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Mickelson to stop using controversial wedge

Mickelson has decided against using his controversial square-grooved wedge in Los Angeles.
Mickelson has decided against using his controversial square-grooved wedge in Los Angeles.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
  • Phil Mickelson to stop playing with the controversial square-grooved wedge
  • World number two accused of "cheating" by Scott McCarron for exploiting rules loophole
  • Mickelson is two-time defending champion in Northern Trust Open in Los Angeles
  • American stars warns he may use club again if rules situation is not clarified
RELATED TOPICS
  • Phil Mickelson
  • Scott McCarron
  • PGA Tour
  • Golf

(CNN) -- Phil Mickelson is to stop using the club which led to allegations by a fellow professional that he was "cheating" in playing with the square-grooved wedge.

Scott McCarron has since apologized to the world number two for his remarks which so angered Mickelson he appeared to threaten him with a lawsuit at last week's Farmers Insurance Open.

The row has continued in the build-up to this week's Northern Trust Open in Los Angeles where is Mickelson two-time defending champion.

But on Wednesday, Mickelson attempted to defuse the situation and said he would not use the Ping Eye-2 wedge out out of respect for his fellow professionals.

Mickelson was right to experiment

"I do not want to have an advantage over them, whether it's perceived or actual," he told reporters.

"So this week I won't be playing that wedge. "My point's been made, I won't play it."

I do not want to have an advantage over them, whether it's perceived or actual
--Phil Mickelson

An angry Mickelson went on to slam the way the rule change, which outlaws square-grooved irons, but with the exception of the Ping-brand made before 1990, had been implemented.

"I have been very upset with the way the entire rule change has come about, and its total lack of transparency," he added.

"This has got to change. To come out and change a rule like this that has a loophole... is ridiculous."

But Mickelson, who is bidding to close the gap on Tiger Woods in the world rankings with the number one taking an "indefinite break" from golf, warned if action was not taken he would have no choice but to resume playing with the club.

"If these governing bodies cannot get together to fix this loophole... then I will put the wedge back in play," he said.

Ireland's Padraig Harrington is another is another top player looking for clarity with the rules and has said he may use the club when play begins at Riviera Country Club on Thursday.