Big hitters gain ground as Tiger slips

Tiger Woods says his best is yet to come,he is ready to snap an 18-month win drought this week at the Masters and he still expects to break the career record of 18 Majors won by Jack Nickalus.

But the 35-year-old winner of 14 Majors suddenly finds himself in the position he put so many other golfers when his jaw-dropping long drives started producing major titles at the 1997 Masters 8211; behind golfs evolutionary curve. Im hitting it just as far. Thats the thing. Its no problem for me hitting over 300 yards, Woods said. But there are guys who flight it 320 yards.

Big hitters have an advantage this week at an Augusta National layout lengthened greatly since Woods won in record fashion in 1997. It does help on the par 5s. It can be done without it but it just puts more stress on your wedge game, Woods said. Im certainly not one of the longest hitters,theres no doubt,but I can still move it out there. Im not one of the shortest yet.

I have another gear in there where I can add 15,20. Its still there. But some of these longer guys,they are at 15,20,and then they have another gear. The sport has changed.