Why are professional golfers allowed to wear steel spikes and we can't?

Question

Why are professional golfers allowed to wear steel spikes and we can't?

Answer 1

I use to work at a golf course. The problem is not with the steel spikes it's with the goons who where them.

Older people in particular drag their feet and s***w up the greens with the steel spikes. I've noticed though that even with the plastic spikes this occurs but is not as damaging.

The PGA has allowed for pros to continue to where the metal spikes because most have grown accustom to playing in them and claim they are more supportive. I agree in poor conditions like when the course is damp or in the rain that the metal spikes seem to offer a little more traction. The soft spikes work just as well in dry conditions.

Soft spikes seem to come up short when on a slope especially a steep one.

Pros in the future may prefer the soft spikes since most will have grown up wearing that style. Golf is in a transition when it comes to this specific area and courses have forced the average Joe to wear the soft spikes while the Pros are granted an exemption.

Answer 2

Because they're pro and you're not.

Answer 3

The problem with steel is that people who drag their feet can mark the greens when they get wet and leave streek marks.

Answer 4

In order to have a professional golf tournament at your course you must agree to abide by their rules. The professionals need the stability of steel spikes for their game ( a few do use soft spikes)

Answer 5

Steel spikes give much better stability and until the mid 80's most places would let you use them because there was really no alternative other than sneakers.  The problem with steel spikes is that they absolutely destroy the course. they leave holes in greens and rip up fairways and tee boxes.  Most courses don't allow you to use them becuase they won't be able to maintain the course with the amount of play it gets.  

Courses used on the PGA are often shut down for at least a few weeks prior to professional play to grow the rough, speed up the greens etc.  Spikes are OK to use there because the tournament only lasts 4 days and will only have 480 rounds played in that time.  Then they can reopen it to the other members (or the public in Torrey Pines case).

Answer 6

There is no reason why you cannot wear golf shoes with steel spikes; I used to have a pair with steel spikes (just don't play anymore).   Apparently, the course that you go to doesn't allow them; there are plenty of courses in this country.   You really should not have a problem wearing them at the vast majority of courses.

Answer 7

Because Wal-Mart and BJ's said so and has prohibited the wearing the wearing of steel spikes.