Groove sharpeners

[jamielaing]

I am thinking of picking up a groove sharpener to freshen up my wedges but I am concerned about inadvertently making them illegal or potentially damaging them and leave them susceptible to rusting.

Does anyone have any experience with these? I have read somewhere that there are conforming ones but I don't know that that is the case.

Any advice much appreciated.

 

[patricks148]

I think they are illegal if you use them after in a comp as you have altered the club in some way.

i could be wrong though.

i tried one some time ago on an old wedge i use in the garden, TBH i could not see any difference

 

[pbrown7582]

IMO they would make your grooves illegal I cannot see how with todays tight tolerances and CNC/Laser machined grooves how you can re-sharpen by hand.

 

[jamielaing]

I think they are illegal if you use them after in a comp as you have altered the club in some way.

i could be wrong though.

i tried one some time ago on an old wedge i use in the garden, TBH i could not see any difference

During a comp I would imagine you wouldn't be allowed to use them but surely the grooves are at x depth and width and inadvertently going too deep would make the club illegal? Or do these not work in this way?

 

[duncan mackie]

It's really easy...

You can use them as long as they don't work!

Despite how a new wedge feels to the touch the grooves are actually radiused very very precisely in accordance with the equipment rules - they have to be rounded, not sharp or edged.

You can buy groove sharpeners which are profiled to both the permitted groove dimensions to theoretically enable you to re-profile damaged or worn grooves but the probability is that in use by hand they will end up altering the profiles.

Whether this makes them illegal, whether it gives any benefit or whether anyone cares are all of course more philosophical questions than practical for most golfers. So, as with many golfing situations on, and off course, it comes down to the player.

There are much eaaier, better and cheeper ways to clean out grooves quickly and efficiently - at this time of year a small kitchen or nail brush attached to the bag is well worthwhile.

 

[srixon 1]

Don't waste your money. They don't really achieve anything.

 

[PuttPuttSteve]

You would be better off with a double-headed (wire & bristle) brush. I use mine on almost every hole.

http://www.thegolfshoponline.co.uk/...riant=175239&gclid=CIPl4MSRlckCFQxmGwodfrMDKg

 

[gregers]

i just ground down an old screwdriver,gets right into the edges of the grooves.

 

[Tommo21]

Would never put a groove sharpener near my wedges. I've had my two 200 series Vokeys now for over 5 years and they're still spinning to order. I play 4/5 times a week in summer and when weather permits in winter. Keep them clean after each shot and each game.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Would never put a groove sharpener near my wedges. I've had my two 200 series Vokeys now for over 5 years and they're still spinning to order. I play 4/5 times a week in summer and when weather permits in winter. Keep them clean after each shot and each game.

This. If you keep the grooves clean as you play (and a tee and a towel is all you need as you go round) you'll get all the spin you need

 

[Sybez]

Anyone ever been DQ'd for illegal equipment?

 

[Foxholer]

...
There are much eaaier, better and cheeper ways to clean out grooves quickly and efficiently - at this time of year a small kitchen or nail brush attached to the bag is well worthwhile.

Duncan. Can you explain how a small kitchen (I have one of those!) can be attached to the bag? :rofl: Doesn't seem particularly easy!

Otherwise, I'm inclined to agree. If grooves do get 'damaged' by play, that in itself is likely/possible to make the grooves non-conforming. I've certainly seen wedges where the grooves have been bent out of shape by simple use - by a Professional!

Unless such 'sharpeners' can prove they don't make the grooves non-conforming, then they should not be used!

I tried one many years ago (before the Groove Rule came in) and it was also bleeding hard work! Quite literally 'bleeding' from memory too, as I think I managed to skewer my hand with it - which made playing golf difficult for a weekend or so! I didn't notice any particular difference, but I don't seem to spin the ball much anyway - and only ever when I'm short of the pin!

 

[Robster59]

If you use forged clubs with a chrome finish, it will take off the chrome and leave the forged metal which will then start to rust.

 

[patricks148]

Anyone ever been DQ'd for illegal equipment?

Not DQ as such.

I was at an open last year and there was a guy waiting to go out, started using one of these on his wedges in full view of the starter and the clubs handicap sec. he was told it would be better is he didn't use his wedges during his round or he might be DQ'd.

 

[Crazyface]

You would be better off with a double-headed (wire & bristle) brush. I use mine on almost every hole.

http://www.thegolfshoponline.co.uk/...riant=175239&gclid=CIPl4MSRlckCFQxmGwodfrMDKg

Really? So it's you holding things up!!!!! :whoo: