Phil Mickelson
An unusual situation developed in the middle of Phil Mickelson’s round: The world’s sixth-ranked player requested changing his driver during the middle of the round, arguing that it was damaged and unfit for use.
Mickelson’s request to use a backup driver was denied. PGA TOUR rules official Stephen Cox explained the ruling during the Golf Channel’s broadcast:
"Although you could see a blemish, it really needs to be some separation in the clubface," Cox said. "If the club was to deteriorate, we’d take another look at it."
Mickelson, who is 1 over after 10 holes, actually went back to the driver for his tee shot on the par-5 13th. His shot landed in the left rough.
Rule 4.3a of the Rules of Golf state (from USGA.COM):
If, during a stipulated round, a player’s club is damaged in the normal course of play, he may:
(i) use the club in its damaged state for the remainder of the stipulated round; or
(ii) without unduly delaying play, repair it or have it repaired; or
(iii) as an additional option available only if the club is unfit for play, replace the damaged club with any club. The replacement of a club must not unduly delay play and must not be made by borrowing any club selected for play by any other person playing on the course.
