Phil Mickelson defuses row by taking wedge out

PHIL Mickelson has launched a scathing attack on the new rule changes affecting golf club grooves – but has decided against using the controversial Ping Eye 2 wedge when he defends his Northern Trust Open title in California this week.

The world No2 came in for criticism at the Farmers Insurance Open last week when he played with the non-conforming, but PGA Tour-approved, pre-1990 Ping wedge. The club at the centre of the row features 'U' grooves rather than the new standard of shallower, narrower 'V' grooves which reduce the amount of spin generated on the ball – a move introduced in a bid to emphasise golfers' skill over technology.

A legal settlement struck in the early 1990s left a loophole which means Ping's Eye 2 wedge can be used in the US, but three-time US Tour winner Scott McCarron said he was "appalled" by Mickelson's decision to use one at the Farmers Insurance Open.

McCarron went so far as to say it was "cheating", although he last night spoke with Mickelson and apologised for that remark.

Mickelson said late yesterday he would not use the club as a sign of respect to his fellow pros, who rallied in support of him last season when his wife Amy was diagnosed with breast cancer.

"The players came together and did one of the nicest things that could have been done to show support and it meant tons for me," he said.

Mickelson also demanded that action be taken to close the loophole and also criticised what he perceived as a mishandling of the rule change's implementation.