NEW G1O

[Boabski]

Ok i once before wrongly informed you that Ping had released a new G10 but this time it looks if i am right. according to John Solheim CEO of Ping (gm mag p 130) that because of the R&A changing restrictions on clubs they are working on a new G10 release.
do u thing that changing groove and C.O.R specs ever so slightly will have a significant impact on the game?

 

[birdieman]

Don't think the changes will affect the pros much. The ball is never mentioned in these tachnology debates but the ball technology has improved far more than the club technology over the last 15 years or so. Why don't they insist on thicker covers on balls again if they are worried about distance?
If the authorities are so bothered about groove technology allowing players to spin it from the rough all they need do is lengthen the rough so it actually becomes penal.
Also it is reasonably easy to install bunkers or ditches or ponds or grow rough to make players lay up where you want as a course designer/alterator.
For amateurs to get some backspin action on a ball is great fun, fun is what makes us want to play. Technology is good for amateurs as it makes the game easier but maybe less so for pros, especially on old courses that don't have room to be lengthened. I would focus any technology restraints on pros only.

 

[USER1999]

I would also lengthen the fairway grass to limit roll out and further reduce back spin on pitch shots.

Not sure the new groove regulations will affect too many amateurs / hackers, as if you currently can't spin it back anyway, you are not going to miss it.

May be it is time for a 'pro' ball?

You can't just keep on lengthening golf courses.

 

[Ken_A]

May be it is time for a 'pro' ball?

You can't just keep on lengthening golf courses.

And they would sell faster than Pro v1's, traders would love it and E bay would be full of fakes.

In the end its a sport and everyone should be playing the sport using the same equipment. If ther was pro equipment and normal equipment what would good amatures use (ie players off +1 or +2)

So if there is a part of the game thet need changed it should be changed for us all - thats my opinion.

 

[USER1999]

To be honest, I can't see why they can't rein in the ball, without affecting the rest of us. Since multi layer balls are designed to perform in a particular way, for a particular impact, then it shouldn't be impossible to design a ball which flies great for mid swing speeds, but doesn't fly any further if it is hit harder. Not many of us genuinely hit the ball 300+, so if the ball maxed out at 290, then there would be a much more level playing field at the top end, and we would still hit it just as far as now with no penalty.

 

[GB72]

Trouble is, if you shorten the distance that the ball will carry then the pros will complain about the length of the courses which have had millions spent extending them to cope with current technology. With that in mind cannot see a rule change on balls any time soon.

In my opinion, technology is not the issue but rather some unimaginative course design. Surely some well thought out adjustments to the courses could extinguish the benefit of being able to bang a ball over 300 yards or at least make the penalty severe if you hit it that far but not straight. I would also abolish ball spotters. Certainly you would think twice about where your ball was going to finish up if you had to find it unaided under the 5 minute rule.

 

[viscount17]

abolishing ball spotters wouldn't help as the crowd will always find it for them.

no, murph's right - hazards should be hazards and rough at least long enough that you either hit straight or lose yards by having to take a different club.

the rough at the Belfry was probably about right for just off the first cut - deep enough to give problems but not so much as to be insurmountable. I'd want to see it longer the further off the fairway you were. (at my mate's track they sent a guide in with you!)

 

[Marko77]

Agree that they have to stop just making the courses longer. I'd like to think they could take tournaments back to places like Gleneagles Kings, just because they can't hit driver at each hole shouldn't mean they can't play it. That course will test their short game and alternative plays from the tee.

As for a new G10, I just got one of the current models last week. Will be disappointed if a new one is hot on its heels. Wish I'd waited on the new Titleists now...

 

[JezzE]

Boabski,
Just to clarify regarding the John Solheim interview, Ping isn't having to replace the current G10 because of changes to equipment regulations, but rather the company wasn't sure whether certain technology they were hoping to use in the face of the G10's successor would still be legal if certain proposals were to go through.
However, I understand from Peter Dawson at the R&A that it is pretty unlikely these proposals will now be implemented after all.
What I don't know is when this G10 successor is scheduled for.
Hope that helps
Jezz