CGA Will Not Implement "Grooves Rule" For Any CGA Event

WEST END, NC - The Carolinas Golf Association has received many inquiries about our stance and plans to implement the recommended USGA’s “Grooves Rule” at CGA championships and tournaments in 2014. After lengthy discussions exploring both the positives and negatives of this rule, the CGA Executive Committee has decided NOT to implement the recommended “Grooves Rule” or condition of competition at any of our 2014 championships or tournaments.

Below are a few reasons for our decision:

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.

The condition of competition is in effect for all 2014 USGA qualifying events including U.S. Open, U.S. Senior Open, U.S. Women’s Open, U.S. Amateur, U.S. Amateur Public Links, U.S. Women's Amateur Public Links, U.S. Women's Amateur, U.S. Mid-Amateur, U.S. Women's Mid-Amateur, U.S. Senior Amateur, U.S. Senior Women's Amateur, U.S. Junior Amateur, U.S. Girls' Junior, U.S. Amateur Four-Ball, U.S. Women's Amateur Four-Ball. Players who wish to compete in the above USGA competitions including local and sectional qualifying must have equipment that conforms to the new grooves specifications. 

For additional information, contact the Carolinas Golf Association at 910-673-1000 or email: admin@carolinasgolf.org.