Mickelson dumps wedge from his bag
Source: Agencies |
February 5, 2010, Friday
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PHIL Mickelson has decided to leave his controversial Ping wedge out of his bag for this week's Northern Trust Open but he remains totally opposed to the new grooves rule introduced this year.
Mickelson was among a handful of players who used the 20-year-old Ping-Eye 2 wedge with square grooves at last week's San Diego Open, prompting an accusation by fellow American Scott McCarron that he had been 'cheating'.
Under United States Golf Association rules implemented on January 1, square or U-grooves have been outlawed but the Ping wedge is deemed legal because of a lawsuit won by its manufacturer over the USGA in 1990. "I like and respect these (PGA Tour) players out here," Mickelson said on the eve of the opening round in California.
"Out of respect for them, I do not want to have an advantage over anybody, whether it's perceived or actual. So this week I won't be playing that wedge. My point has been made.
"But if these governing bodies cannot get together to fix this loophole, if players stop using this wedge which would stop the pressing of the issue, then I will relook at it and put the wedge back in play."
The new rules relating to club-face grooves were implemented after research found modern configurations could allow players to generate almost as much spin with irons from the rough as from the fairway.
Three-time major winner Mickelson said he had received an apology from McCarron the previous night.
"We all make mistakes and we all say things we wish we could take back," Mickelson said. "It's also not easy to come up and face that person, look them in the eye and apologize.
"He did that and I appreciate him being a big enough man to do that."
Mickelson was among a handful of players who used the 20-year-old Ping-Eye 2 wedge with square grooves at last week's San Diego Open, prompting an accusation by fellow American Scott McCarron that he had been 'cheating'.
Under United States Golf Association rules implemented on January 1, square or U-grooves have been outlawed but the Ping wedge is deemed legal because of a lawsuit won by its manufacturer over the USGA in 1990. "I like and respect these (PGA Tour) players out here," Mickelson said on the eve of the opening round in California.
"Out of respect for them, I do not want to have an advantage over anybody, whether it's perceived or actual. So this week I won't be playing that wedge. My point has been made.
"But if these governing bodies cannot get together to fix this loophole, if players stop using this wedge which would stop the pressing of the issue, then I will relook at it and put the wedge back in play."
The new rules relating to club-face grooves were implemented after research found modern configurations could allow players to generate almost as much spin with irons from the rough as from the fairway.
Three-time major winner Mickelson said he had received an apology from McCarron the previous night.
"We all make mistakes and we all say things we wish we could take back," Mickelson said. "It's also not easy to come up and face that person, look them in the eye and apologize.
"He did that and I appreciate him being a big enough man to do that."
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