Campbell dismayed by power obsession

Old pros like Nick Faldo would have been less successful in the modern game because of the increasing emphasis on power rather than finesse, according to reigning US Open champion Michael Campbell, who has added his name to those unhappy about the direction golf is heading.

“I played with Tiger Woods last week and he’s hitting the ball so far it’s frightening. He was 40 to 50 yards past me easily,” said Campbell, now in Akron for the NEC world championship, starting today.

“I think they should put a stop to something because it’s getting ridiculous.

“I asked Nick Faldo about technology two or three years ago and he can’t compete anymore because he hasn’t the power game for it.

“He’s got the finesse and if the courses were 300 yards shorter he’d be a great competitor. But he is 20 yards shorter than me and he’d be 70 yards shorter than Tiger.

“Tiger’s hitting wedge to a par four and Nick’s hitting three-iron. You can’t compete with that.”