Rule changes mean tough rough for golfers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) August 20, 2008 -- Golf’s governing body have recently announced changes to the sport’s rules which will make life more difficult for golfers to get out of the rough.

The Royal and Ancient (R&A) have set out new proposals for golf club manufacturers, which limit groove volume and edge sharpness. Research has shown that larger volume grooves help to channel away more material and sharper groove edges allow better ball contact and backspin. All of this makes it easy for golfers to get out of the rough. For this reason, limits have been placed on equipment manufacturers to make their clubs less forgiving.

These changes will have an impact at professional level form 2010 and will also affect the amateur game from 2014. It will relate to all clubs with the exception of drivers and putters. Two of the world’s top golfers have been having their say on the ruling and both appear to be in favour of the changes. Speaking to Reuters, Phil Mickelson had this to say:

"I feel like it's more challenging for a player to judge shots out of the first cut of the rough or out of the rough. Is the ball going to spin? How is it going to come out? I like that challenge."

Jim Furyk also commented:

“I’m all for it. If you can limit the amount of spin on the ball and make the guy play from the fairway and hit a more crisp and a better golf shot it's probably a good avenue. I think it's a positive move."

A spokesperson for Golfonline, one of the U.K’s largest suppliers of discount golf clubs and equipment had this to say: “This ruling has obvious implications on golf club manufacturers; we will do our utmost to ensure that all of our clubs are compliant with the new ruling in time for its introduction.”

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