The Common Golfer

If you haven’t heard, effective January 1, 2010 the rules of golf will change to limit the depth and sharpness of the grooves on irons and wedges.  The idea behind this is that the pros have gotten too good from the deep rough, making it less of a penalty to miss fairways and greens.  Personally, I think it’s a good move.  With the exception of the U.S. and British Opens, scores near par have become a thing of the past.

But it makes me wonder if this rules change is the first of many to come, or if it will it eventually go away.  Will belly putters be banned?  Will golf ball materials be restricted?  The next few years of golf should definitely be interesting. With the continued advancement of golf technology, more and more players have adopted the strategy of “bomb and gouge.”  I look for players like Phil Mickelson to have a great year in 2010.  His creativity and skills around the green should give him an advantage over players whose short games will take a hit with less effective wedges.