Tiger Woods has expressed concern over the increasing distance golf balls are travelling, but disagreed with the reported plans by the USGA and R&A to reduce the distance the ball can travel off each club, suggesting that bifurcation of the golf ball would have been a smarter move.
At Glance
‣ Tiger Woods has commented on the reported plans by the USGA and R&A to reduce the distance golf balls can travel, stating that he would have preferred a different approach.
‣ The plans, which are expected to be officially announced soon, aim to reduce the game’s reliance on power hitting by decreasing the distance the ball can travel off each club.
‣ The changes are set to start in 2028 for professional players and in 2030 for amateurs, in an effort to keep golf courses a relative test for players.
‣ Woods suggested that bifurcation of the golf ball, or having different types of balls for different levels of play, would have been a smarter move.
Tiger Woods has spoken up. He agrees that something needs to be done about the ever-increasing distance golf balls are travelling. But, he’s not exactly thrilled with the current proposed solution.
Golf Digest recently reported a story. The USGA and R&A are about to announce universal golf-ball-rollback plans. This is their attempt to curb the game’s growing reliance on power hitting.
The plan? It’s set to kick off in 2028 for pros and 2030 for amateurs. The idea is to reduce the distance the ball can travel off each club. The goal is to keep golf courses challenging, even though many have already been lengthened.
Woods has his own thoughts. He believes golf’s governing bodies should have been worried about length a long time ago. He mentioned that there’s been talk about rolling the ball back since he turned professional in 1996.
Woods’ reaction to the plans wasn’t as explosive as Rory McIlroy’s social media rant. But, he did suggest something. He thinks the bifurcation of the golf ball would have been a smarter move.
“This has been, I guess, the talk ever since I’ve been out on Tour,” Woods said. He continued, “And then to finally see it come to this point where I think both governing bodies who control the rules around the world are going to come to a collaborative understanding of how far – we just don’t have enough property anymore.”
Woods has always been for bifurcation. He’s said that before. He even made a comparison, “Just like wood bats and metal bats.”
Many notable names have shared their thoughts on golf’s latest controversy via social media. But Woods, who’s been playing at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas, insists he’s been too focused to chat with his fellow Tour pros.
The 15-time Major champion admitted, “Honestly, I haven’t talked to any other player yet. I’m curious to see what the feedback is.” He added, “I know the PGA Tour had their stance on it, but the ruling bodies are, they’re the ruling bodies.”
