Carolinas Golf Assn To USGA On Grooves: No Thanks Until '24

The USGA's modification to groove standards becomes a Condition of Competition for all USGA events in 2014 after having started in 2010 for the Open, Women's Open and Senior Open. It was recommended by the USGA that 2014 see the Condition of Competition apply to all serious amateur events.

The Carolinas Golf Association has issued a statement (thanks to ol Harv for the link) announcing on February 24th that it would not be going along with the recommendation for its amateur events. It appears to be another case of rules bifurcation, and yet, does anyone think this is doing harm to any party involved? I say no.

Anyway, the CGA Executive Committee, after "lengthy discussions," issued these reasons:

1.    The 2014 timeline is a recommendation from the USGA and not a mandate.

2.    The purpose of the rule (to reduce golf ball spin rates) is geared towards “expert” golfers and amateur players at the highest level. Most CGA members are not “expert” golfers (i.e. Professionals or scratch/plus handicap) or play at the “highest levels of amateur golf”. (i.e. U.S. Amateur).

3.    Most CGA members will not attempt to qualify for 2014 USGA championships (which will require the new grooves), so enforcing this rule at the CGA level would force many golfers to purchase new equipment for our 2014 tournaments.

4.    This will avoid any confusion as to which CGA tournaments are played and which are not using the new grooves specification. (i.e. championships versus one-day net tournaments).

The grooves specifications will be incorporated into the Rules of Golf in 2024 at which time the CGA will support and enforce this specification.