What the New Condition of Competition Regarding Grooves Means to You The new Condition of Competition pertaining to Wedges and Irons above 25 degrees (generally a standard 5-iron and above) instituted by the USGA and the R&A for 2010 has caused its fair share of concern and questions among the golfing public. As a top clubfitting center, Performance Clubworks would like to help set the record straight, and clarify any confusion that you might have.
The new Condition of Competition concerning grooves applies to play on the professional tours and a small selection of other elite tournaments in 2010. For the vast majority of the golf played around the globe, the grooves found in existing irons and wedges are authorized by the ruling bodies until at least 2024.
Why the New Rules? Research by the USGA and R&A showed that modern groove configurations may allow some players to generate as much spin from the rough as they do from the fairway, potentially reducing the value of accuracy off the tee. The revised Rules are intended to restore the penalty of hitting into the rough.
