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PINEHURST, N.C. – LPGA commissioner Michael Whan was here. PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem wasn’t.
It is traditional and customary for commissioners of the PGA Tour and LPGA Tour to attend the USGA annual meeting, held each year during the first week of February.
Finchem, citing bad weather and treacherous travel conditions, didn’t make it. Perhaps he realized the USGA would and could do nothing to ease his anxiety over the ongoing Ping Eye2 grooves controversy.
“Sure, we’re talking informally about grooves,” admitted Dick Rugge, the USGA’s senior technial director, “but it’s nothing official. We’re satisfied with all the steps we’ve taken so far (including several years of research and announcement of a condition of competition that specifies smaller grooves with more rounded edges).”
The PGA Tour and other major professional tours around the world are invoking the condition of competition for 2010, forcing touring pros to use the new grooves.
Meanwhile, Whan, the new LPGA leader, addressed the USGA behind closed doors.
“Lots of people, particularly the Women’s Committee, were very excited about this,” Rugge reported. “When he left, there was a noticable buzz in the room. He has a knack for inspiring people.”
