Daly's Ping Eye 2 Wedges as seen during the 2010 Sony Open (Photo by Associated Press)

I find it quite ironic that the new “groove rule” enacted by the USGA has driven some players back to the same clubs that were in the center of the groove controversy nearly twenty years ago.  John Daly, Hunter Mahan, Brad Adamonis, Dean Wilson, and now Phil Mickelson have all put Ping Eye 2 wedges back in their bags that under the current rules would be non-conforming.  However, due to a 1993 settlement between the PGA Tour and Ping, a temporary ban was lifted on square grooves and Ping Eye 2′s manufactured between 1985 and 1989 were grandfathered in.  So “technically” the Eye 2′s are allowed under the rules of golf although I think even a casual observer would categorize their use as violating the spirit of the rule.

Do I fault these guys for digging into the closet or hitting Ebay to take advantage of a loop hole? Hell no.   In fact, I applaud their ingenuity. The Marine Corp mantra comes to mind – Improvise, Adapt and Overcome.  Ooh-rah..

While were on the subject of the new groove rule, don’t be one of the uneducated masses who incorrectly state that it outlaws square and “U” grooves.  It actually does nothing of the sort. Take some time to read and digest this excellent explanation of the USGA 2010 groove rule courtesy of MyGolfSpy.com and Terry Koehler, President of EIDOLON Golf (aka “The Wedge Guy”).  It will help you understand the rule and the potential ramifications downstream on golf club design and manufacturing.