"It's awkward to me. But so many guys have had success with it that I thought I'd give it a try."

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Steve Elling on the wild scene at the putting green with belly putters seemingly everywhere you looked Thursday. But all eyes will be on Phil Mickelson's bag.

"Look, I don't mind trying new things," he said. "I've hit two drivers and no drivers in Opens, and I don't mind trying something different. We'll see."

Unlike in the past, it doesn't seem to be a publicity stunt designed to force the rule-makers into banning the belly. Mickelson added a controversial Ping wedge to his bag in early 2010 as the tour's new grooves rule took effect, at least in part to make a political statement about how he disagreed with the rule change in general.

In fact, when asked by CBSSports.com last week for his opinion on the belly and its growing popularity, Mickelson didn't hesitate in saying they shouldn't be banned, mostly because they have been around for so long, it would be unfair to the many players who have grown used to them. That list has only grown longer this season.

Reader Tim noted that on the episode of Feherty airing featuring Jim "Bones" Mackay, Phil's longtime sidekick is asked if there was one thing he could do to change the game. His answer?

Not allow players to anchor putters against their bodies!