Harrington has his say on grooves controversy

PÁDRAIG HARRINGTON will ensure golf’s current controversy over grooves is maintained for at least another news cycle after confirming he his considering putting a pre-1990 Ping Eye 2 wedge in play at this week’s Northern Trust Open.

The three-time major winner makes his seasonal debut tomorrow at Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles, happy with his swing and not at all concerned about joining the ongoing debate surrounding the ethics of using a club that does not conform to the latest regulations regarding grooves but is nonetheless approved for play thanks to an early 1990s legal settlement.

Phil Mickelson ruffled feathers at Torrey Pines last week when he joined the growing throng converting to the pre-April 1, 1990 Ping wedges, with U or box grooves, rather than the new conforming standard of shallower, narrower grooves, as he made his first start of the year at the Farmers Insurance Open. The world number two drew the ire of fellow American Scott McCarron who, ignoring the fact the 20-year-old clubs are perfectly legitimate in the eyes of the US Golf Association and PGA Tour, said he was “appalled” by Mickelson’s decision.