Golf is largely referred to as a gentleman’s game. However, some incidents often take the center stage, questioning the title attached to the elite game. A similar incident once came up in the year 2010. While other golfers were busy building on their performance, fellow countrymen Phil Mickelson and Scott McCarron indulged in distasteful banter.

Mickelson reportedly used a Ping Eye2 wedge playing at the Northern Trust Open. However, his usage of the club clearly didn’t go well with his fellow countryman McCarron, who termed the usage of the club as ‘cheating’. Nevertheless, following a backlash from Mickelson, McCarron took no time to issue an apology for his comments.

The distasteful banter between Phil Mickelson and Scott McCarron

Fans often saw fellow countrymen having a pleasant relationship on the tour. However, that clearly didn’t seem to be the case with McCarron and Mickelson. Learning about Mickelson’s usage of Ping Eye2 wedge, Mickelson said, “It’s cheating and I’m appalled Phil has put it in play.” 

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Ever since his debut in 1992, Mickelson has succeeded in building an undisputed aura of himself. Considering his prominence in the game, it goes without saying that McCarron’s allegation was a direct hit on the former World No. 2’s name.

Devastated by the unpleasant allegation, Mickelson felt he was ‘publicly slandered’. In addition to that, he also hinted at taking legal action against the now 57-year-old McCarron.

The banter between the two also forced the participation of the then PGA Tour Commissioner, Tim Finchem. As per reports, Finchem met the two players at the Northern Trust Open and assured them that the tour would work with Ping to seek a solution.

As the issue involved Mickelson, the banter was on many headlines. However, days after the exchange, the former World No. 20 again came out to issue an open apology to Mickelson.

“I’m certainly sorry for it. I’d like to apologize to Phil Mickelson for what I said. We both realize we’re on the same page on this issue,” McCarron said.

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What are your views on their old banter? Do let us know in the comments below.