From January 2010, all Wedges will be manufactured according to a new set of rules where groove volume will be halved. This means that the space in the groove to channel away debris will be significantly smaller, making it harder to get out of the rough.

The new rule states that amateurs will be allowed to play with pre-2010 Wedges until 2024, but I’ve heard rumours that this will be extended (professional golfers will have to replace their Wedges from 2010). Most amateurs realise though that if they have had their current “aggressive groove� Wedges for a few years already, they’ll need to upgrade (or in this case downgrade) long before 2024.

Does this mean that amateurs should upgrade their Wedges this year?

The rough that we play in is rarely the six or more inches that Professionals contend with on courses such as Bethpage Black. However, even in light rough (and ours is often wet as well) it makes sense that a larger groove area will pop the ball out with more ease – much more of that grit, water, grass and mud is channelled away from the contact that the Wedge is making with the ball.

On the market today, in 2009, are several different groove technologies. What’s important is that each stretches groove area to the maximum. As well as this though, each promises the best bite and stopping power.