Groove Sharpener

[Guest]

So in my bag I currently have a set of 3, RTX 3 wedges from 2017 thinking about getting a groove sharpener to touch them up. Is it worth My time and effort to get it another year or 2 out of the set.

[MinimalistGC]

Only reason I still have my SM4 vokeys is because of groove sharpeners. Pick one up on Amazon for $7. The add some years to it but it does eat up a ball a little more.

[miamistomp]

Absolutely

I use it on my old Watson Ram wedges and they keep going

Sharpener is easier to use on softer forged clubs and use lots of oil

[storm319]

Not a good idea of you are concerned with conformance.

[LukeDonaldsTiger]

Who is anyway? Is this a thing in the US? Nobody ever talks about this here in Europe. Has anyone ever been DQ‘d on the amateur/weekend hacker level for non-conforming grooves?

Regarding groove sharpening: it has been discussed on here and bottom line was, grooves are for water/moisture diversion, not for spin. I have a sharpener, but I’m not sure it actually gives me better results. Just my 2 cents.

[storm319]

I wasn’t referring to the typical weekend hack for which the 2010 groove rule does not apply until 2024. I was referring to players that may be playing in events that may have the condition of competition applied (OP did not specify his situation).

And before anyone says that the condition only applies to high level amateur events, my cousin’s lower end, rural private club has been invoking the condition for their club championship since 2012.

[LukeDonaldsTiger]

That’s interesting, and I wasn’t being condescending, just genuinely curious! It really depends I guess, but it’s just not an issue where I play tournaments. But I’m a hack, so...

[bogeypro]

I'll add to this.... if you post a score to ghin for handicap purposes, it needs to be within the rules of golf. That would include equipment...

[Guest]

I’m not really concerned conformance not playing any too competitive at the moment couple bucks a hole with buddies is about the max.

[LukeDonaldsTiger]

True, but how much if an advantage are we talking about really? Which poses the question, why use a sharpener at all.

But yes, there’s a principal involved and the rules are the rules. I just think there’s other ways to cheat that yield more of an advantage. Wasn’t there a straight flying ball or such? Rick Shields had a video with it.

[phil75070]

Question, does sharpening the grooves change the groove from one type to another, from a conforming style to one that is non-conforming?

[storm319]

There are two regulatory standards for grooves at the moment, pre and post 2010. The pre-2010 regulation still applies to any event where the condition of competition is not adopted until 1/1/2024.

Anytime you are sharpening something you are removing material so using these sharpeners run risk of making the wedge non-conforming under either or both of the current regulations (especially the post 2010 spec which has an edge radius requirement that is even difficult for the OEMs to meet).

Bottom line, if you are concerned about maintaining conformance (either for competition or for future resale), I would not recommend attempting to sharpen grooves. If you aren’t worried about conformance, go for it although I would not expect a night and day difference for most shots.

 

[Nessism]

Storm has the answer. Groove sharpness doesn't add a ton of spin, face surface roughness is more important. That's why all the better modern wedges have milled faces with a lot of surface roughness.

[blitzgolf]

I picked one up at my local golf shop and used it on my old Vokeys. Definitely put some zip back in them. Wasn't concerned about conforming but I still don't think its worth doing versus new wedges depending on how much you play.

[iNeedMoreGolf]

If you love the wedges you have.... groove away i say... probably will do the same to mine in a year or two.

[Sean2]

I play every day, weather permitting. A groove sharpener is a lot more affordable than buying new wedges a couple of times a season.

[2Down]

If your sharpening the groove to save money I wonder if you are actually saving or perhaps spending more on balls. I’ve seen what sharpened grooves do to balls, after a few shots you have a new fur friend.

 

[dubbelbogey]

According to Wishon, the biggest component to wedge spin isn't the grooves and how sharp they are, but the friction delivered by the surface of the face "flats" between the grooves: https://wishongolf.com/2012/05/02/wedge-backspin-create-backspin-with-a-micro-groove-wedge/

For folks who have access to an air compressor, sandblasting a wedge face to refresh it may actually be more effective than a groove sharpener. Search for "DIY sandblaster" on YouTube and you'll find many videos on how to fabricate a very simple little sandblaster out of an old plastic soda bottle and a cheap air nozzle. It can be done for under $10, easy.