All You Need To Know About Grooves
As part of the USGA's continuing commitment to inform and educate on the Rules of Golf, the resources below will assist tournament administrators and golfers in complying with amended golf-club groove regulations when the Local Rule is in effect. The optional groove regulations, which apply to all clubs except drivers and putters, are in effect for all USGA championships, including qualifiers. This optional Local Rule is recommended only for events played at the very highest level of amateur golf involving expert players. (See Model Local Rule G-2 in Section 8 of the Committee Procedures, part of the Official Guide to the Rules of Golf).
Infographic: Understanding the Groove and Punchmark Condition of Competition
Do your clubs conform to the groove and punchmark specifications that went into effect on Jan. 1, 2010? This infographic provides insights on how to find out.
Grooves: Common Questions And Answers
Get your answers to the Groove Rule for expert golfers, including why the USGA implemented the optional Condition of Competition (now a Model Local Rule) in 2010.
Informational Club Database
Find out if your current golf clubs conform when the optional Model Local Rule will be adopted.
Individual Player Club Testing Information
If the USGA has yet to test your clubs and you plan to enter a competition where the optional Model Local Rule will be adopted, you are invited to send your clubs to our Research & Test Center to determine if they can be used in your upcoming event.