Woods preps for Open with new ball: Bomb & Gouge: Golf Digest

Woods preps for Open with new ball

Monday, July 5, 2010 Comments

Players often match their equipment to the needs of a specific course. For the upcoming British Open at the Old Course at St. Andrews, Woods is extending that philosophy to his golf ball. At the AT&T National at Aronimink GC, Woods used a ball called the Nike One Tour Star -- a prototype ball that is slightly firmer and less spinning than the One Tour he had been playing. In reality, the ball is closer to Nike’s One Tour D model than the One Tour, the idea stemming from Woods’ long-held belief that reduced spin is needed at the British Open.

“He tested several versions,” said Rock Ishii, Nike’s product development director for golf balls. “He wanted a less spin 'wind advantage' ball for St. Andrews." Woods saw the benefits at Aronimink, ranking second in driving distance at an eye-catching 324.8 yards. “I’ve driven the ball better this week than I have in a very long time,” said Woods. “It’s fun to hit the driver that way.”

While fun to hit the driver that way, Woods may opt not to make this a permanent switch. Although Woods historically sticks with equipment once he has switched, this change of ball appears to be British Open-specific. However, going back and forth between the two balls may not be out of the question. “I tried about eight years ago to get him to play two types of golf ball depending on conditions but couldn’t,” said Ishii. “This ball is eight points softer compression which reduces spin while the 336-dimple pattern gives him a slightly higher launch. Now he is more willing to take advantage of the technology if he sees a true benefit.”

Stay tuned.

-- E. Michael Johnson

Photo by AP