The Loop

PGA Tour: Phil is not cheating

January 30, 2010

The PGA Tour issued a statement on Saturday effectively defending Phil Mickelson from a charge that he is cheating by using a Ping Eye2 wedge with square grooves.

"In light of the public comments that have been made regarding the use of pre-1990 Ping Eye2 irons in competitions sanctioned by the PGA Tour, it is important for our players, fans and the media to understand the following:

"Under the Rules of Golf and the 2010 Condition of Competition for Groove specifications promulgated by the USGA, pre-1990 Ping Eye2 irons are permitted for play and any player who uses them in PGA Tour sanctioned events taking place in jurisdictions of the USGA is not in violation of the Rules of Golf; and

"Because the use of pre-1990 Ping Eye2 irons is permitted for play, public comments or criticisms characterizing their use as a violation of the Rules of Golf as promulgated by the USGA are inappropriate at best."

Scott McCarron had said, "it's cheating, and I'm appalled Phil has put it in play."

-- John Strege