Raking bunker: if you step in the bunker (because your ball is there) when you leave, rake it to even out the sand surface, so the next player’s ball will not be in your sand divot, or footprint
It’s your turn if your ball is furthest away from pin.
When someone’s is putting on the green it’s your job to pull the flag out if you’re closest to it. Leaving the flag in is against USGA rule.
Play ready golf, i.e. when someone else is getting ready to hit their ball, be ready to hit your ball, that includes thinking which club you should hit, taking practice swing, walking to your ball, etc, so there is not considerable delay hitting your ball. However, do not do anything which may distract other players from hitting their shot, especially in his pre-shot routine.
Teeing off: the player who scored the lowest in the previous hole has the honor to hit first. If there was a tie, the person who teed off the previous hole will keep his honor. But most players play ready golf, i.e. whoever’s ready. But make sure that they did say it, some golfers can be a stickler when it comes to this. But on a 9 hole course, it’d be ready golf.
For 9 hole you should go through it in around 2 hours. Anything longer than 2:30 hours is playing slow, and golfers hate slow players.
Categories: mini golf putt Tags: Buddies, Divot, Driving Range, Fairway, First Timer, Fool, Golf Courses, irons, Job, Little Bit, Mini Golf, Play Golf, Public Golf Course, Putting Green, Ready Golf, Rule Play, Sand Surface, Usga
Izzo Golf Black Mamba Putter
If your putter makes you mutter, heres a cool idea. This Black Mamba putter provides an innovative quad alignment system that makes it almost fool-proof to line up your shot correctly every time. This USGA-conforming club features a substantial milled aluminum head and a Winn-style grip. Its a great way to get a grip on the golf course. Mens right hand only.
Categories: golf putter Tags: Alignment System, Aluminum Head, Black Mamba, Golf Course, golf putter, Shopping, Style Grip, Usga, Yahoo