To sharpen or not to sharpen?

[patricks148]

you could use it to just clean the grooves and not sharpen them

How long have you had them? I have some Mizuno Mp10 that must be getting on for 5 years old now and they still have plenty of life in despite me playing a fair bit.

 

[Alex1975]

In my view he is a cheat then. Can't see how he isn't.

What rule is being broken... this is a genuine question not some sort of defense.

 

[Alex1975]

found this:

Our unique groove sharpener is precision ground and engineered to exacting tolerences to ensure that it does not compromise the R&A and USGA rules regarding width and depth.

GrooveFixâ„¢ groove sharpener sharpens all 'v' and 'u' shaped grooves.

 

[pbrown7582]

but the issue would be getting it sharp and only cutting the size its designed to a little movement either way or even back and forth and I reckon the grooves would be oversize.

Not considering the depth and fact that some manufacturers have different grooves on different wedge lofts to ensure they use the maximum limits allowed

 

[SVB]

I've read the above and can see both sides here.

If we're talking about county golf onwards then compliant and demonstrably 'squeaky clean' clubs are a must.

If were talking about club stuff and (sterotype I know) but mid / high hcp players or those new to the game giving their older clubs another year or two to keep the cost of participation down whilst at the same time trying to focus on their game then I personally have no great issue.

As ever in life, I think the motivation behind actions are the most important thing and that is the most difficult to legislate for. In the examples in this thread, the OP getting some new life from existing clubs is well intentioned, not sure about the low hcp player cited as 'attacking' wedges before each comp as sounds like trying to change performance over and above rules.

I think we need to be careful about attitudes that brand anyone with a groove tool as a cheat because I think this will misrepresent many an individual and not help with a welcome that needs to be extended to those new to the game.


Simon.

 

[Joff]

Agree with above. If you're not sure if you touched the sand in the bunker with your club, your PP thinks you didn't, and you had a feeling you 'might' have? Do you call it? Where does doubt start?

 

[duncan mackie]

I've read the above and can see both sides here.

If we're talking about county golf onwards then compliant and demonstrably 'squeaky clean' clubs are a must.

If were talking about club stuff and (sterotype I know) but mid / high hcp players or those new to the game giving their older clubs another year or two to keep the cost of participation down whilst at the same time trying to focus on their game then I personally have no great issue.

As ever in life, I think the motivation behind actions are the most important thing and that is the most difficult to legislate for. In the examples in this thread, the OP getting some new life from existing clubs is well intentioned, not sure about the low hcp player cited as 'attacking' wedges before each comp as sounds like trying to change performance over and above rules.

I think we need to be careful about attitudes that brand anyone with a groove tool as a cheat because I think this will misrepresent many an individual and not help with a welcome that needs to be extended to those new to the game.


Simon.

Simon,

I can't see 2 sides I am afraid. I can understand your perspective (from your post) but I can't agree with it.

The rules do not differentiate between the levels of golf in this regard - they do in some other equipment areas.

I think the real key here is as follows -

The rules do not permit sharpened groves; the end.

The specification for all groves includes a radiused edge, and the specification for that radius is extremely precise.

For most players, with most clubs, they simply aren't going to wear out those edges anyhow - it's not until you are hitting a forged head with poor range balls in the same spot that you are going to influence the metal; a trait more common to the better golfer surely?

If you want your groves re profiled then put them into someone who can do the job with the necessary precision - otherwise just keep the faces (and groves) clean. Most applications of most 'groove sharpeners, on many club heads are just going to do that anyway. If you have forged heads I would seriously suggest professional refurbishment.

 

[USER1999]

What rule is being broken... this is a genuine question not some sort of defense.

Have a read of Duncan's post above, it pretty much sums it up to me.

 

[6inchcup]

we get this same post every year and we get the same answers,i use a groove cleaner have done on my 15 year old wedges from new,the question is DID my wedges meet the new criteria anyway and unless your going to send your clubs to a laboratory every week to get them tested how would you know,all you high and mighty s on the site how do you know that every club in your bag conforms after a round or if taking a stroke say in the deep thick rough alters your club,and you carry on using it are you a cheat and the lowest of the low,i think EVERY ONE playing in forum comps in future must bring a certificate to prove their equipment is legal.

 

[pbrown7582]

15 year old wedges have an exemption from new criteria.

 

[Blue in Munich]

We're talking about a hand tool here, one which doesn't actually lend itself to applying huge amounts of pressure. Genuine question; do they actually sharpen the grooves, or do they just remove the clag that Fairy Liquid and a scrubbing brush don't?

 

[Oddsocks]

Is it worth buying a groove sharpening tool to refurbish my ageing wedges, or are they a waste of time?

I personally find new wedges too spinny and prefer them after a couple of seasons when the edges wear slightly

 

[Mark_Aged_42]

It's only money and you can't take it with you. No point leaving it to the family. They'd only waste it on a good time

Or....you're taxed when you earn the money, taxed on the interest when you save the money and taxed when you pass the money on to your descendants. So do the right thing and keep that money out of government hands -they will only waste it!