"What's happened, Doug, is the golf ball is going farther."

I thought this was a good question from Doug Ferguson after Saturday's third round at Riviera, but because Phil Mickelson was anxious to get on Mickelson Airship 1, he poo-pooed the question a bit.

Still, at least he says it's the ball...

Q. Curious on 10, if conditions notwithstanding, it seems like 3-wood is the choice for most of the power hitters. When did that become the case? Has it ever been driver, and have you noticed over the years driver no longer being a choice?

PHIL MICKELSON: What's happened, Doug, is the golf ball is going farther. So when we used to hit drivers, we now are hitting 3-woods. (Laughter).

Comments

[Steven T.]

Yes, the LFGB goes to far! Amen brother. Par fours being driven with three woods, where's the proof distance is ruining the professional level? Earth to the blind senseless blue hairs, pull yer head out of yer ass, buy some prescription glasses, get a F-ing clue!

Geoff, if the USGA held their US Open at Riv they would turn the tenth into a par three, hahaha! I know, I know, par is irrelevant, but can't the same argument be made about the USGA?

[Lynn S.]

Lefty also hit 3 wood-3 iron on 11, what used to be a long par 5. Thursday Lefty hit a 3 wood on #3. I had never seen anyone ever hit anything but driver. I have seen many 3 woods on #10 this year, I don't remember anyone hitting them before, but I haven't been keeping a close watch. Also Geoff check out the stats, did I see Michelson's driving stats on Thursday at 238? And on Friday at 320 something?

[bogey boy]

Michelson -"Well Doug, in case you haven't been paying attention for the past decade, yes the ball is going farther. Notice how us long bombers no longer have to worry about those 'short but straight' guys like Corey anymore. We can be just as long and straight with our 3 irons as they were with their drivers. Doug, I'll let you in on a dirty little secret, as long as we 'complain' about how much longer the equipment goes, the less apt anybody is going to do anything about it - which is just fine by me (us)."