The key quotes from the announcement are these:
--“[W]e have concluded that raising the issue again through another widespread request for manufacturers' opinions would likely result in similar divergent non-consensus views and could cause additional confusion in the marketplace. Accordingly, after giving due consideration to all the views expressed, the Governing Bodies have decided not to change their earlier position that assembly and distribution of pre-2010 clubs into the marketplace (or 'retail environment,' the synonymous term used by The R&A), should conclude by the end of 2010.”
--”Our goal has always been to achieve a smooth transition to the new groove rules, while minimizing the impact of the changes for all golfers. In this particular case, however, we concluded that a necessary component of the establishment of a crossover date for implementation of the new rule should include reference to ‘manufactured by’ and ‘sold by’ dates. Such inclusions are very rare and the Governing Bodies believe that while careful management by the manufacturing community is needed, this arrangement will result in much less impact on the vast majority of golfers than a single date for the introduction of the Rule.”
--”We have also been asked by some manufacturers how we intend to monitor compliance with the ‘sell by’ provisions. In short we do not see it as our role to actively monitor the distribution of equipment by manufacturers. In keeping with the spirit of the game in which golfers regulate their own compliance with the Rules, we trust and believe that the same ethic will prevail within the manufacturing community on this issue.”
Now, my sense of this whole series of clarifications is that it was the right thing to do. However, I still think it would be just fine if everybody (PGA Tour, U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur, next year's Mixed Member-Guest, etc.) had to play by the new groove rules starting Jan. 1, 2011. It’s no less enforceable than the sell-by rule, and yet if this change is so important to the future of the game, what is the harm in making it international law immediately? It’s like the stroke and distance penalty no one observes when they hit their first tee ball out of bounds on No. 1 every Saturday morning. Let everybody who’s playing golf for fun continue to play whatever game they think they’re playing, and everybody who thinks they’re actually participating in a golf competition adopt the new provisions no later than right now. Eventually, everybody will play equipment that adheres to the new rules, and by the time everybody comes around to the new rules it should be no later than 2024 anyway, by which time we will have forgotten there was ever anything like a Zip Groove.
BOMB: Goodness, I thought I was reading one of my business law books from my college years at Boston University. But for the most part, in a colossal upset, I actually agree with you that they should keep the date as is. Argue as much as you want whether or not the groove rule should have ever been implemented (and the statistical data, to date, indicates the effect has been minimal at best), but the rule's in place so now let's get on with it -- and that includes implementing the “sell by” date. Manufacturers have made their business plans based on it, so to change it now would be unfair. So give a brownie point to the governing bodies for sticking to it.
But there’s one thing I’d like everyone who plays the game on a recreational level to ponder: Maybe, just maybe, wedges with the new grooves will actually help your game. That’s right, help it. Be honest with yourself, you’re not hitting that one hop, stop, and check shot. What you are doing is leaving your approach shots, chips and pitches short of the hole almost every time. So what will a little roll out do for you? Get you closer to the hole. Partner, remember that little experiment we did with some of my fellow members and golf shop hands at Rock Ridge CC? The one where we gave them wedges with the ld and new grooves? The one where half of them thought the new groove was the old groove? The one where they actually ended up closer to the hole on average with the new groove? Thought so. It's in the August issue. In other words, let the new wedges in the marketplace—because it’s not going to impact everyday players one way or the other.
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