Why is distance so important for you?

[aliikane]

Distance is only better if it is in play. If you have 2 of the same exact player with same accuracy, short game, putting, etc. Just a 2 clones where one's swing was 10 mph greater. So, around 25 yards further off tee and 2 clubs less on same shot, I'm sure the scoring average would be better. Over time if the shorter distance you are to the hole the easier it is to get closer to the pin. Obviously, there are some exceptions like tougher shots, blocked by tree, poor lie, short sided green, etc. Accuracy is more important than distance but there is a point of diminishing return if you are too short.

[nikos74]

[quote name='HappyGolf' timestamp='1298229378' post='2995103']
[quote name='nikos74' timestamp='1298229154' post='2995091']
[quote name='HappyGolf' timestamp='1298228442' post='2995064']
[quote name='nikos74' timestamp='1298226549' post='2995004']
I used to have this fear all the time till my long game improved to the point where I think........Ok the hole is a dogleg right 435 yard par 4 so that means I am going to hit a 3 wood off the tee and get 250-260 yards to the center of the fairway(or slightly left to get a better angle to the green) then hit a 5 iron for the remainder 180. Therefore I don't have the urge "to bomb" my driver for more distance and my swing is normally less tense, which means better results.
[/quote]

I'd hit a high cut and leave myself a simple 100yrd wedge to 4ft and tap in the birdie - simples!

Perhaps you should learn to shape it?
[/quote]

There is more than one way to skin a cat but why bother shaping shots when you can simply adjust the yardage and play them straight?

Mind you I am not that good in shaping shots so I prefer drawing imaginary lines down the fairway.
[/quote]

Eh?.... If you're straight then buy a driver that hits it MILES!


[/quote]

Oh I can bend it if I have to, its just that I cannot relly on that strategy for consistent results. Bending the ball is an imperfect science so while I understand the theory, I have not practiced them enough to get the proper feel for the amount of draw or fade required for each shot.

[avrag]

[quote name='nikos74' timestamp='1298226549' post='2995004']
[quote name='avrag' timestamp='1298212754' post='2994502']
.......because golf is no fun, when you have to hit 20° hybrid shots into four par 4s per round and 3wood into another one.
I don't even play extremely long golf courses, but a 400 meter (440 yds) par 4 used to be a real challenge until last year, when I gained about 10 yards with my driver. That's not that much, but it makes a huge difference for the second shots into longer par 4s.
[/quote]

And that is the problem with many players. They FEAR hitting a long club into the green because they think it will go into the bunker or worst into the trees. When you start hitting 3,4,5 irons with consistent results then that fear factor goes away and you can hold a large sized green even with a 3 wood.

I used to have this fear all the time till my long game improved to the point where I think........Ok the hole is a dogleg right 435 yard par 4 so that means I am going to hit a 3 wood off the tee and get 250-260 yards to the center of the fairway(or slightly left to get a better angle to the green) then hit a 5 iron for the remainder 180. Therefore I don't have the urge "to bomb" my driver for more distance and my swing is normally less tense, which means better results.

The fact that lots of people are dropping their long irons for hybrid clubs highlights this fear factor very well. I am not trying to be disrespectful or anything, its just that when you hit long irons your swing flaws become more apparent thus the ball-spread factor is vastly increased.
[/quote]

But the problem is whether you have enough length to play "normal" courses to begin with. Here in Europe we do not have as many sets of tees as you have in the US. There are men's tees, ladies' tees (sometimes ladies' championship tees) and championship tees, period. Men's tees usually mean 6.600 yards, which also means about four par 4s of 400 meters or more. If you cannot hit driver longer than 230 meters, you are toast on those holes. And remember, length does not only mean tee shots. Somebody who hits his drives 220 yards max will not hit a 5iron from 180 yards out, but probably a 5wood. And if you regularily play four par 4s per round, where you do not have chance to reach the green in two, you don't get the feeling that you are really playing golf. It is not so much fear, but the experience of percentages. Look at the distance from the pin stats of the best players in the world with different clubs, and you can see how significant the difference between a 20° club and a 6iron is.
Personally, I use long irons, sometimes even an old Ping Zing 2iron, and I also do not have the urge to "bomb" driver off every tee. On short par 4s, I just try to leave myself a 110 meter shot to the pin, which used to be a full 9iron, now it is a full PW. That could mean 3wood, 20° hybrid or even 4iron off the tee, depending on the length of the hole.
My goal has always been to be about as long as the short hitters on tour. Ever since I reached that (or almost), I get the feeling that I am really playing golf. Before, not so much.
Therefore, length does matter.

[bignose]

[quote name='nikos74' timestamp='1298145440' post='2992792']
AS THOUGH if you have a 90 yard second shot versus a 150 yard second shot....somewhere and somehow it will make a difference. Guess what, many times it won't!
[/quote]

So, you are saying that statistically, it will take an equal number of strokes for the entire golfing population to get down from 150 yards as it does for 90? Because I'll call shenanigans on that immediately.

Being closer does help. Your little story there of "long-hittin' Tiger" getting down in par and you scoring a birdie doesn't mean anything. It is a single anecdote. What you want is to see if it was played a few hundred times, who would get down in fewer strokes -- the person 60 yards closer to the hole or the person farther away.

My money is on the person closer. Unless the person closer is significantly less skilled, the person farther away is going to be more inaccurate.

[nikos74]

[quote name='bignose' timestamp='1298247786' post='2995992']
[quote name='nikos74' timestamp='1298145440' post='2992792']
AS THOUGH if you have a 90 yard second shot versus a 150 yard second shot....somewhere and somehow it will make a difference. Guess what, many times it won't!
[/quote]

So, you are saying that statistically, it will take an equal number of strokes for the entire golfing population to get down from 150 yards as it does for 90? Because I'll call shenanigans on that immediately.

Being closer does help. Your little story there of "long-hittin' Tiger" getting down in par and you scoring a birdie doesn't mean anything. It is a single anecdote. What you want is to see if it was played a few hundred times, who would get down in fewer strokes -- the person 60 yards closer to the hole or the person farther away.

My money is on the person closer. Unless the person closer is significantly less skilled, the person farther away is going to be more inaccurate.
[/quote]

My example was exaggerated on purpose to make the following points: A )1 inch putt equals one stroke just like a 260 yard drive equals one stroke; too often people forget this! B)You can be one of the best drivers of the ball in the world but unless you have a good short game to complement your long game IT DOES NOT MEAN s***! C)Distance is over-rated while accuracy is under-rated. D)Going for extra distance ALWAYS involves added risk which may not be necessary

Thats why I started this thread, to HIGHLIGHT these four points. I don't care if people agree or disagree with my opinions because everyone has their own style and what works for me may not work for someone else and vice-versa. Besides I was referring almost exclusively to amateurs despite the fact I used john daly and tiger woods as examples. The reason I used them was because everybody knows them!

And my fifth point, since most people on golfwrx.com are apparently low handicappers, is statistics are mostly for casinos.

[hbgpagolfpro]

[quote name='nikos74' timestamp='1298258193' post='2996569']
[quote name='bignose' timestamp='1298247786' post='2995992']
[quote name='nikos74' timestamp='1298145440' post='2992792']
AS THOUGH if you have a 90 yard second shot versus a 150 yard second shot....somewhere and somehow it will make a difference. Guess what, many times it won't!
[/quote]

So, you are saying that statistically, it will take an equal number of strokes for the entire golfing population to get down from 150 yards as it does for 90? Because I'll call shenanigans on that immediately.

Being closer does help. Your little story there of "long-hittin' Tiger" getting down in par and you scoring a birdie doesn't mean anything. It is a single anecdote. What you want is to see if it was played a few hundred times, who would get down in fewer strokes -- the person 60 yards closer to the hole or the person farther away.

My money is on the person closer. Unless the person closer is significantly less skilled, the person farther away is going to be more inaccurate.
[/quote]

My example was exaggerated on purpose to make the following points: A )1 inch putt equals one stroke just like a 260 yard drive equals one stroke; too often people forget this! B)You can be one of the best drivers of the ball in the world but unless you have a good short game to complement your long game IT DOES NOT MEAN s***! C)Distance is over-rated while accuracy is under-rated. D)Going for extra distance ALWAYS involves added risk which may not be necessary

Thats why I started this thread, to HIGHLIGHT these four points. I don't care if people agree or disagree with my opinions because everyone has their own style and what works for me may not work for someone else and vice-versa. Besides I was referring almost exclusively to amateurs despite the fact I used john daly and tiger woods as examples. The reason I used them was because everybody knows them!

And my fifth point, since most people on golfwrx.com are apparently low handicappers, is statistics are mostly for casinos.
[/quote]

You are absolutely correct. However, the longer you hit it the more POTENTIAL you have to be successful. That is why Tiger was so dominant early in his career, just like Jack was so dominant. They played a different game because they hit the ball so much further, and yet they were able to putt with the best as well.

Ultimately, you drive for show and putt for dough. If you can do both, the world is your oyster.

[Sean2]

Just my opinion but I think distance is of premium importance to many golfers because they play from the wrong tee boxes.

[MonteScheinblum]

[quote name='hbgpagolfpro' timestamp='1298259757' post='2996650']
[quote name='nikos74' timestamp='1298258193' post='2996569']
[quote name='bignose' timestamp='1298247786' post='2995992']
[quote name='nikos74' timestamp='1298145440' post='2992792']
AS THOUGH if you have a 90 yard second shot versus a 150 yard second shot....somewhere and somehow it will make a difference. Guess what, many times it won't!
[/quote]

So, you are saying that statistically, it will take an equal number of strokes for the entire golfing population to get down from 150 yards as it does for 90? Because I'll call shenanigans on that immediately.

Being closer does help. Your little story there of "long-hittin' Tiger" getting down in par and you scoring a birdie doesn't mean anything. It is a single anecdote. What you want is to see if it was played a few hundred times, who would get down in fewer strokes -- the person 60 yards closer to the hole or the person farther away.

My money is on the person closer. Unless the person closer is significantly less skilled, the person farther away is going to be more inaccurate.
[/quote]

My example was exaggerated on purpose to make the following points: A )1 inch putt equals one stroke just like a 260 yard drive equals one stroke; too often people forget this! B)You can be one of the best drivers of the ball in the world but unless you have a good short game to complement your long game IT DOES NOT MEAN s***! C)Distance is over-rated while accuracy is under-rated. D)Going for extra distance ALWAYS involves added risk which may not be necessary

Thats why I started this thread, to HIGHLIGHT these four points. I don't care if people agree or disagree with my opinions because everyone has their own style and what works for me may not work for someone else and vice-versa. Besides I was referring almost exclusively to amateurs despite the fact I used john daly and tiger woods as examples. The reason I used them was because everybody knows them!

And my fifth point, since most people on golfwrx.com are apparently low handicappers, is statistics are mostly for casinos.
[/quote]

You are absolutely correct. However, the longer you hit it the more POTENTIAL you have to be successful. That is why Tiger was so dominant early in his career, just like Jack was so dominant. They played a different game because they hit the ball so much further, and yet they were able to putt with the best as well.

Ultimately, you drive for show and putt for dough. If you can do both, the world is your oyster.
[/quote]

While I agree with your point in general, Tiger was never the longest on the Tour.

[hbgpagolfpro]

[quote name='MonteScheinblum' timestamp='1298261641' post='2996739']
[quote name='hbgpagolfpro' timestamp='1298259757' post='2996650']
[quote name='nikos74' timestamp='1298258193' post='2996569']
[quote name='bignose' timestamp='1298247786' post='2995992']
[quote name='nikos74' timestamp='1298145440' post='2992792']
AS THOUGH if you have a 90 yard second shot versus a 150 yard second shot....somewhere and somehow it will make a difference. Guess what, many times it won't!
[/quote]

So, you are saying that statistically, it will take an equal number of strokes for the entire golfing population to get down from 150 yards as it does for 90? Because I'll call shenanigans on that immediately.

Being closer does help. Your little story there of "long-hittin' Tiger" getting down in par and you scoring a birdie doesn't mean anything. It is a single anecdote. What you want is to see if it was played a few hundred times, who would get down in fewer strokes -- the person 60 yards closer to the hole or the person farther away.

My money is on the person closer. Unless the person closer is significantly less skilled, the person farther away is going to be more inaccurate.
[/quote]

My example was exaggerated on purpose to make the following points: A )1 inch putt equals one stroke just like a 260 yard drive equals one stroke; too often people forget this! B)You can be one of the best drivers of the ball in the world but unless you have a good short game to complement your long game IT DOES NOT MEAN s***! C)Distance is over-rated while accuracy is under-rated. D)Going for extra distance ALWAYS involves added risk which may not be necessary

Thats why I started this thread, to HIGHLIGHT these four points. I don't care if people agree or disagree with my opinions because everyone has their own style and what works for me may not work for someone else and vice-versa. Besides I was referring almost exclusively to amateurs despite the fact I used john daly and tiger woods as examples. The reason I used them was because everybody knows them!

