How Phillip Got His Grooves Back

Finally! Some controversy on the PGA Tour that has nothing to do with Tiger getting down with one of the chicks from his band of merry sluts. As many of you who keep up with the Tour know that in 2010 the PGA Tour passed a rule prohibiting ‘square grooves’ or ‘U grooves’ on clubfaces. These grooves have been known to produce excess spin making shots out of the rough stop on a dime, almost eliminating the penalty of a wayward tee-shot. The rule shows that ‘V-grooves’ are now the only acceptable kind of groove…until the weasel of all weasels found a loophole.
I have bitten my tongue when it comes to my disdain for Phil, but I’ll let it be known that I am not at all a Phillip fan. I audibly laughed when he bounced a driver off the hospitality tent at Winged Foot in the ’06 Open on his way to a crippling triple bogey. I was in the stands at the 16th green at Pinehurst in ’99 when he yacked a four footer on his way to losing to Payne Stewart, and I loved it. For years I have enjoyed Phil hitting the ball all over God’s creation in route to big numbers. But I will admit on Easter Sunday in ’04 I was with everyone else rooting for Lefty to win in Augusta, as it was better for the game if he was a major champion. I feel the same way when it comes to Sergio.

My dislike of Phillip stems from his reputation on the Tour along with his reputation amongst the public. Fans (and my brother from another mother Jim Nantz) love Lefty, and there’s no denying that, but the players as a whole…well let’s just say he isn’t well embraced. And that has come to the forefront this past week at the Farmers Insurance Open when Tour journeyman Scott McCarron basically accused Mickelson of cheating by using a Ping wedge with U grooves. It was apparent that the piece of equipment in question was not illegal, but was very, and I mean very, unethical.

Years ago The Karsten Company (Ping manufacturer) sued the PGA and won in regards to outlawing their old ‘Eye 2’ irons because of the U grooves. Basically the ruling stated that these clubs could not be prohibited from play. This court order created a loophole from the new rule on tour concerning clubface grooves in regards to Ping Eye 2 irons. Enter Phillip.

Golf is a competitive sport, and like any other sport a competitive advantage is key. It’s tough for me to totally blame Mickelson for using this club, in fact just to know that the use of this club was not illegal shows he’s on top of his game; but I still see it as extremely unethical. I know what most of you are thinking. You’re saying to yourselves, ‘I don’t understand what the big deal is. He found a loophole and took advantage. Don’t hate.’ I also know that this is a new generation in the world of golf, but you still always have to remember the cornerstones in which golf was formed. It is a ‘gentleman’s game’ that stresses honor and integrity. It is a game where you are required to impose penalties on yourself, even if no one else saw the infraction. That is why what Phillip did was such a big deal.

This week at the Northern Trust Open Mickelson will not be slicing thru the kikuya rough at Riviera with his Ping Eye 2 wedge. This is obviously a proper decision based on the outrage that ensued following play this past week in San Diego. Also, McCarron apologized to Phil face to face in private and it was accepted. I’m sure this incident will blow over relatively quickly considering Tiger’s impending return to play will dominate the golf press in the possible near future. Also, I’m predicting redemption for Lefty. In a week of turmoil, I’m predicting he’ll rise to the occasion and successfully defend in Los Angeles.

This whole controversy, for whatever it is, will jump-start Phillip’s season with a trip to the winners circle. A ‘groove’ he is more than happy to talk about.