"Both parties acknowledge, however, that there may be special circumstances where the PGA Tour determines a special rule is necessary for its competition."

Jim Achenbach on the original PING-USGA settlement, a copy of which Golfweek obtained.

According to USGA rules, Eye2 irons with the large-volume U-grooves manufactured before April 1, 1990, are conforming for competition. Thus, the PGA Tour is obligated to follow the rule, Solheim says. To his point, the agreement reads: “PGA Tour will not in the future adopt or attempt to adopt any separate PGA Tour rules which would prohibit the use of U-grooves (square grooves) on any golf club if such PGA Tour rule differed from a USGA rule.”

However, Finchem insists that the Tour can act to ban the clubs. To his point, the agreement reads: “PGA Tour and Karsten Manufacturing Corporation (Ping) acknowledge that the USGA is the principal rule-making body of golf. Both parties acknowledge, however, that there may be special circumstances where the PGA Tour determines a special rule is necessary for its competition. In the event of such a circumstance relating to equipment, the PGA Tour will request an independent Special Equipment Committee to consider the rule. The make-up of this independent committee and its protocol is set forth on Exhibit C hereto. The PGA Tour will not adopt any rule pursuant to any special circumstance unless the proposed rule is recommended by the independent committee after following the practice set forth in Exhibit C.”

Advantage, PGA Tour lawyers!