Wednesday, May 31, 2000
Tiger's ball test gets same results
By DOUG FERGUSON
AP Golf Writer
If Tiger Woods plays the Nike Golf ball in the U.S. Open, it will
mark the third brand he has played at Pebble Beach.
“I think I played Tour Edition back when I was about 12,”
he said.
Woods continues to classify his use of Nike as an ongoing experiment,
although a switch might be imminent should he tee it up in two
weeks at Pebble.
Based on his results, it's difficult to say that the ball matters.
Woods was third last week in Germany and overwhelmed the field
at the Memorial for his 19th PGA Tour victory.
But Woods said that, while the feel of the two-piece Nike is similar
to the wound Titleist ball he had been playing, he has noticed
some changes.
“There's a different arc to it,” Woods said. “Two-piece
balls tend to be a little more flat.”
Jack Nicklaus was not immune to changing balls during his career.
He played the MacGregor ball from the time he was 19 until he
bought — and later sold — the company.
“We stopped making golf balls in the mid '80s, then I used
a Titleist for two or three years,” Nicklaus said.
He then played a round with Greg Norman, who suggested he try
the Maxfli, and Nicklaus has been using Maxfli ever since.
“Sure, it's a major decision,” Nicklaus said. “I
have not discussed with Tiger why he wants to use another brand.
I suppose you would have to think it would be financial, but in
his case, I can't imagine that would make a difference. He's a
pretty secure young man.
“He would have to think he has a golf ball that's superior
to what he's playing.”
A Titleist ball has been used in 16 victories out of 22 PGA Tour
events this year.
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