USGA Meets With Ping, Doesn't Get Anywhere

Yesterday at an undisclosed location in Dallas, USGA met with Karsten Manufacturing to talk about a potential solution to the Ping Eye 2 wedge loophole debacle.  (This is why people just use "-gate" as a suffix.)  From the sounds of things, the meeting was cordial, but did not produce a lot of forward momentum.

First from new USGA President Jim Hyler:

"We met with representatives from PING yesterday. Our conversation with PING regarding the status of the PING EYE2 irons on the major professional American tours was productive, and we are hopeful that a solution can be found that respects and reflects the best interests of golfers and the game."

Sounds pretty good from Mr. Hyler's perspective.  How about John Solheim?  C'mon down!

"We had a productive meeting with the USGA yesterday regarding the PING EYE2 groove debate on the PGA Tour," said PING Chairman & CEO John Solheim. "I’m encouraged by their willingness to openly discuss some of the challenges the golf industry faces relating to equipment issues. We left the meeting with an understanding we would continue to seek a solution that benefits golfers and acknowledges the importance innovation plays in the game."

In other words, Ping isn't ready to give in quite yet to whatever pitch the USGA is making.  Either the deal has to be sweetened or something crucial has to change about it that hasn't happened yet.