Watson wants controls on golf balls

Tom Watson, winner of the Open five times, believes the time has come to reduce the distance golf balls fly - for everybody and not just the top names in the sport.

"I think they ought to bring the ball back 5%," said Watson, referring to the sport's two governing bodies, the Royal and Ancient and United States Golf Association.

"I don't think they can do much with clubs but they can with the ball and they need to because courses are simply outdated. I've suggested to the USGA and R&A that they have a dialogue with the manufacturing community and come to a conclusion about whether it's good for the game."

Possible legal action has always been seen as a potential stumbling block in the debate over technological advances but Watson added: "I'd like to see the manufacturers being asked to give a no-suit pledge."

One idea has been a ball specifically for professional play but Watson's view is that if change is made it should be made for everybody.

Even at 53 he is hitting the ball further now than he did in his prime and average driving distance has gone up over 20 yards on the US Tour in the seven years that Tiger Woods has been a member.

So-called "hot" drivers have been a subject of debate as well and testing is to be introduced so that illegal clubs can be identified.

Davis Love is in favour of that but does not believe that anybody at the top of the game is trying to cheat as things stand.

"I don't think there's anybody saying, 'Boy, I hope they don't catch me'," said the Ryder Cup player.

"I think some players are playing with drivers and wedges that are illegal but I don't think they know they are doing it."

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