By Frank Thomas September 19, 2008

Our equipment guru, Golf Digest Technical Advisor Frank Thomas, has the answers to your questions. Click here to submit a question for possible use in this column and you could receive a signed copy of Frank's latest book, "Just Hit It: Our Equipment and Our Game." For more from Frank you can visit his site franklygolf.com. [Note: Each week submitted questions will be reviewed and the best one will receive a signed copy of Frank's book, "Just Hit It."]

RYDER CUP FOURSOMES

Frank, I know this is not an equipment question, but you will surely know the answer. Please help me understand how, at the Ryder Cup, players will play in foursomes and how this will work for match play. Is this a "better ball of two" or are the scores combined? Sorry, to be so stupid about this but I don't understand exactly how this works and want to enjoy the event.

--Freddie

Freddie, there are no stupid questions. It is, however, really stupid if you have a question but don't ask it, because then you might appear to be stupid. If you have a question, ask if you intend to be better informed. We don't have any stupid Frankly Friends; they are just well informed golfers because they ask questions.

I think your problem starts with not understanding the true definition of the term "Foursomes." Most of us understand this to mean four golfers playing together, each hitting his/her own ball. Generally, we pair up so we have two teams and use the better ball as the score for that hole in stroke play or the match. This is called a "Four-ball" match, not a "Foursome."

A "Foursome" is a match in which two players play against two other players, BUT each side plays only one ball. This we commonly know as alternate shot. The players decide who will drive off the first hole and then alternate on each subsequent hole. Only two balls are in play even though there are four players and the players alternate shots during a hole. In the Ryder Cup the score for each hole determines which side wins the hole.

It is a match play event for all formats played (foursomes, four-ball and singles) and a point is awarded to the side which wins each match, or half a point if the sides are "all square" after eighteen.

Freddie, the great thing about the Ryder Cup is that it is match play and this is often much more exciting to watch than stroke play. Match play is basically a match on every hole and if your side gets a "snowman" (8) on a hole you don't have to sulk as this only loses the hole -- in most cases -- and you start the next hole with a clean slate. I think match play allows golfers to take more chances and when they 'nail it,' we the audience, have more fun watching.

Freddie, well done for asking the question and enjoy the Ryder Cup -- Go USA!

Your friend,

Frank

GROOVES, WEARYING AND WORN

Frank, I have an old set of Ping Eye 2's -- the ones with square grooves. They were made in the 80's. I am a 9 handicap and happy with these irons. I noticed last week the "W" wedge and 9 iron grooves are starting to wear down. With all the talk about grooves going on, my questions are:

1. Should I have them re-grooved?

2. Are my old grooves legal?

3. If it is best to re-groove, what kinds of grooves should be put in -- original style, current style or new specification style?

4. Should I send them back to the factory or have it done locally? If so, by whom?

5. Is it just time to buy a new set and give my old ones to Junior golf?

I enjoy your technical answers and information. It sure beats the misinformation you get from your golf buddies.

--Dale

Dale, I appreciate your comments and support.

You have asked five questions and most of our visitors are only allowed one at a time. If, however, I answer the first question only, I know you will be back another four times to get the rest answered. Only kidding. I will answer all five now.

First, your Ping Eye 2's are a classic set and the longer you can hang onto them the better, especially if you have made really good friends with them.

Q #1) Should I have them re-grooved?

It may not make a lot of difference, unless you have been able -- every now and again -- to make the ball dance on the green from out of the rough. Only then will worn grooves be less effective than new ones. Under dry conditions it won't make any difference if the grooves are worn or not.

You can have them re-grooved but it is going to be fairly expensive. The Ping factory does not recommend that you send the club back to them for re-grooving, as it will be a customized procedure of first milling the face flat and then machining the grooves, which will be expensive.

Q #2) Are my old grooves legal?

Yes, they are and will be for many years as long as you don't try to get them re-grooved. Rule 4-1 says, "A club which conforms with the Rules when new is deemed to conform after wear through normal use." However, if you try to have this club re-grooved -- with the present groove specification -- after January 1, 2010, it is considered as new and must conform to the new rules. There is however, an exception for Ping Eye 2 clubs manufactured before March 31, 1990. They will conform forever, even if used in the US Open or on the PGA Tour. See below:

"In accordance with previous agreements, clubs manufactured before March 31, 1990 that meet the criteria of USGA Decision USGA/4-1/100, such as the Ping Eye 2, will be treated by the USGA as conforming to the Rules of Golf and will continue to be acceptable for all USGA competitions."

Q #3) If it is best to re-groove, what kinds of grooves should be put in -- original style, current style or new specification style?

If you have them re-grooved then do it before Jan 1, 2010 (before the new groove specifications apply) and you can have the grooves machined to match the current specifications. Golf Works (740-328-4193) will do this for you and they can assure you that the final product conforms with the specifications; but call ahead before sending them. You will be able to use these clubs until 2024 as long as you are not playing in an elite event such as the US Open or US Amateur (after 2014).

Q #4) Should I send them back to the factory or have it done locally? If so, by whom?

As mentioned in #1 above, it would be expensive to have this done at the Ping factory if they even agree to do it. Many custom club makers can re-groove but it is very tricky without the correct equipment.

Q#5) (thank goodness!) Is it just time to buy a new set and give my old ones to Junior golf?

No, don't give them up yet, you still have many years of good times if they have been behaving themselves until now. You have obviously been able to see 'eye 2 eye' with these clubs and there is nothing better than spending time with really good friends, which are sometimes hard to find.

Technology in irons has not changed very much, especially with regard to the original Eye 2, which set the standard for forgiveness in irons.

I know this is difficult to follow but it is a result of making exceptions to the existing old groove rule and drawing out how and when to apply the new rule to avoid litigation.

If you don't touch your Ping Eye 2's, which were manufactured before March 31 1990, you may have every PGA Tour player knocking at your door to buy them.

Have fun and enjoy your old friends,

Frank