The former world number one had previously played with Nike
golf balls, dating back to 2000, but he was forced to look
elsewhere when the world's largest footwear maker decided to
exit the golf club and ball business in August.
Following the departure of Nike, Woods switched to a TaylorMade
driver and fairway metals, reverted to his Scotty Cameron
putter, and he selected the Bridgestone Tour B330-S ball after
testing it in competition at the Hero World Challenge earlier
this month.
"Finding the right golf ball is extremely important," Woods, 40,
said in a statement as his deal with Bridgestone Golf was
formally announced. "It's an essential part of my equipment, and
the Bridgestone B330-S ball is hands-down the best for my game.
"Controlling launch and trajectory is critical, and with this
ball I feel I have total control to hit all shots accurately.
I'm not just here to play -- I'm here to win."
Woods, who continues to work with swing coach Chris Como,
produced mixed form to finish 15th in an elite field of 17 at
the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas but he was encouraged
after posting a tournament-high 24 birdies during the week.
"As of right now, I'm longer than I've ever been," he said of
his performance off the tees with the Bridgestone golf ball.
"I'm about six yards longer.
"Being able to hit one, even half a club, (less) into the green
is a huge advantage. I was shocked at how stable the ball is.
The accuracy and aerodynamics are incredible."
Woods, who made his competitive return in the Bahamas after
being sidelined since August 2015 by chronic back problems,
plans to play a full schedule on the PGA Tour next year.
A 79-times champion on the U.S. circuit, he has not won a
tournament anywhere since 2013 and his title drought in the
major championships dates back to 2008.
(Writing by Mark Lamport-Stokes in St. Augustine, Florida;
Editing by Frank Pingue)
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