Why is the Ping Eye 2 wedge banned?

Publish date: 2023-01-23

The uproar resulted in the PGA Tour issuing a statement that included, "Because the use of pre-1990 Ping Eye 2 irons is permitted for play, public comments or criticisms characterizing their use as a violation of the Rules of Golf as promulgated by the USGA are inappropriate at best."

What wedges are illegal in golf?

A rule that is more important for wedges is the groove rule originating in 2008. This rule affects all clubs with lofts of 25 degrees and more, which basically means it refers to all the wedges. It banned all wedges with U-shaped grooves, allowing only wedges with V-groove design to be officially used.

Do all Ping Eye 2 have square grooves?

All Ping clubs manufactured up to 2010 have been manufactured with square grooves. The PING logo is present on the rear of the iron along with the club make, manufacturer Karsten's name and serial number. Ping clubs include: The G10, V2 Rapture, i10, S57, S59, Rhapsody, G5, Zing, Eye 2 and the Eye 2+.

Are Ping square grooves legal?

Under United States Golf Association (USGA) rules implemented on January 1, square or U-grooves have been outlawed but a 20-year-old Ping wedge was deemed legal because of a lawsuit won by its manufacturer over the USGA in 1990.

What is the difference between Ping Eye 2 red dot and black dot?

If a player orders a new set of irons and gets a red dot (1° flat) and after some body and swing changes now fits into black dot (standard), the clubs can be sent to Ping to be bent accordingly and they will color in the dot to represent the current lie.

40 related questions found

What does green dot mean on Ping irons?

Below is a broken down list of what exactly each Ping dot means and who they are good for. Maroon dot means the iron is 5 degrees upright. Silver dot means the iron is 4 degrees upright. White dot means the iron is 3 degrees upright. Green dot means the iron is 2 degrees upright.

Is Ping Eye 2 illegal?

The fact is this is not cheating. The Ping Eye 2 clubs (irons and wedges) were grandfathered for life as part of a settlement in 1993 of a suit Ping filed against the USGA. In short, any Ping Eye 2 manufactured prior to March 31, 1990, is within the rules as long as the USGA governs the game.

What is Ping Eye 2 Plus?

The PING Eye 2+ irons were designed to provide forgiveness to players of all abilities. The perimeter weighting of this club allows it to resist twisting at impact, cutting down on side spin and distance losses on mis-hits. The head design is made to inspire confidence at address.

What is the highest degree wedge allowed?

The ultra lob wedge features the highest degree of loft for any club but is also difficult to control. The degree of loft is generally 64 degrees, but some manufacturers offer a 68-degree option.

How can I tell how old my Ping irons are?

Contact the Ping Consumer Relations Department by phone at (800) 474-6434 or through an online contact form available on the company's website. Provide the serial number to the representative, who will be able to find the manufacturing date and any other specifics regarding the club.

Do I have V or U grooves?

The deeper, sharper grooves are called "U" grooves. "V" grooves are the opposite. They are much shallower and have rounder edges. The "U" groove can move much more debris away from the contact zone.

What year did Ping Eye irons come out?

The original Ping Eye irons were introduced in 1978. They featured an eye shape in the cavity that helped to improve feel while creating a higher standard in golf club aesthetics.

Why is wedge blocking illegal?

Rules outlawing "wedge" plays were introduced as early as 1894 (too violent for the 1890s), and eventually forward motion behind the line of scrimmage was outlawed completely to prevent the offense from getting a vicious running start before the play.

What degree wedge is illegal?

The rules affect clubs with lofts of 25 degrees or more and, therefore, affect wedges of all types. The rules ban clubs with “sharp-edged U-grooves,” according to the PGA Tour, in favor of “the V-groove designs used predominantly in the past.” The groove rules took effect on the PGA and LPGA tours on Jan. 1, 2010.

Is the hummingbird wedge legal?

The Hummingbird H7 Wedge is USGA approved, and considered tournament legal to play.

Are Ping Eye 2 irons cast or forged?

Wildly Popular since their mid 80's inception, the Ping Eye2 Irons are the original, and still one of the best cast, perimeter weighted cavity back irons on the market.

How do I know if my Ping Eye 2 has square grooves?

Instructions

  • Look at the grooves through a magnifying glass. The cross section of the grooves has a slight taper, giving a box or u-shaped appearance. ...
  • Confirm the manufacturer name and model. All Ping clubs manufactured up to 2010 have been manufactured with square grooves. ...
  • Check the patent for legality.
  • When did Ping Zing 2 release?

    The PING Zing 2 irons were introduced in 1994 and have since been considered some of the best irons made. The Zing 2's are cavity back irons with maximum perimeter weighting, making them forgiving on off-center hits. The club face resists twisting at impact with a high Moment of Inertia.

    How do you clean Ping Eye 2 irons?

    Using a soft cloth and a light soap, gently wipe the club face and head. Use the wire brush to clean the grooves on your irons and wedges.

    Is Ping S59 conforming?

    Ping makes a custom, left-handed set for Watson every time he needs new clubs because the original S59 irons' grooves do not conform to the current groove regulations. Watson's clubs are cast with smooth faces, and the grooves then are milled in by Ping at its Scottsdale, Ariz., headquarters.

    Why are square grooves illegal?

    Square grooves were briefly banned from the PGA tour, due solely to a PGA rule that had nothing to do with the legality of the clubs themselves. Depending on which study you believe, square grooves provide no competitive advantage, or they provide slightly higher spin rates from the rough.

    Can you adjust lie angle on PING irons?

    PING can adjust the lie angle of your irons as far upright as 5° or as far flat as 4°, in 1° increments. They introduced the current chart in 2018.

    What do the PING color dots mean?

    The dots do not indicate a particular style of club, as any line of irons is available in every color, but instead represent the angle of the club heads to the standard shaft angle.

    Can you bend PING irons?

    PING irons and wedges are adjustable to fit your changing swing for several years. However, certain factors, like the type of metal, it's age, and the number of adjustments that have already been performed, will affect the adjustability of your set.

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