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

Phil Mickelson: I never cheat

Jan 30, 2010

Phil Mickelson mounted a stout defense against accusations his “cheating” by using a 20-year-old wedge.

New rules introduced this year only allow for irons with V-shaped grooves, but because of a lawsuit filed by manufacturers Ping an exception has been made for wedges, with square grooves, which were made before April 1, 1990.

Mickelson is using one of those wedges at Torrey Pines this week and on Friday he was grilled about his use and McCarron reported comments.

PGA Tour has issued a statement to explain why the controversial Ping-Eye 2 wedges were approved for play, appearing to criticize McCarron for his comments.

"Because the use of pre-1990 Ping Eye 2 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," read the final paragraph of the statement.

"I understand approved or not approved. I didn't make this rule. I don't agree with the rule, but I'm abiding by It." said Phil Mickelson.

McCarron: I never called Phil Mickelson a cheater

February 1, 2010

In a statement released Monday, McCarron discussed his original comments to the San Francisco Chronicle regarding Mickelson and other players using Ping-Eye 2 clubs that have grooves which no longer conform to USGA and PGA Tour standards, but are still considered legal because they were grandfathered in two decades ago.

"I responded, 'It's cheating and I am appalled Phil has put it in play,'" McCarron stated. "I never called Phil Mickelson a cheater. That being said, I want my fans, sponsors, and most importantly, my fellow players, to know that I will not be silenced and I will continue my efforts to get the groove issue resolved."

Saturday, Mickelson maintained that he had been "publicly slandered" by McCarron.