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Well, it's officially official.  2010 will indeed mark the effective change deadline for the brand new groove rule that's been squabbled about for the last few years.  Now we know.  According to the most recent reports, the PGA Tour Policy Board has officially passed the new rule, and while the actual board members abstained from voting, Commissioner Finchem passed the new rule and declared that as of January, the new "Conditions of Competition" would be in effect.

How do the Players Feel?

The question is, how do the players feel about this?  How do the manufacturers?  Well when it comes to the players feelings, one of the greatest golfers of all time actually chimed in and spoke his mind concerning the new groove change rule, and by the looks of things, he thinks it's great.  Here's what Tiger Woods had to say:

"I think it's great...We've had plenty of time to make our adjustments. We've known for over a couple years now what this decision was going to be, when it was going to come down, and we've had plenty of time to make our adjustments."

On-Site Testing Device

The rule, which will apply to any and all clubs over 25 degrees in loft, goes into effect in January and all tournaments and events will have an on-site testing device to measure every club being used for conformity.  This new rule should significantly reduce the amount of spin people are able to put on the ball so it will be extremely interesting to see how it affects play from the rough and other less favorable places on the course.

What About The Rest Of Us?

How will this rule affect us, the amateur and very casual golfers out there?  Looks like there is some good news for us.  According to the article:

"First, equipment companies can continue to sell current models with U-grooves through the end of 2010. Beyond that, the new regulation on conforming grooves will take effect for high-level amateurs in 2014 and for "casual" players in 2024."

Plenty of time!