AUGUSTA (Ga.) – Tiger Woods tossed a few balata balls at Rory McIlroy Monday as he was practicing at Augusta National. McIlroy tossed a few and then said, “Oh my God!”
Woods recalled that he said “Yes, exactly,” during his pre-tournament press conference held at the 87th Masters. “We are not going to roll it back that far, but it is kind of cool to be able see the golf ball doing different things.”
The USGA and R&A presented a Model Local Rule last month to reduce the distance at the highest levels in men’s golf. Modified golf balls would be used to reduce the average distance of the longest hitters at the fastest clubhead speeds by between 14-15 yards.
Woods supports the change and notes that it should have been done long ago.
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Woods stated that the average number was 280 off the shirt, and 279 when he first went on Tour. The guys now carry it 320, okay. Not every course can be Augusta National. You can only play so many great golf courses.
Woods stated that he would like to see professional players use a pro ball while amateur players use an amateur ball.
He said that if you are an amateur player at a pro event, then that’s where you can make the transition. “But you can slow it down, because we’re not able create enough property.”
Tiger Woods practice rounds ahead of the 2023 Masters at Augusta National Golf Club. (Photo: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Network)
Woods acknowledged that there would be marketing challenges when pros and amateurs play two balls. Woods said that the competition would cause more separation between the elites.
He said, “OK, well, Tour, it’s thrilling to see Rory McIlroy hit the ball 340 yards on each hole.” But does this challenge us? Does it separate the men who can hit the ball in the center of the face and control their shots?” If you can roll the ball back, you will see that better ball-strikers have a greater advantage than those who miss it.
Justin Thomas, Woods’ close friend and PGA Tour member, is one of the most vocal critics of the proposed changes.
If the rule is adopted by the PGA Tour it will be effective Jan. 1, 2026. Woods answered a question about how the changes could affect him personally. He was presumably referring specifically to the PGA Tour Champions.
“Last Week, I was at home at Medalist,” he said. “And I had my old Persimmon driver, which allowed me to carry the ball 290 miles. It didn’t go very far when it was missed. However, the ability to hit it in the middle of my face was rewarded.
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