Why are Pro's allowed to use shoes with steel spikes?

All this anti "bifurcation" BS has me wondering that if the rules are supposed to be the same for everyone, then why are pro's allowed to wear steel spikes and we are forced to use soft spikes? I've noticed this off and on for quite a few years. At just about every event, there is a handful of guys wearing the spikes. Mickelson does it a lot, but not all the time, and Jimenez does it at every event.

because they know better than to drag their feet across the greens and they keep their spikes clean so as not to bring foreign grass virus', chemicals, etc from one course to another....

Because they're the best players in the world and play for 7 figure prize money....other than that, I have no other ideas.

I've wondered that too. Pros get a lot of advantages with spotters preventing lost balls, spikes, etc. But they also deal with brutally fast greens and rough so high and thick that a paying player would ask for their money back at the end of the round. I don't believe the USGA makes spikes illegal, but rather the course that wants to keep their greens in better shape.

Steel spikes are not against any USGA rule. They are local rules enforced by the golf course to reduce damage to the greens and tee boxes. Most (probably all) choose not to enforce that local rule when the PGA Tour comes to town. That did bite Lee Janzen in the rear during US Open qualifying, as the course he was playing did have a local rule preventing their use. He was subsequently disqualified.

[quote name='Hosley' timestamp='1372183547' post='7321720']
because they know better than to drag their feet across the greens and they keep their spikes clean so as not to bring foreign grass virus', chemicals, etc from one course to another....
[/quote] I will they know not to drag their feet but they have no clue about grass or disease.

Because the truth is that spikes don't hurt the course. Softspikes will bring seeds and diseases from other courses like metal does. And if you drag your feet with softspikes, you create just as much damage (if not moreso) than metal spikes.

Clubhouses outlawed them so that they wouldn't have to lay down carpet or worry about wood damage from spikes on the floors. It's about the maintenance costs of the clubhouse and zero about the health of the course.

If you still don't believe that, at one point there were conforming ceramic spikes made. They lasted as long as metal and had small cleats like softspikes. They were eliminated because if you lost one, the ceramic would nick the mower blades. They also created the same wear on wood and tile that metal spikes did. So the courses wouldn't stock them either.

Yet the courses don't seem to care that you have minimal traction with softspikes in soft, muddy conditions.

Also, some of the tees and fairways are mown so tightly that a player with a lot of foot action (like Phil) would be slipping all over the place. The soft spikes don't really work that great if there is nothing for them to grip down into. Another reason I have seen is because of newly landscaped areas. They tend to put out a lot of pine straw for looks at the tour stops, and metal spikes really make a difference in loose straw. These reasons, and because they usually get what they want.

I can wear steel spikes at my home course, but I've never tried them. Are they really an advantage?

[quote name='Bubba73' timestamp='1372183948' post='7321764']
[quote name='Hosley' timestamp='1372183547' post='7321720']
because they know better than to drag their feet across the greens and they keep their spikes clean so as not to bring foreign grass virus', chemicals, etc from one course to another....
[/quote] I will they know not to drag their feet but they have no clue about grass or disease.
[/quote]

They don't drag their feet, least on greens, because they know what it can do to a putt. Do unto others... Each day after wearing their shoes and spikes are meticulously cleaned, so they are not carrying anything. I'd bet dollars to donuts, most golfers might clean the top side of their shoes, but are not nearly as meticulous about the bottoms.

At my last two clubs we outlawed metal spikes to help not only green surfaces, but club house floors. Metal spikes make deeper holes, which on the one hand can be good, but on the other, not good when jerks can't lift their feet. That same jerk wearing metal spikes and walks over someone's line, he's done some putting damage. Soft-spikes do considerably less, if any at all.

[quote name='finalist' timestamp='1372184461' post='7321824']
I can wear steel spikes at my home course, but I've never tried them. Are they really an advantage?
[/quote]

In my experience................Yes. When I changed to soft spikes years ago, I immediately noticed a loss of traction in most circumstances. Some guys can swing in leather soled loafers (Freddy Couples), and be fine. I'm not one of those guys. I really miss metal spikes.

Becasue it's not against any USGA rule.
And as Stage pointed out...the "ban" on spikes started at the clubhouse.

If you want to wear spikes, I doubt many will notice if you wear them on the course. Just make sure you change your shoes.

[quote name='titleistprov1man' timestamp='1372184441' post='7321822']
Also, some of the tees and fairways are mown so tightly that a player with a lot of foot action (like Phil) would be slipping all over the place. The soft spikes don't really work that great if there is nothing for them to grip down into. Another reason I have seen is because of newly landscaped areas. They tend to put out a lot of pine straw for looks at the tour stops, and metal spikes really make a difference in loose straw. These reasons, and because they usually get what they want.
[/quote]

Surely, you can't be serious......

