Want to see more cool golf patents? Go to Golf-Patents.com
– A couple weeks ago we had the WedgeGuy set the facts straight about this new and infamous USGA Rule concerning wedge grooves that everyone is talking about. Pretty crazy that some tiny little lines in a face of a club can be getting more attention right now on tour and in the press then any big name player…even Tiger.
How Long Before USGA Puts Limit On These?
Well…a new patent application that just published today by Bridgestone Golf got us thinking this morning. Take a look at the drawings below and tell us how long you think it will take before the USGA steps in and puts a limit on these little grooves too? You might have started noticing these grooves on some of the wedges on the market recently. They are milled on a CNC machine similar to how a CNC milled putter is cut from a block of steel. And now companies are trying to take advantage of this real estate “between the grooves”. If you would like to read this patent and one by Taylormade click here and here.
USGA Preserving The Game or Hurting It?
The USGA is costing golf manufacturers millions in wasted R&D investments. They spend a lot of time and money coming up with these ideas…sometimes years of development go into one product. So when the USGA continues to put confusing and surprising limitations on their ability to develop product that are desirable to the consumer…it does nothing but hurt the manufacturer and in the end the consumer. We understand that they are trying preserve the game of golf…but at the same time I think they need to look harder at how their decisions are impacting the game.
Tell us what you think…we would love to hear.
Want to see more cool golf patents? Go to Golf-Patents.com
J L
15 years ago
Well we really can’t put all blame on the USGA for the new groove rule. Arnold Palmer was the one doing the crying about the square gooves to the USGA which prompted them to take another look and change it.