Jack Nicklaus: USGA 'can't keep burying their heads' on long drives

The Memorial Tournament is underway, much to the delight of golf fans. And while there is plenty to be excited about, including the return of Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus could not help but voice his concern about the number of long drives that took place during the first round.

"The USGA has got to wake up sooner or later, the R&A," Nicklaus said Thursday on the Golf Channel’s broadcast of the Memorial. "They can’t keep burying their heads to this. They see it, they watch television, they see where these guys hit the golf ball. It isn’t about how far they hit it. You just can’t keep making golf courses longer. You just don’t have enough land. You don’t have enough money to do it."

Nicklaus believes that the USGA and R&A need to change the golf ball in order to reduce long drives and research backs up his claim, as numbers have shown that driving distance has become a problem. The Distance Insights Report, which was released by the USGA and R&A, explained that long-distance driving is hurting the game. However, no solutions were offered for fixing the problem. Nicklaus believes there is a fairly simple solution.

"And the golf ball is a very, very simple thing to fix. And I’ve been preaching about it, good gracious, I’ve been preaching about it now – 43 years I first went to the USGA. I mean, that’s a long time to be saying, 'Well, we’re studying it.’ Guys, stop studying. Do something, will you please?"

On Thursday alone, there were seven drives over 320 yards, with two going more than 400 yards. While watching a drive blast hundreds of yards is a fun experience, many agree with Nicklaus that it is ultimately hurting the game. But until there is a consenus, it doesn't look like the trend will go away any time soon.