updated 2:25 a.m. ET July 5, 2008

BETHESDA, Md. - When it comes to club grooves and Tiger-less tournaments, Tom Pernice Jr. thinks the PGA Tour is lax on the job.

Pernice, a former member of the tour’s policy board, criticized commissioner Tim Finchem on Friday for not doing more to resolve two contentious issues: U-shaped grooves that produced extra spin coming out of the rough, and the tournaments that have essentially become second-tier because they are rarely — if ever — visited by Tiger Woods or any of the other top players.

“I think there’s several things that commissioner Finchem has done a great job on, and I think there’s been several things that he’s very weak on,” Pernice said after matching the course record with a 63.

The U.S. Golf Association and Royal & Ancient Golf Club last year proposed limiting the amount of spin produced by U-shaped grooves. U-shaped grooves have allowed some golfers to drive tee shots into the rough with virtual impunity, knowing that the extra spin will keep the approach shot on the green.

But the new rule has yet to be implemented, and Pernice thinks it’s time for the tour to act.

“Why isn’t the PGA Tour and Tim Finchem stepping to the plate and using our own rules?” Pernice said. “Tim’s been against it all the time. We should have our own rules, and this way we could use V-grooves and everybody can have the same set, and driving the ball in the fairway might make a difference.”

Pernice also said the tour should require Woods and other top players to play more events.

“There are some things that the tour could do to help the sponsors,” Pernice said. “I think there’s got to be something. Michael Jordan didn’t get to skip and not go play in Madison Square Garden against the Knicks when the Knicks were good and he didn’t like playing there or whatever.”

MORE FROM GOLF

Golf Section Front

Beem making most of second chance Notes: Harrington a major champ, motivational speaker Fillmore wins qualifier for U.S. Amateur Opinion: Play for a cause this Labor Day weekend Opinion: Captain's picks could make or break U.S. Harrington doesn't want fear fueling him Vote: Who should Azinger pick for Ryder Cup? Vote: Who is golf's player of the year? Latest golf videos Special section: Golf on NBC Golf Section Front   Add Golf headlines to your news reader: