Long drive comps

[PhillipG78]

What kinda distance should one be able to hit a ball to seriously consider going to a regional long drive competition? 350-375,400?

[MattM97]

Definitely think 350 is probably the min distance to be competitive. But I've seen some where conditions are bad and like 325 advances or something much shorter than usual. 

 

 

[CROCN]

What division? Open, Amateur, or Senior?

[greenlight]

If you can’t hit it 350 on your own in neutral conditions, it’s probably not worth it. Don’t go by the results in the competitions…unless you know the conditions. I’ve seen the same grid give up 450 and 330 to the same hitters. 

[supajsn98]

Don't get lost in distance. Conditions effect the ball and total distance too much to see something on YouTube and think you can or cannot be competitive. Take a look at swing speed and ball speed for the division you are eligible for to see how you match up. If anything, sign up for an event and see how you compare in person!

[LHbombs]

On 8/5/2023 at 5:37 PM, supajsn98 said:

Don't get lost in distance. Conditions effect the ball and total distance too much to see something on YouTube and think you can or cannot be competitive. Take a look at swing speed and ball speed for the division you are eligible for to see how you match up. If anything, sign up for an event and see how you compare in person!

Well said. 

[fromearth]

Before you consider it at all, you should see how you do with a max USGA length low lofted driver. The length alone will give you a bit more speed but if you can't get a high smash factor, it won't matter.

 

There have been many top-level competitors who did not have high swing speeds. Dave Mobley and Jeff Crittenden. They both just have high smash factors and hit the ball extremely well. They advance by filling up the grid and being able to put shots into the hot zone on a grid.

As for standard length, I have only known of two that used a 46-inch driver. Maurice Allen. Allen almost qualified for the Olympics as a sprinter and has incredible quickness.

 

I am guessing here but if you can swing a 46-inch driver at 120 you should be able to train up to 135 with a 48-inch driver. Good smash factor with that and you can at least be competitive.
 

[HeadCovered]

200mph ballspeed minimum just to be able to compete. 
Don’t worry about distance, because the grid type, condition, altitude and weather will change everybody’s tactic and results, but your swing to be able to get above 200mpg is an absolute must. 
With that speed then you can adjust your club; the shaft, the head and onto launch, spin etc. 

[ryanhitsballfar]

On 6/21/2023 at 12:22 AM, PhillipG78 said:

What kinda distance should one be able to hit a ball to seriously consider going to a regional long drive competition? 350-375,400?

I would honestly say 320 is ample enough to enter a long drive competition. Here in CT at the WLD portland last year there were guys hitting it 300 - 315 and competing with others at those distances. I would add a few more on to that because nerves can take over and cause some losses. I am looking to compete at Portland next summer, and the farthest I have hit a drive is around 360 yards at around 195 mph ballspeed. If you can hit 315 to 320 at around 75 to 80 percent effort you can get the first balls in and then go for broke with the next ones.

[ryanhitsballfar]

On 10/20/2023 at 6:37 PM, fromearth said:

Before you consider it at all, you should see how you do with a max USGA length low lofted driver. The length alone will give you a bit more speed but if you can't get a high smash factor, it won't matter.

 

There have been many top-level competitors who did not have high swing speeds. Dave Mobley and Jeff Crittenden. They both just have high smash factors and hit the ball extremely well. They advance by filling up the grid and being able to put shots into the hot zone on a grid.

As for standard length, I have only known of two that used a 46-inch driver. Maurice Allen. Allen almost qualified for the Olympics as a sprinter and has incredible quickness.

 

I am guessing here but if you can swing a 46-inch driver at 120 you should be able to train up to 135 with a 48-inch driver. Good smash factor with that and you can at least be competitive.
 

Well said. If you can hit balls in play you can win competitions. Brandon Flynn in todays long drive is a good example, he is around 135 mph club head speed but hits it high and can flight the ball well and always sticks around to the end of tournaments. I believe he uses a shorter shaft alongside a few other guys. If you get a max length low loft driver try to find a medium flex shaft since that is more comparable to what the guys on the LD tour use.

[PhillipG78]

On 6/30/2023 at 12:09 AM, CROCN said:

What division? Open, Amateur, or Senior?

Open I don’t think I’m old enough for senior 

[PhillipG78]

On 10/20/2023 at 3:37 PM, fromearth said:

Before you consider it at all, you should see how you do with a max USGA length low lofted driver. The length alone will give you a bit more speed but if you can't get a high smash factor, it won't matter.

 

There have been many top-level competitors who did not have high swing speeds. Dave Mobley and Jeff Crittenden. They both just have high smash factors and hit the ball extremely well. They advance by filling up the grid and being able to put shots into the hot zone on a grid.

As for standard length, I have only known of two that used a 46-inch driver. Maurice Allen. Allen almost qualified for the Olympics as a sprinter and has incredible quickness.

 

I am guessing here but if you can swing a 46-inch driver at 120 you should be able to train up to 135 with a 48-inch driver. Good smash factor with that and you can at least be competitive.
 

I’m around 125 swing speed I’m still working on smash factor and launch angle. I often have launch angles below 10°. Im back in the gym lifting heavy so I imagine with time I can get BS up to 135 maybe 140. 

[PhillipG78]

What companies sell low lofted drivers, my current gamer is a 10.5° Ping G20, my best drive with it was 350 in Colorado 

[ryanhitsballfar]

On 11/29/2023 at 1:08 AM, PhillipG78 said:

What companies sell low lofted drivers, my current gamer is a 10.5° Ping G20, my best drive with it was 350 in Colorado 

Krank sells long drive heads, or if you want to stick with a major golf company, I would look to a 8 degree head which you can get from most big companies. If you're swinging 120 with a 10.5 degree head you're losing major distance. 

[PhillipG78]

On 2/16/2024 at 8:58 AM, ryanhitsballfar said:

Krank sells long drive heads, or if you want to stick with a major golf company, I would look to a 8 degree head which you can get from most big companies. If you're swinging 120 with a 10.5 degree head you're losing major distance. 

What heads would you recommend