PÁDRAIG HARRINGTON gets his 2010 campaign under way today at the €4.6 million Northern Trust Open at the Riviera Country Club in California, where the grooves controversy remains a hot topic of debate.

The start of the season has been plagued by the grooves issue after the governing bodies – R and A and USGA – introduced new regulations at the start of the year to only allow the use of V grooves instead of square grooves.

However, a legal loophole allowed for the use of pre-1990 Ping i2 wedges (with square grooves) on the USPGA Tour because of a legal settlement with the club manufacturer in the US in 1993.

Phil Mickelson, aiming to become the first player to win three in a row at the Riviera event, has been cast in the role of lead villain after fellow American Scott McCarron accused the lefthander of cheating for using the Ping wedge at last week’s San Diego Open. McCarron has since apologised to Mickelson.

Mickelson said last night he would not use the club as a sign of respect to his fellow professionals, who rallied in support of him last season when his wife, Amy, was diagnosed with breast cancer.

“Out of respect for them, I do not want to have an advantage over them, whether it’s perceived or actual.”

USPGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem, who was compelled to discuss the matter with players in Los Angeles on Tuesday, said there would be no instant solution and his policy board would be referring the issue to an independent committee for evaluation.

Los Angeles Open

Course:Riviera Country Club.

Length:7,298 yards. Par: 71.

Prizemoney:€4.6 million, €815,000 for the winner.

Field:132.

Defending champion:Phil Mickelson.

First played:1926.

Course Record:264 (Lanny Wadkins)

On TV:Sky Sports.

Weather:Cold and rainy.