Tiger Woods says distance issue in golf has been going on for over 20 years
Woods: "They should have been worried a long time ago, but the genie's out of the bag now."
Tiger Woods believes that the ongoing distance debate in golf has been an issue for over 20 years and it should have been addressed "a long time ago".
The R&A and USGA released a Distance Insights Report earlier this year and have since warned that they intend on coming up with ways of slowing down golf's biggest hitters.
Golf equipment seems to be the main focus, with golf's governing bodies likely to adjust how far a golf ball can go in the professional game or slowing down the speed of drivers.
Bryson DeChambeau's recent transformation has been a major talking points over the past few months, with his new size and speed helping him hit drives of up to 400 yards, helping him win his first major championship at the US Open.
After conquering Winged Foot, DeChambeau vowed to continue his quest for even more distance and is likely to be putting a 48-inch driver in his bag for the Masters in November.
RELATED: Bryson DeChambeau to debut 48-INCH driver at the Masters
This week, Woods returns to the PGA Tour to defend the ZOZO Championship, although this year the tournament will be taking place in California instead of Japan due to travel restrictions surrounding the coronavirus.
Speaking to the media at Sherwood Country Club ahead of this week's event, Woods was asked for his take on the driving debate and the 15-time major champion revealed he thinks it's a problem that should have been addressed years ago.
"They should have been worried a long time ago, but the genie's out of the bag now," said Woods.
"It's about what do we do going forward and how soon can they do it, but I don't know if you're going to stop the guys who are there right now. Guys are figuring out how to carry the ball 320-plus yards, and it's not just a few of them.
"There are a lot of guys can do it, and that's where the game's going. There's only going to be a small amount of property that we can do, where we can alter golf courses.
"I just don't see how they can roll everything back. I would like to be able to see that, as far as our game, but then we go back down the road of what do you bifurcate, at what level?
"So that's a long discussion we've had for a number of years, for 20-plus years now, and I think it's only going to continue.
"Distance has always been an advantage. Now that we have the tools, that being the launch monitor, the fitting of the golf clubs, the adjustability. I think all that plays into the fact that you're able to maximize the capabilities of a driver.
"There's no reason why you can't pick up more yardage and guys have done that. They've changed shafts, they've changed lofts, they've changed weights on their heads and length of clubs.
"Driving is such a huge part of the game and it's so advantageous if you're able to get the ball out there. It just makes the game so much easier."
