Mickelson backs down over wedge dispute

Phil Mickelson has chosen to not play the much-discussed Ping Eye 2 wedge after criticism from his fellow pros.

The club, which has prohibited u-shaped grooves, is still legal under the new groove ruling, but only because it falls under a legal loophole for clubs made prior to 1990.

After Mickelson decision to play the controversial club at the Farmers Insurance Open, Lee Westwood said its use was “bending the rules”, while American Scott McCarron accused his countryman of cheating.

“Out of respect for the other players, I don’t want to have an advantage, perceived or actual, so this week I won’t play that wedge,” said the world No.2.

“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,

“My points been made, I won’t play it.”

Meanwhile Rory McIlroy has called for courses to be made more penal rather than see more limitations placed on club specifications.

The young Northern Irishman said: “I don’t see why they don’t firm greens up and get the rough longer to bring scores down.

“They can make golf courses a lot tougher and turn 20-under winning scores into 12-under.”

Bryce Ritchie is the Editor of bunkered and, in addition to leading on content and strategy, oversees all aspects of the brand. The first full-time journalist employed by bunkered, he joined the company in 2001 and has been editor since 2009. A member of Balfron Golfing Society, he currently plays off nine and once got a lesson from Justin Thomas’ dad.

Editor