Etching between grooves

[BK in TEXAS]

Does etching between the grooves actually add any spin?

 

I was looking at one of these tools:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GV1-GOLF-GROOVE-TOOL-4-titleist-vokey-wedge-sand-gap-/290468741183?pt=Golf_Clubs&hash=item43a149403f

 

[RoverRick]

I would say yes, provided that they are new, clean, absolutely no grass between the face and ball, and there is no moisture on the ball. I would imagine that they really do not have much effect after several rounds.

 

If there is any grass or moisture it will act as a cushion and quickly negate any effect of this etching.

 

The principle behind the groove rule was to limit the size of the grooves because the bigger grooves were large enough for water and grass to not have as much effect. With the different face textures they were able to get more spin from the clean lie but are still small enough to be overcome by the grass.

 

I had a friend that used to roughen up the face of his wedges on a belt sander. He would get a bunch more spin.

[silver & black]

I noticed the tool in the link says "groove sharpener". Is it possible to sharpen the grooves with such a tool, and is it legal to sharpen the grooves?

[The Artful Duffer]

You can re-sharpen grooves but be careful and note what grooves the tool on question is designed to cut. There are different tools for the old u grooves and for the conforming ones. Groove sharpening is easy but can end up disastrous if its your first go round. Practice on an old wedge first.

[furu]

If micro grooves had any effect they would be banned by the USGA. They are not deep enough to do anything.

[Paul S]

If micro grooves had any effect they would be banned by the USGA. They are not deep enough to do anything.

I disagree. After seeing the new Wilson groves compared to the new Cleveland ones there is a huge difference. Even just running your hand along the face it's extremely apparent that the Wilsons are more aggressive. It almost feels sticky because they're so small.

[Paul S]

On a somewhat related note... What do you guys use for groove cleaning brushes on the course? Do they wear the grooves down more quickly?

[furu]

I disagree. After seeing the new Wilson groves compared to the new Cleveland ones there is a huge difference. Even just running your hand along the face it's extremely apparent that the Wilsons are more aggressive. It almost feels sticky because they're so small.

 

It is not possible to judge spin based on how grooves feel by "running your hand along the face".

 

The etching between grooves are not deep enough. They need to be double the depth allowed. I have to find the article I read. Don't have the link at the moment. Sorry.

 

Would be great to see an independent test of this. Not by someone who makes and sells wedges.......

[Kor.A.Door]

I looked up the rules on the clubs and it shows in rule 4 appendix II

A club that conforms with the Rules when new is deemed to conform after wear through normal use. Any part of a club that has been purposely altered is regarded as new and must, in its altered stated, conform with the Rules.

 

So what it sounds like to me is that if you alter the face of the club it needs to be re-certified as conforming after the alteration.

So sanding the face with a belt sander sounds lie it would be illegal unless it was checked to be conforming.

 

Somehow this ended up in a different thread this morning, so I am repostint this here where I thought I was earlier

[Paul S]

I'm sorry, I didn't mean I was judging the spin that way. Just hypothesizing. I was implying that they seem like they will grab the ball more easily.

[ZenGolfer]

IMO, the etchings are all marketing hype. They look cool, yeah but they arent deep enough to not fill with grass at impact.