| The 2010 USGA Groove Rule makes no sense. It | | | | Technological advances don't threaten the |
| is with respect for the USGA and a love for the | | | | traditions. Over-reliance on technological advances |
| game of golf that this is written. It is my sincere | | | | rather than practice and skill can only be true if |
| hope it is taken in that same spirit. | | | | not everyone has access to the technology. |
| In watching the press conference of Phil Mickelson | | | | As long as everyone has access, the technology |
| before the 2010 Farmers held at Torrey Pines he | | | | gives no dramatic advantage to one player over |
| expressed his displeasure toward the USGA | | | | another. I'm sure the worst Formula One race car |
| Groove Rule in effect this year. As a recreational | | | | driver would be better than any of us behind the |
| golfer I have to say I totally agree. | | | | wheel of the most technologically advanced race |
| This time the USGA has gone too far. They | | | | car. |
| stepped over from being the governing authority | | | | Skill, practice, and force of will always determine |
| on golf to being the golf police. Don't get me | | | | who prevails. The USGA has missed, entirely what |
| wrong I understand the "intent" of the USGA | | | | is "in the best interest of the game of golf" and |
| Groove Rule I just don't think it makes sense. | | | | that is to... GROW the GAME! |
| Here is a paragraph from the USGA site regarding | | | | Professional golf is not unlike professional auto |
| the why... | | | | racing. The technological advances, particularly in |
| The main objective of Rules 4 and 5 and | | | | the area of safety, often find their way into the |
| Appendices II and III is to ensure that | | | | family sedan you drive every day. The |
| technological advances in the design and | | | | technology used to improve professional's success |
| manufacture of golf equipment are in the best | | | | in golf increases all our success. |
| interests of the game of golf. While not wishing to | | | | When golf is easier to play, more people will play. |
| stifle innovation,the purpose of the equipment | | | | The more people play the better for all. Expanding |
| Rules is to protect the traditions of the game, to | | | | interest in golf... IS... in the best interest of golf. |
| prevent an over-reliance on technological | | | | There are countries where golf is mostly private |
| advances rather than on practice and skill,and to | | | | and those places produce almost no world class |
| preserve skill differentials throughout the game. | | | | golfers. Contrast this with countries where golf is |
| Let's look at that statement because it is a bit | | | | accessible, and these countries, for decades have |
| misleading. In order for the USGA to be correct, | | | | produced champions. And will continue to do so. |
| protecting the traditions of the game and | | | | Most of us are grateful for shot stopping |
| preserving skill differentials are the same, and are | | | | grooves,else we would never be able to keep the |
| in the best interest of the game. | | | | 2 piece ball we play on the green. If the USGA |
| First the more important traditions to protect are | | | | Groove Rule is designed to put a premium on |
| honesty, integrity and sportsmanship, not skill | | | | driving accuracy....grow the rough and narrow the |
| differential. | | | | fairways but don't take us back to hickory shafts. |