How the new groove rule will affect you and the game
On August 5, 2008, the USGA and the R&A enacted a rule that wil alter the allowable dimensions in grooves on most irons and wedges. Any club with 24 degrees of loft or more is covered under the rule. The rule limits the allowable volume of grooves and is designed to limit spin on balls played from the rough. The change is to increase the relative importance of driving the golf ball straight.
How does this affect you and your equipment? The likely answer is, "It doesn't...yet." The rule comes into effect in 2010 for elite professionals, 2014 for elite amateurs, and 2024 for the general golfing public. Until then, your clubs confiorm to the rules of golf and may be used in competition. Manufacturers will begin making the changes in their 2010 models. Using clubs conforming to the new specifications, golfers can expect increasing frequency of "flyer lies" in the rough.