Augusta to Allow Grandfathered Ping Eye 2s at the Masters
by Ryan Ballengee on Feb 11, 2010 10:00 AM EST
in Pro Golf
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PrintIn what struck me as a surprising revelation, Steve Elling reports that Augusta National will contest the Masters by USGA rules - including the loophole that allows for players to have Ping Eye 2 wedges in the bag.
Given that Augusta National had publicly toyed with the idea of instituting a field-wide tournament ball a few years ago, it ranked as a surprise when a club spokesman told CBSSports.com that "our stance has not shifted since last year's tournament when [Chairman Billy Payne] was asked about grooves during his press conference.
"As you probably know, the Masters is conducted under the USGA's rules of golf; there is no intention to make an exception in this case."
Since Augusta National (a) is not run under the PGA Tour umbrella and (b) was not a part of the legal settlements with the USGA and the PGA Tour and Karsten Manufacturing, they could have simply banned the clubs.
Now it only remains to be seen how the PGA of America will handle the loophole - or even if they will have to at all.
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Seems that golf is going from one controversy straight to the next
This story will probably die only when Tiger Woods announces his return to competition.
Billy Payne does that – it’s part of what he does. Why was the question asked in FEBRUARY ?
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
February? March? April? What difference does it make? You are so afraid someone is going to say something bad about anyone or anything associated with Georgia that you’re spring-loaded to a defensive position. What’s up with that?
Truth has a well-known liberal bias.
you do realize that that makes absolutely no sense – don’t you ? It has nothing to do with Georgia – it has to do with an event that doesn’t happen until APRIL. This groove mess will not be the same in 2 months as it is today. Making a story of someone saying that they are going to play the rules as they are is not a story.
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
Court.....I didn't know you were "spring loaded".....
I can see where that would be great with your driver, but how does it effect your putting……I’ll bet those 2 footters are a struggle……..lol
The Saints ARE the SUPER BOWL CHAMPS....WHO DAT!
From the article…
""As you probably know, the Masters is conducted under the USGA’s rules of golf; there is no intention to make an exception in this case."
Since Augusta National (a) is not run under the PGA Tour umbrella and (b) was not a part of the legal settlements with the USGA and the PGA Tour and Karsten Manufacturing, they could have simply banned the clubs."
…talk about contradictory statements, A) the Masters is conducted under the USGA’s rules of golf; B) Augusta National was NOT a part of the legal settlements with the USGA and Karsten. So what? The USGA was a part of the legal settlement and Augusta National and the Masters tournament is conducted under USGA rules, then they have to abide by those rules, not only the rules they want to abide by.
it’s just a statement of history – conducting a tournament by the rules of golf presented by the USGA is not the same thing as having to abide by the legal decision handed down to then back in 1993.
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
you just love to argue semantics with me even when you agree with me. And I’m more than happy to comply with your wishes.
I do think that history is factual.
FACT: the Masters is conducted under the USGA rules of golf. FACT: the USGA rules of golf are subject to the 1993 court ruling with Karsten. FACT: The Masters is conducted under the USGA rules of golf
I was just pushing your buttons, Nibs – I owed you one. (lol)
What Payne said was factually correct – Augusta National was not a part of that 1993 decision, and The Masters is not under the control of the USGA or the PGA Tour – so they could do whatever they want with that ruling. All he said in this statement is that they are not going to get involved in the argument. If the clubs are legal for PGA Tour play – bring ’em, boys.
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
I'm getting tired
of all this groove garbage, but CG…do you really think anything will change by Masters week?…I see no resolution until the suits drag it kicking and screaming into a court (sorry) room….until than, each stop will cover it’s backside with a pronouncement of some sort…STUB
honestly – probably not – unless they catch John Solheim on a good hair day and he just feels like letting a 20 year old decision go. I don’t think it will end up in the courts – but there will definitely be lawyers present. Think maybe a membership to Augusta National would do it ? :-D
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
Not surprised
Augusta is an old traditional club. I don’t think they would shake things up..
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