[quote name='3 Jack South' timestamp='1372185227' post='7321914']
[quote name='titleistprov1man' timestamp='1372184441' post='7321822']
Also, some of the tees and fairways are mown so tightly that a player with a lot of foot action (like Phil) would be slipping all over the place. The soft spikes don't really work that great if there is nothing for them to grip down into. Another reason I have seen is because of newly landscaped areas. They tend to put out a lot of pine straw for looks at the tour stops, and metal spikes really make a difference in loose straw. These reasons, and because they usually get what they want.
[/quote]

Surely, you can't be serious......
[/quote]

And I am sure you can tell me why I am wrong. It is an opinion and an observation. What do I know, I was just a caddie on the Nationwide and PGA for a few years. Everybody is entitled to their opinion, and I am sure you are full of them.

[quote name='Vindog' timestamp='1372185029' post='7321882']
Becasue it's not against any USGA rule.
And as Stage pointed out...the "ban" on spikes started at the clubhouse.

If you want to wear spikes, I doubt many will notice if you wear them on the course. Just make sure you change your shoes.
[/quote]

So it's the clubs who bifurcate...when the pros come to town.

I would love to go back to spikes, but the crunching sound on the path ways would give me away. Out of the 30 or so courses I play often, all are soft spike only.

It's not bifurcation. It's a local rule. Just like low hanging power lines or OB inside the course in golf communities.

[quote name='titleistprov1man' timestamp='1372185437' post='7321944']
[quote name='3 Jack South' timestamp='1372185227' post='7321914']
[quote name='titleistprov1man' timestamp='1372184441' post='7321822']
Also, some of the tees and fairways are mown so tightly that a player with a lot of foot action (like Phil) would be slipping all over the place. The soft spikes don't really work that great if there is nothing for them to grip down into. Another reason I have seen is because of newly landscaped areas. They tend to put out a lot of pine straw for looks at the tour stops, and metal spikes really make a difference in loose straw. These reasons, and because they usually get what they want.
[/quote]

Surely, you can't be serious......
[/quote]



And I am sure you can tell me why I am wrong. It is an opinion and an observation. What do I know, I was just a caddie on the Nationwide and PGA for a few years. Everybody is entitled to their opinion, and I am sure you are full of them.
[/quote]

No, I mean like "duh". Of course spikes work better on pine straw. In just about every situation they are better. I know "why" a pro would wear them, just didn't know how they get away with it. I go to courses that host both PGA and Web.com events every year and it is soft spike only for us. Yet I see the pros wearing spikes at the same courses.

[quote name='stage1350' timestamp='1372185666' post='7321972']
It's not bifurcation. It's a local rule. Just like low hanging power lines or OB inside the course in golf communities.
[/quote]

Yeah I get it. The committee reserves the right to change local rules when pros come to town. Another way of Bifurcating the game....USGA is full of shite on this bifurcation thing.

[quote name='3 Jack South' timestamp='1372185854' post='7321998']
[quote name='titleistprov1man' timestamp='1372185437' post='7321944']
[quote name='3 Jack South' timestamp='1372185227' post='7321914']
[quote name='titleistprov1man' timestamp='1372184441' post='7321822']
Also, some of the tees and fairways are mown so tightly that a player with a lot of foot action (like Phil) would be slipping all over the place. The soft spikes don't really work that great if there is nothing for them to grip down into. Another reason I have seen is because of newly landscaped areas. They tend to put out a lot of pine straw for looks at the tour stops, and metal spikes really make a difference in loose straw. These reasons, and because they usually get what they want.
[/quote]

Surely, you can't be serious......
[/quote]



And I am sure you can tell me why I am wrong. It is an opinion and an observation. What do I know, I was just a caddie on the Nationwide and PGA for a few years. Everybody is entitled to their opinion, and I am sure you are full of them.
[/quote]

No, I mean like "duh". Of course spikes work better on pine straw. In just about every situation they are better. I know "why" a pro would wear them, just didn't know how they get away with it. I go to courses that host both PGA and Web.com events every year and it is soft spike only for us. Yet I see the pros wearing spikes at the same courses.
[/quote]

It's also a liability issue to regular player foot traffic. Probably one of the main reasons that clubs tried to get rid of them. As bad as soft spikes are on mud, metal spikes are on steep concrete cart paths, etc. especially if they are wet.

Local rule like distance measureing devices....

