John Daly stated via Twitter that he is not retiring, even though he told the Golf Channel on Friday that “I’m done.”

Daly said that financial difficulties are impairing his ability to focus on his golf game, leading to the frustration that caused him to suggest he was retiring.

Daly addressed the situation through a series of Twitter posts…

“To ALL my Fans—my financial situation is putting me where I cannot focus on my game, I’m putting too much pressure on myself,

“the few sponsors that I have are great but it’s not getting me thru these times–i want to thank my fans throughout all these years &

“I don’t like to continue to embarrass myself– maybe my mind may change down the road but right now i don’t have the money

“to be on the tour. My game has never been the same since my rib injury during the Honda Classic in 2007. God Bless! JD”

Daly will try to make his 1st cut of the season at the AT&T National Pro Am which is set to begin in 9 days.

After John Daly missed yet another cut, this time at the Farmers Insurance Open, he apparently told the media that he is “done” with golf:

“I’m done,” Daly said, following rounds of 79-71. “I can’t compete. I can’t play like I use too. I can’t keep taking spots from guys out here playing this bad. It’s not worth it.”

“I’m tired of embarrassing myself in front of (my fans). I can’t do it anymore.”

There is speculation that this interview was meant to stir up some press for John Daly’s new reality show premiering in the next couple of months.

With Tiger out of the PGA Tour spotlight (at least for now), all eyes are on Phil Mickelson to fill the void.  Lefty has always enjoyed a share of the spotlight, but Woods’ indefinite absence opens the door for him to be “the man” and claim the #1 ranking for the first time.  The expectations are evident and along with that comes some extra attention.

As recently reported on The Local Golfer Blog, a rules change in 2010 has changed the dynamic of the grooves on clubs, particularly wedges.  The width and sharpness of the grooves have been reduced which will cause less spin.

However, numerous “questionable” wedges are permitted per an old court decision, including the Ping Eye 2.  Although these clubs are approved for play under the Rules of Golf, many pros believe that they conflict with the essence of the new “groove” rules and create an advantage for those using them in competition.  In typical golf-fashion, it’s just a measure of integrity for the game.

Where does Lefty tie into this equation?  Mickelson is one of a handful of pros on tour who use the Ping Eye 2, a club that he’s had for nearly 20 years and played with since college.

When asked about his old friend earlier this week, Lefty said, “I feel like the Eye-2 grooves are not legal, or don’t conform, but they are approved for play.  And after talking about it to the tour and the USGA, the only thing that matters is,  ’Are they approved for play?’.”

Get your “asteriks” ready for the 2010 golf season . . .