According to Scott McCarron, saying someone cheated and calling him a cheater are two very different things.
At least that’s the sentiment the 16-year PGA Tour pro purveyed yesterday when he released a statement to address his comments about Phil Mickelson made on Thursday.
McCarron disapproved of Mickelson’s use of a Ping Eye 2 wedge that no longer conforms to USGA regulations. The club, which features square grooves in the clubface, remains legal because it was grandfathered in by a legal settlement from 20 years ago.
“I responded, ‘It’s cheating and I am appalled Phil has put it in play,’ ” McCarron said in the statement. “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.”
After being sued by Ping for anti-trust violation in late-1980s, the USGA determined in an out-of-court settlement that every Ping Eye 2 wedge produced before April 1, 1990 would remain legal.
Mickelson played the wedge over the weekend in San Diego, where he finished in 19th place.