I'll trade spikes for my GPS any day. Used to mow my own grass in spikes. Aerated every time I mow!

It is solely about $$$$$$$$$$$$$.

Hosting tournaments brings in money, lots of it. Allowing players to traipse around the course and clubhouse for a week brings in enough money to correct any problems caused by the metal spikes to the course and clubhouse.

As for normal courses and clubs the wear and tear not only on the course but on the carpets, flooring, and everything is not worth the cost of replacement. You are cutting your lifetime of flooring down to 10% with metal vs plastic spikes. Plain and simple as is usually the case it comes down to money.

[quote name='stumblinhorse' timestamp='1372186168' post='7322040']
Local rule like distance measureing devices....

I'll trade spikes for my GPS any day. Used to mow my own grass in spikes. Aerated every time I mow!
[/quote]

This baffles me too. The caddies have shot everything on the course during practice rounds, so the yardage book has so much info in it that it is as accuarate as the laser. Doesn't really do anything but slow play down. Especially when they are pushing to try to speed up rounds.

Yes, I would gladly trade my Sky Caddie for my metal spikes. In a heart beat.

[quote name='stage1350' timestamp='1372184365' post='7321812']
Because the truth is that spikes don't hurt the course. Softspikes will bring seeds and diseases from other courses like metal does. And if you drag your feet with softspikes, you create just as much damage (if not moreso) than metal spikes.

Clubhouses outlawed them so that they wouldn't have to lay down carpet or worry about wood damage from spikes on the floors. It's about the maintenance costs of the clubhouse and zero about the health of the course.

If you still don't believe that, at one point there were conforming ceramic spikes made. They lasted as long as metal and had small cleats like softspikes. They were eliminated because if you lost one, the ceramic would nick the mower blades. They also created the same wear on wood and tile that metal spikes did. So the courses wouldn't stock them either.

Yet the courses don't seem to care that you have minimal traction with softspikes in soft, muddy conditions.
[/quote]
I worked at a country club back in the day before soft spikes. The greens were never really great condition greens there, old push up greens. After a full day of golfers, say 100 plus players, the greens would start to become almost unplayable from all the spike marks that were 3-5 feet around the hole/cup. Not from players dragging their feet, just from the spike marks left from the steel spikes, especially new spikes that were full length. In that era, tapping down spike marks was one of the biggest rule changes most people were lobbying for. Some of the younger members here have never seen an old fashion spike mark-small hole in the green with blades of grass sticking up out of it, not much fun to putt through.
After the club went softspikes only, the greens could hold up to a full day of play and not look like a minefield around the hole.
So, they really can damage the course, especially after a lot of play.

Because the world is unfair.

I've never worn steel spikes -- before my (golf) time.

I'm certain my handicap would drop precipitously if I could. [i]sigh[/i].

[quote name='Asleep' timestamp='1372191560' post='7322696']
Because the world is unfair.

I've never worn steel spikes -- before my (golf) time.

I'm certain my handicap would drop precipitously if I could. [i]sigh[/i].
[/quote]

What was even worse is the shoes that had permanent metal spikes. I remember getting a brand new pair and within a month the soft spike revolution began. Since you couldn't change them it was just a waste of money. My game has never been the same, I am convinced that is the sole reason and not my diminishing talent......

[quote name='titleistprov1man' timestamp='1372191727' post='7322714']What was even worse is the shoes that had permanent metal spikes.[/quote]

Were there replaceable metal spikes? Like switch from rubber to steel?

Somewhat in line with this post, I have also noticed that I have NEVER seen a Tour Pro fix a ball mark the correct way. They jab a Tee into the ground a few times, (Doing a great job of killing the root) step on it with their foot, and walk away. The Greem would fare better if they did nothing! Then, they are the first ones to complain about any type of marks on a Green!

[quote name='titleistprov1man' timestamp='1372186452' post='7322078']
[quote name='stumblinhorse' timestamp='1372186168' post='7322040']
Local rule like distance measureing devices....

I'll trade spikes for my GPS any day. Used to mow my own grass in spikes. Aerated every time I mow!
[/quote]

This baffles me too. The caddies have shot everything on the course during practice rounds, so the yardage book has so much info in it that it is as accuarate as the laser. Doesn't really do anything but slow play down. Especially when they are pushing to try to speed up rounds.
[/quote]

Agree, I think they should allow them to use DMDs on tour. It isn't like they don't know the yardage! It would speed things up a little bit I would think, especially on wayward shots. Nothing better than being on the next fairway and knowing the distance to the center in an instant!

Everyone should be allowed to strap on metal, I know I still do....... [size=4] [/size]