loving the grooves...

[THJahar]

I forgot to mention after watching last weekends accenture matchplay about the effect the groove change is having.
I'd noticed it on a few of the tournaments in that we are seeing a lot less of those ridiculous 'hit the green spin 20 feet back' Shots.
The marked difference became even more apparent on the rather undulating greens at the accenture.
I was seeing players having to put effort in their short game and landing position on chips/pitches rather than the 'smack and grab' shots they used to play.
I for one am quite pleased as short game skills are becoming more crucial, and more enjoyable to watch.
(especially seeing the failures, I don't think I have seen as many 'hit the fringe and go nowhere' shots in a major tournament)
I think this year we're going to experience a shakeout of players and the world rankings will change dramatically as those that can, will and those that can't, don't LOL

 

[StrangelyBrown]

The cream always rises to the top. By the summer I'd expect that the best chippers and pitchers with square grooves will also be the best chippers and pitchers with U grooves.

However, I imagine that the difference between the best and the average will be wider.

 

[ADB]

Bring on the Masters, that will sort out those with imaginative short games and those used to picking up the lob wedge at every situation.

I reckon level par would be a decent score round Augusta, especially if the weather is a bit dodgy.

 

[Deleted member 1147]

It'll be interesting to see how they cope on the faster greens in the majors.
Augusta could be embarrasing for some.


Westwood has never been a particularly good chipper how has he been coping since the change in grooves?

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I think Augusta and maybe Pebble Beach will be real tests of the short game especially if the greens are firm. This worrys me from a Westwood fans perspective as I think he's an adequate chipper but can really see him wanting on some shots this season which may ulitmately cost him the prize. I hope I'm wrong and he'll come out with an all new short game but I'm not convinced.

I did enjoy seeing the players having to try a bit more variation and the checking pitch (one bounce and spin) seems to be a favourite method. Can't wait to see Mickleson though at Augusta as he'll still make it look absurdly easy

 

[Chrimbo]

Can't wait to see Mickleson though at Augusta as he'll still make it look absurdly easy

By using his secondhand Ping Eye 2 wedge .....

 

[Deleted member 1147]

I remember reading some stuff about which balls the tour pro's used, not too many were using the softest balls on the market.
I wonder if the new wedge rules will encourage them all to go to the most spinning/softest balls just to help with the chip/pitch shots?

 

[thecraw]

I remember reading some stuff about which balls the tour pro's used, not too many were using the softest balls on the market.
I wonder if the new wedge rules will encourage them all to go to the most spinning/softest balls just to help with the chip/pitch shots?

I think you will find that they are. The vast majority will be using either Titleist Pro V1(X),Srixon Z-STAR(X) or Taylor Made TP Red/Black with possibly a few Bridgestone B330's thrown in!

 

[Smiffy]

The vast majority will be using either Titleist Pro V1(X),Srixon Z-STAR(X) or Taylor Made TP Red/Black with possibly a few Bridgestone B330's thrown in!

That's only because they haven't discovered "Noodles" yet

 

[freddielong]

I remember reading some stuff about which balls the tour pro's used, not too many were using the softest balls on the market.
I wonder if the new wedge rules will encourage them all to go to the most spinning/softest balls just to help with the chip/pitch shots?

I am assumeing you mean they are choosing the Prov1X rather than the Pro V1 ie the less spinnier option not that they tend to us pinnacles etc.

 

[Deleted member 1147]

Correct Freddie.
However, it would be interesting to see the worlds elite using Ultra's, Pinnacles, Molitors and the like.

 

[freddielong]

Correct Freddie.
However, it would be interesting to see the worlds elite using Ultra's, Pinnacles, Molitors and the like.

yes Big Phil trying a flop shot with a pinnacle Distance would be funny

 

[haplesshacker]

Though I bet he still could!

 

[freddielong]

Though I bet he still could!

I am sure he could even do it left handed

 

[USER1999]

Using rubbish old wedges!