And in this corner, Scott McCarron!

Update 2/3/2010: Mickelson has pulled the disputed wedge from his bag. Also, Scott McCarron has apologized for his comments...in person.

Much was made over the biggest issue in the golf world this past weekend. It would be the use of the Ping 2 Eye wedge and some of the quotes that have arisen out of the use of that wedge.

Why was this brought to light. It has to do with the new regulations on the grooves on club faces. The Ping wedge has grooves which are considered illegal according to the new rules. Case closed.

Not so fast. Ping, the USGA and PGA entered into an agreement some 20 years ago when a simliar controversy developed. According to the terms of that agreement, the Ping 2 Eye wedge has now been "grandfathered" under the new groove ruling.

Enter PGA vets Phil Mickelson and Scott McCarron.

Mickelson's role in this controversy is the simplest. He's using said wedge. He admitted that according to the new regulations the wedge is actually illegal, but he could use it due to it being "grandfathered".

One thing some are losing sight of is that Callaway, the clubs which Lefty uses, developed a wedge, but it was deemed not in compliance with the new groove rule. Therefore, Phil put the Ping in his bag for last weekend's event at Torrey Pines.

McCarron's role is bit more, shall I say, notable.

McCarron was asked about the wedge and its use. Did we ever get a quote on this.

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

If you had personally heard that statement, what would you take away from it? My first thought is that McCarron is labeling Mickelson a cheater. He's shocked that Phil is using the club knowing that it's "against the spirit of the rule". Phil, as I earlier stated, admitted as such.

McCarron didn't stop there.

"That anybody using that wedge is cheating? I still feel strongly about it. Anyone using that wedge I feel is behind the rules, even though we have a rule that because of a lawsuit says it’s OK."

Whatever. The rules say it's legal. Mickelson is getting all the flak because he's the world's #2 player. Nothing else.

Where does this all go now? There was to be a meeting of the 16-member Players Advisory Council in Los Angeles today (Tuesday). The council's purpose is to address such issues. McCarron was recently elected as a member.

The last time I remember this big of deal involving clubs dealt with the belly and long putters. Some players still say those putters are "against the spirit of the rule". Doesn't matter. They're legal under regulations pertaining to putters. Just like the Ping wedge.

I'll give you two guesses as to what type of putter Scott McCarron has in his bag. The picture to the left is a hint.

Just today, Padraig Harrington says he'll consider using Ping irons. Those irons are exempt as well as the wedges.

"But while they're out there being used, it's a difficult situation not to for anybody who's competitive not to go out there and take full advantage of what you can if somebody else is,"

Ping issued a statement today saying they are willing to help resolve the issue. That statement can be found here.

Wow. All this stuff about golf and no Tiger.