Mickelson riding fence on proposed anchoring ban

• By Will Gray
• Nov 30, 2012 11:19 AM ET

Perhaps Phil Mickelson is preparing for a future career in politics.

Asked about his stance on one of the game's most divisive issues, Mickelson instead opted Friday to seek a middle ground.

"I actually agree with both sides," he said of the proposed ban on anchored putters in an interview with "Morning Drive." "I don't think there's a right or a wrong answer."

A four-time major champion, Mickelson noted that he agreed with the concept that the putting stroke should not be anchored, but also added that it was "totally unfair" for players who have spent years practicing with an anchored stroke that will soon be deemed illegal.

"I hope this doesn't detract from the growth of the game," he commented.

Mickelson, who earlier this month called a potential ban "grossly unfair" and dabbled with a belly putter during the 2011 FedEx Cup playoffs, indicated that there were more pressing issues that he would like to see addressed.

"There's a lot of other fights in the game of golf that I'd rather focus my attention on," he noted, mentioning as an example the perceived trend of modern course architects creating overly difficult courses for the average player.

Ultimately Mickelson, who was 10th on the PGA Tour in strokes gained putting this year while using a conventional putter, chose to remain neutral on a question where many of his fellow players have opted to have their voices heard.

"I think it's a question that I'm not really getting involved in," he added. "However it ends up, it ends up."