Rules Court: Curious rules cases in golf history

THE VERDICT: Mickelson was within his rights. Before the playoff, Mickelson's caddie replaced Lefty's 4-wood with a 2-iron. Mickelson then used that 2-iron for his approach on the first playoff hole. Because it was stroke play and the nine holes (which were the stipulated round in this event) had been completed, he technically could have switched out his entire bag. As for Couples, he went on to win the skin -- and $200,000.
(Photo: From left, Phil Mickelson, Annika Sorenstam, Fred Couples and Mark O'Meara at the 2003 Skins at the Trilogy Golf Club in La Quinta, Calif.)