Westwood calls for checks on golf clubs
There was an interesting thing, but not the first time. European number one Lee Westwood has called for compulsory checks to be introduced following the changes to the rules regarding grooves on golf clubs.
The new requirements came into force for professionals for the first time in Abu Dhabi last week, and outlaw “boxed” grooves in favour of a more “v” shape in an attempt to reduce the amount of spin.
As a matter of fact, The changes played a part in Westwood missing the cut on his first appearance of the season after being left in the dark over the legality of a new set of irons with testing only optional.
After missing the cut in Abu Dhabi, Westwood has since had the new discount golf clubs tested. And after they were found to be legal the world number four used them for the first time competitively during today’s first round at the Commercialbank Qatar Masters.
He carded a four under par 68 to sit just a shot adrift of leaders Oliver Wilson and Bradley Dredge.
Westwood believes once the decision was made to change the rules officials should have pre-empted any confusion by enforcing a time limit for players to have their clubs checked after the start of the new season to ensure a level playing field. He said, “I just don’t see the point in bringing that rule in, why leave it up to the individual?”