PGA, Ping Finally Agree To Banish All Square-Groove Irons From Tour

Sports News - March 9th, 2010 - Written By John Ritter

The PGA Tour just got a lot less groovy.

After two months of debate, and several verbal barbs, the golf circuit came to an agreement with Ping to ban all of the remaining square-groove model irons. As of March 29, Ping will officially waive it's right to have any irons made pre-April 1, 1990 eligible for play, meaning the controversial Ping Eye2 clubs will be outlawed.

“John Solheim and Ping had a terrific opportunity to do something very positive and significant for the game of golf, and we very much appreciate his willingness to take this action,” PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem told the Associated Press.

Having an iron with wider grooves makes it easier for players to control their shots out of hazardous conditions like deeper roughs and sand, and is conducive for a tighter spin. In a move to level the playing field, he PGA had banned most of the square-groove models, but due to a legal ruling, Ping models prior to 1990 were still eligible clubs.

Company founder Karsten Solheim had reached a legal settlement with the PGA in 1990 to allow the clubs previously manufactured to be played, and that ruling had taken precedent.

And although most of the tour's golfers recognized the spirit of the recent ruling, others like Phil Mickelson used it to their advantage, and began the year with a pre-'90 model in their bag. John Daly, Hunter Mahan and Fred Couples were even spotted with one in their bags. After criticism from colleagues like Scott McCarron, Michelson quickly dispatched the club, but now it's out of his hands.

“I’ve been consistent in voicing my concerns over the last several years about the challenges of the current rule-making process and the needs to improve it to the benefit of golfers,” Ping CEO John Solheim said. “I am hopeful this will be a significant first step in realizing this goal. Our goal is to help ensure innovation remains an important part of golf’s tradition.”

The next tournament coming up is the Puerto Rican Open where Bryce Molder is an 18/1 favorite, according to PGA Betting lines listed at Bodog. The Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill will be the last time the old clubs will be active, although no players are expected to use one.

The antique clubs were also a hot commodity on eBay, fetching prices as high as $200 for a lob wedge.