Perry says golfers will soon get into the grooves

KENNY Perry has predicted the world’s top golfers will adapt more quickly than expected by many pundits when new regulations for club-face grooves come into effect at this week’s SBS Championship in Hawaii.

Although the American PGA Tour veteran accepts wedge shots from the rough could pose a few problems, he does not buy into the widespread notion that scoring will suffer overall.

“It will cause some problems but I don’t think it’s going to be a real big issue,” said Perry, 49, on the eve of today’s opening round at the Kapalua Resort. “I think guys will adjust pretty quickly and you will still see good scores.

“I have struggled a little bit with my wedges. My sand wedges and stuff don’t bite like they used to bite, they want to release on out. But out of the fairway with my irons I haven’t noticed much difference at all.”

As of 1 January new rules relating to club-face grooves were implemented at the top level after research found modern configurations could allow players to generate almost as much spin with irons from the rough as from the fairway.

All clubs, with the exception of drivers and putters, have been affected by the change which limits groove volume and groove-edge sharpness, effectively replacing U-grooves with V-grooves.

Larger volume grooves can help channel away more material such as water or grass while sharper groove edges allow better contact between club and ball, thereby increasing the chance of backspin.

The absence of Tiger Woods from the PGA Tour could pave the way for someone else to take over as world No 1 this year, according to Geoff Ogilvy. “It’s an interesting time right now,” said the Australian. “Number one in the world might be up for realistic grabs this year, depending on how it all takes shape.”

On the European Tour in South Africa, meanwhile, Darren Clarke wants to use this week’s Africa Open as a springboard to regain his Ryder Cup place.

The 41-year-old Ulsterman failed to make the team when Europe lost to the US in Kentucky in 2008 and is keen to play in the biennial event at the Celtic Manor course in Wales in October. “I missed it the last time when I thought I had a good chance and I desperately want to get back on the team again,” said Clarke.