The new groove rule

In its first direct response to the distance explosion that detonated more than a decade ago at the game's highest level, the USGA, after much deliberation and many millions spent in research, has chosen to -- drum roll, please -- reduce the width, depth and sharpness of grooves on iron clubs.

Not by modifying the golf ball, or the size of driver heads, both of which would be a more direct way of slowing down the pro game. Rather the more indirect route of reducing the amount of spin that could be applied from certain lies, and then banking on a projected chain reaction of events to impede the further spread of the power game. Ta-da.

Although the modification officially takes effect Jan. 1, it has left the key principals -- players, equipment manufacturers and course set-up staffs -- wondering just what the net effect is going to be. Meanwhile, most golf fans still aren't sure what all the fuss is about.

http://www.golfdigest.com/golfworld/columnists/2009/12/golf_grooves_diaz_1228

its not a new groove....just the new standard that the tour is adopting for reducing spin on the shorter irons.

there are older irons that has this groove produced many years back. however i am quite sure that although there were v grooves, the edges and the spacing between grooves may not have met the new guildelines.

another way to sort of neutralise this is to weaken the loft to compensate for the loss in spin rate.

you can check if your equipment is conforming here...

http://www.randa.org/rules/groovetest

DGman