Mickelson Loophole is Wrong

Phil Mickelson has decided not to use the controversial Ping Eye 2 wedge at the Northern Trust Open title.

The world number two created a media storm when he used the non-conforming, but PGA Tour-approved, club at the Farmers Insurance Open.

Although it features 'U' grooves which have been outlawed rather than the shallower, narrower 'V' grooves, the pre-1990 Ping wedge is legal due to a loophole born out of a lawsuit won by it's manufacturer back in 1990.

Mickelson was criticised for having the club in his bag - something he will not be doing this week when he defends his title in California.

Fellow American Scott McCarron claimed it was "cheating", although he has since apologised to his compatriot for the remark.

Mickelson has now opted not to use the wedge as a sign of respect to his fellow professionals, who rallied in support of him last year when his wife Amy was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Support

"I like and respect these players out here and when my wife and I were at one of our low points, 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," Mickelson said.

"Out of respect for them, I do not want to have an advantage over them, whether it's perceived or actual.

"So this week I won't be playing that wedge. My point's been made, I won't play it."

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

"I have been very upset with the way the entire rule change has come about, and its total lack of transparency," he said.

"This has got to change. To come out and change a rule like this that has a loophole... is ridiculous. It hurts the game and you cannot put the players in the position to interpret what the rule means.

"This should have been decided well before this came out. It put me and it put all players in a bad spot and it needs to be changed."

Left-hander Mickelson also warned that he could use the wedge again if action was not taken to clarify the situation, adding: "If these governing bodies cannot get together to fix this loophole... then I will put the wedge back in play."

The 39-year-old is looking to seal a hat-trick at the Northern Trust Open having won on his last two visits to the Riviera Country Club.

Stricker challenge

The three-time Major winner will face some stiff competition in a strong field, though, which includes last year's runner-up Steve Stricker.

"It's always nice to come back here," Stricker, who has had two top-10 finishes at the start of the new season, said.

"It's a place where I had some success last year and I'm looking forward to getting it going again this year.

"I haven't played for the last couple of weeks and being home in Madison (Wisconsin), you don't get a lot done there this time of year."

Also in action this week is Irishman Padraig Harrington, Robert Allenby of Australia and reigning Open champion Stewart Cink.