And my fifth point, since most people on golfwrx.com are apparently low handicappers, is statistics are mostly for casinos.
[/quote]

You are absolutely correct. However, the longer you hit it the more POTENTIAL you have to be successful. That is why Tiger was so dominant early in his career, just like Jack was so dominant. They played a different game because they hit the ball so much further, and yet they were able to putt with the best as well.

Ultimately, you drive for show and putt for dough. If you can do both, the world is your oyster.
[/quote]

While I agree with your point in general, Tiger was never the longest on the Tour.
[/quote]

Who was longer than Tiger on tour back in 1997? I mean, really longer, not statistically. Hank Kuehne is the only one I can think of, but I can't think of anyone else hitting a wedge into 15 at Augusta like Tiger did that year. When Tiger wanted to unload, few were in that league. And, it's because of Tiger that Augusta now stretches to what, 7,600 yards now? Remember the term "Tiger Proof" when it was applied to the changes there?

[Tee2Green85]

I play golf 4-5 times a week, and usually 2 of the times i take out my driver and 2 hybrid so i can play just my irons. My home course is pretty short with a lot of 400-440 dog legged par 4s that can be cut to a drive and a putt. I find myself a lot of the time hitting a drive chip, drive chip, and im missing out on all the other clubs in my bag. Its kinda funny though, when im irons only i can throw so pretty good scores down, anyway im kind of neutral on this topic. If your a good golfer that can control distance with all his clubs dont be affraid to squeeze your a$$ together on a open course(have a lil fun) and when the fairways get more narrow, play it as it was intended(golf managment)

[JP101]

I think its important because longer players always have a shorter club in their hand. However, if a shorter player can hit a 7 iron closer than a longer player can hit a wedge, distance doesn't matter. Both long and short hitters have great success because golf is about getting the ball in the hole in the fewest amount of strokes. Whether you hit it 300 yards or 250 yards.

[max power]

[quote name='nikos74' timestamp='1298258193' post='2996569']
My example was exaggerated on purpose to make the following points: A )1 inch putt equals one stroke just like a 260 yard drive equals one stroke; too often people forget this! B)You can be one of the best drivers of the ball in the world but unless you have a good short game to complement your long game IT DOES NOT MEAN s***! C)Distance is over-rated while accuracy is under-rated. D)Going for extra distance ALWAYS involves added risk which may not be necessary

Thats why I started this thread, to HIGHLIGHT these four points. I don't care if people agree or disagree with my opinions because everyone has their own style and what works for me may not work for someone else and vice-versa. Besides I was referring almost exclusively to amateurs despite the fact I used john daly and tiger woods as examples. The reason I used them was because everybody knows them!

And my fifth point, since most people on golfwrx.com are apparently low handicappers, is statistics are mostly for casinos.
[/quote]

A) I don't think anyone has argued or fails to understand that 1 stroke=1 stroke.
B) I have never seen someone with a great long game who has an absolute crap short game. Some are better than others, and of course short game is key to taking off those oh so important 2-5 strokes that take a golfer to the next level. But the most important skill in golfing is ballstriking-and a good ballstriker will be decent at the other facets of the game. Same can't be said for a guy who can chip and putt reasonably well, but can't strike the ball consistently with any accuracy or power.
C) Distance might be overrated in marketing, but any decent golfer understands the need to pair distance with accuracy.
D) Completely false statement.
5) There's no arguing with the stats.

[PaddyK]

[quote name='max power' timestamp='1298264389' post='2996860']
[quote name='nikos74' timestamp='1298258193' post='2996569']
My example was exaggerated on purpose to make the following points: A )1 inch putt equals one stroke just like a 260 yard drive equals one stroke; too often people forget this! B)You can be one of the best drivers of the ball in the world but unless you have a good short game to complement your long game IT DOES NOT MEAN s***! C)Distance is over-rated while accuracy is under-rated. D)Going for extra distance ALWAYS involves added risk which may not be necessary

Thats why I started this thread, to HIGHLIGHT these four points. I don't care if people agree or disagree with my opinions because everyone has their own style and what works for me may not work for someone else and vice-versa. Besides I was referring almost exclusively to amateurs despite the fact I used john daly and tiger woods as examples. The reason I used them was because everybody knows them!

