GOUGE: You want some clue into where the USGA is headed with regard to regulating distance? Go right here and read the report of the Equipment Standards Committee (http://www.usga.org/news/2006/february/es.html). But don't get bogged down in all the puffery. Here's a theory worth pursuing: The USGA is clearly going after grooves, but might that not be a more subtle way to go after distance, too? Talking to Nick Price on the range at the EDS Byron Nelson Classic, and his take is that by returning to less groovy grooves, players are going to start seeking softer, more highly spinning balls for those greenside shots. Ball companies can do a lot of things, but significantly softer compression balls with thicker urethane covers might not be the ideal ball that goes far off the tee. We'll see.
BOMB: No need to wait and see. We already have that answer. No question in my mind the governing body is going after grooves, but if the USGA is after the effect you put forth, it may as well keep things status quo. Distance is the drug of choice on the PGA Tour and the majority of players are addicted. At the Nelson I asked Rodney McDonald, Cleveland's director of tour operations, about ball fitting and whether players think about clubs other than the driver. His response: "Once a guy sees those 15 extra yards off the tee, they learn to live with the occasional pitching wedge they nuke over the green." In short, take away their square grooves and they'll still take their chances with the long ball. For the average chopper, grooves are better than they’ve ever been. And you’re kidding yourself if you think they don’t wear down. Bottom line: If you haven’t bought new wedges in the last 18 months you’re giving up more than that extra stroke your opponent weaseled out of you on the first tee.
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