Let's be Frank

By Frank Thomas

Worldwide Ruling?

Frank,
 
My question concerns the “Groove ruling.” Have the R&A and other golf ruling bodies (Canadian Professional Golfers’ Association) commented on their intentions to enforce the same groove restrictions on those of us outside of the United States? Here in Canada, the club suppliers are mainly American; however, since many of the clubs are actually made in the Far East, will they be building different clubs for the rest of the world?
 
Thanks,
 
Doug, Canada
 
Doug,
Unfortunately, the R&A and the USGA are in accord with the groove rule change, so PGA events and other championships around the world will be adopting the rule as prescribed on January 1, 2010.
 
I say, unfortunately, because I don’t believe there is sufficient evidence to justify the change, nor any evidence to show that the groove change will resolve the problem - if there really is a problem. It is also unfortunate that every golfer throughout the world will be affected by this change as the game is jointly governed by the USGA and R&A worldwide.
 
I don’t believe that it is appropriate that the USGA, which has taken a lead in this change, is withholding from its constituents any evidence that the game will benefit from such a disruptive change in the rules. And it seems that I am not alone, based on all the letters I have received protesting the change.
 
We have sent letters of protest to the USGA, many of which have suggested an alternative solution to the problem, such as growing the rough for those competitions where the USGA believes the problem exists - i.e. very elite competition, such as the PGA Tour - or have as a condition of competition a local rule prescribing the new groove configuration. This would provide sufficient time to determine if there really is a problem, and whether one of the alternatives may be a viable solution.
 
Click here to see our regular updated grooves posting.
 
Thank you for your concern and support, especially now, when reason seems to have taken a back seat in the governance of the game.
 
– Frank
 

Leave Your Ego in the Trunk

Hi Frank,
I’ve read both of your books. Not only were they interesting and informative, but they were also fun to read.
 
Is there a set of tees that you would suggest most golfers play from? I didn’t say “have to” play from, just the ones that will give us the best chance of reaching the green in regulation or very close.
 
As I understand it, tees are not age or gender specific; red tees are not ladies tees. The clubs I belong to generally have four sets of tees, but most of the mid- and high-handicap players won’t play from the red tees. I think they would enjoy the game more if they did. I know I do. And this would make it FASTER for all.
 
If you agree, would you comment on this?
 
Egos be damned!
 
Larry
 
Larry,
I am very pleased to hear that you enjoyed both of my books, Just Hit It and Dear Frank. I hope it will save you some strokes and maybe a few dollars while guiding you through the club selection process.
 
As far as the correct set of tees is concerned, you have pushed another one of my hot buttons. We are losing golfers and golf courses every year because we are not adequately addressing some of the problems the game is now facing, namely the time it takes to play, the cost to play, and the lack of enjoyment which comes from playing the incorrect set of tees.
 
Our research study (click here to view) shows that the average male shooting between 90 and 95 hits his drive 192 yards, but he thinks he hits it 230 to 240 yards. This is because he only notices those drives he hits extraordinarily well, not the ones that are commonplace. This, combined with our uncontrolled ego, causes us undue psychological harm and reduces our enjoyment of the game.
 
For this reason, these male golfers are inclined to play 6,800-yard courses, because only real men play from the tips, right? If they played from the appropriate tees (approximately 6,100-6,200 yards), they would not only save time but they’d finish up wishing they could play another nine holes!
 
A good indicator as to what tees you should be playing from is whether or not you can par every hole with your better shots. If you can’t, then move forward to the next set of tees. For our sake and a more enjoyable game, leave your ego in the trunk of your car. The game will benefit and so will you.
 
– Frank
 
Please note: By submitting your question to Frank you will automatically become a Frankly Friend so you can stay up to date with his golf equipment Q&A. You may unsubscribe at any time.
 
Frank Thomas, inventor of the graphite shaft, is founder of Frankly Golf, a company dedicated to helping golfers. Frank is chief technical advisor to GolfChannel.com. He served as technical director of the USGA for 26 years and directed the development of the GHIN system and introduced the Stimpmeter to the world of golf. To email a question for possible use in an upcoming Let's Be Frank column, please email letsbefrank@franklygolf.com