And my fifth point, since most people on golfwrx.com are apparently low handicappers, is statistics are mostly for casinos.
[/quote]

A) I don't think anyone has argued or fails to understand that 1 stroke=1 stroke.
B) I have never seen someone with a great long game who has an absolute crap short game. Some are better than others, and of course short game is key to taking off those oh so important 2-5 strokes that take a golfer to the next level. But the most important skill in golfing is ballstriking-and a good ballstriker will be decent at the other facets of the game. Same can't be said for a guy who can chip and putt reasonably well, but can't strike the ball consistently with any accuracy or power.
C) Distance might be overrated in marketing, but any decent golfer understands the need to pair distance with accuracy.
D) Completely false statement.
5) There's no arguing with the stats.
[/quote]

If you have a good swing, then you will hit the ball far enough.

The OP is right to say that too much emphasis is placed on distance, Me and a playing partner regularly play the course with just 3 clubs each. I usually use a 6 iron, PW and putter. The scores I post or not really any worse than when I have my full set.

There are seniors at my club who can shoot their age, despite not being able to get the ball much past 180yds off the tee. And this is playing off the whites!


If distance was so key, Bubba Watson would be world number 1.

Don't get me wrong, I love nothing more than to see a well struck drive fly down the fairway, but I would rather be 140 out and on the short grass than 100 out and in the rough.

PK

[fats]

[quote name='Chicago Lefty' timestamp='1298149611' post='2992932']
My ego tells me that I have to be the longest in my group.
[/quote]

I agree CL

[dchoi87]

because being the last to hit your second shot almost makes up for being the last one to hit your tee shot

[fats]

[quote name='dchoi87' timestamp='1298326501' post='2998319']
because being the last to hit your second shot almost makes up for being the last one to hit your tee shot
[/quote]


ROFL...Great one...LOL

[DaveLeeNC]

[quote name='PaddyK' timestamp='1298292482' post='2997154']

SNIP

If distance was so key, Bubba Watson would be world number 1.

SNIP
PK
[/quote]

NOBODY in the history of the world (that I am aware of) has ever said that distance is all that matters. Not even on internet golf forums.

dave

[nikos74]

[quote name='Sean2' timestamp='1298261099' post='2996719']
Just my opinion but I think distance is of premium importance to many golfers because they play from the wrong tee boxes.
[/quote]

So if my swing speed is about 75mph that means I should play from the ladies tee box?

BTW I use "the gay" medium flex shafts so I can remain "a swinger" rather than "a hitter".

[nikos74]

[quote name='max power' timestamp='1298264389' post='2996860']
[quote name='nikos74' timestamp='1298258193' post='2996569']
My example was exaggerated on purpose to make the following points: A )1 inch putt equals one stroke just like a 260 yard drive equals one stroke; too often people forget this! B)You can be one of the best drivers of the ball in the world but unless you have a good short game to complement your long game IT DOES NOT MEAN s***! C)Distance is over-rated while accuracy is under-rated. D)Going for extra distance ALWAYS involves added risk which may not be necessary

Thats why I started this thread, to HIGHLIGHT these four points. I don't care if people agree or disagree with my opinions because everyone has their own style and what works for me may not work for someone else and vice-versa. Besides I was referring almost exclusively to amateurs despite the fact I used john daly and tiger woods as examples. The reason I used them was because everybody knows them!

And my fifth point, since most people on golfwrx.com are apparently low handicappers, is statistics are mostly for casinos.
[/quote]

A) I don't think anyone has argued or fails to understand that 1 stroke=1 stroke.
B) I have never seen someone with a great long game who has an absolute crap short game. Some are better than others, and of course short game is key to taking off those oh so important 2-5 strokes that take a golfer to the next level. But the most important skill in golfing is ballstriking-and a good ballstriker will be decent at the other facets of the game. Same can't be said for a guy who can chip and putt reasonably well, but can't strike the ball consistently with any accuracy or power.
C) Distance might be overrated in marketing, but any decent golfer understands the need to pair distance with accuracy.
D) Completely false statement.
5) There's no arguing with the stats.
[/quote]

Why is d) a completly false statement? To get extra-distance there are only two ways to achieve that

a)higher swing speed
b)increasing the swing arc length; in other words over-swinging the club which means its harder to time your release which increases the possibility of a mishit!

Also changing your swing speed often is not recommended because it throws off your rhythm.

So all-in-all its best to keep the same swing for normal shots and use each club for its intended distance!

[Snufles]

Even on medium to long par threes long hitters have an advantage with the clubs and shots they can play.

Assuming both are playing at the same level.

[morganmonroe]

Distance isn't that important. Length is, though.