Even though Phil Mickelson respectfully left his Ping Eye-2 out of his bag for this weekend’s Northern Trust Open at storied Riviera Country Club, the ongoing “Groove Controversy” just won’t seem to go away.  Rather than keep the focus on individual players and subject them to media ridicule (many pros using the Ping Eye-2 have recently been scrutinized and labeled as cheaters), PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem took the lead and commented about the 2010 Rule Change on this week.

At Wednesday’s News Conference at this weekend’s PGA Tour Event in Pacific Palisades, CA, Finchem outlined a 3-option strategy to work towards resolving the “Groove Controversy”:

1. Do Nothing – things remain Status Quo — Finchem acknowledged that this is certainly not a longterm solution as the PGA Tour Rules Committee firmly believes that clubs similar to the Ping Eye-2 provide players with an unfair advantage.  When it comes to fairness in competition, the Tour will not waiver
2. Ping’s Generosity – CEO of Ping John Solheim dismisses the Legal Loophole — at the heart of the controversy is a the ruling from the 1990’s in which the court ruled in favor of Ping.  As part of the agreement, Ping would stop manufacturing the club, but players would still be allowed to use it.  Such precedent creates the “loophole” , and it would be a tremendous gesture for Solheim to give up such leverage.
3. Group Ruling – nominate a special 5-person committee to determine whether or not a rule should be made to “close the loophole” — in essence this would mean that the “Groove Controversy” would work its way through the legal system.  Both sides are already beginning to form their positions, with Solheim stating that he didn’t believe that a local Tour rule could overrule a court decision, and Finchem saying, “I politely think he’s mistaken.”

This will be an ongoing issue especially if the only way to resolve it is via the legal system, and players are beginning to voice their opinions.  I’m just curious to see how long Lefty’s Ping Eye-2 stays out of his bag . . ,

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 . . .