PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem has decided not to delay a new rule next year that will change the grooves in irons and wedges.

The USGA notified players and equipment manufacturers last year that effective Jan. 1, the dimensions in the grooves would change dramatically to create less spin on shots. The idea was to make shots out of the rough more difficult and put more of a premium on driving accuracy.

Finchem was asked to consider delaying the change one year so players and manufacturers could continue testing, and the USGA said it would follow the tour's lead.

Finchem said he decided it was in the best interests of golf to stay on schedule.

GOYDOS ON THE GO: Paul Goydos tied for second last week at the Travelers Championship, which came with a big check and a small consolation. He moved into position to qualify for the British Open on a special, cumulative money list.

The British Open exempts the top two players (not already eligible) on a money list that includes The Players Championship, Memorial, St. Jude Classic, U.S. Open, Travelers Championship and this week's AT&T National.

Goydos earned $528,000 at Hartford, putting his total on the special money list at $759,467. That puts him atop the list among players not already eligible, leading U.S. Open runner-up Ricky Barnes ($588,762), John Mallinger ($584,319) and Kevin Na ($584,150).

PRO-AM PLAN: Starting next year, not playing in the pro-am won't necessarily mean being disqualified from PGA Tour events.

Under a plan the policy board adopted Tuesday, some players might have the option of skipping the round in exchange for attending a corporate function during the tournament, such as a dinner or cocktail party with top clients.

The idea originated from the Tour Championship two years ago, when the greens at East Lake were in such bad shape from the heat that the pro-am was canceled and players instead took part in a Q&A with amateurs at breakfast.

"The sponsors loved it," Davis Love III said. "That's what got this thing going."

MAJOR STREAK: Phil Mickelson's wife, Amy , is to have surgery today to learn the scope of her breast cancer. Mickelson has already said it was "unlikely" he would play in the British Open during the early stages of her treatment. If that's the case, it will end the longest active streak in the majors.

Mickelson has played 61 dating to the 1994 U.S. Open -- he missed the Masters Tournament that year after breaking his leg while skiing. Next in line would be Vijay Singh , who now has played 60 consecutive majors. Jack Nicklaus holds the record at 146.