Average driving distance question

[Soup Fan]

Do you only count average driving distance when you hit the fairway, or should drives that wind up in the rough be factored in as well?

[Slim 11]

When they average a tour player's driving distance, they only count fairways. I do the same. If I am just off the fairway (within a few feet), I might count it for stat purposes.

[NorCalGolfer]

it would be too hard to tell how far your ball really went when it's in the sh*ts bouncing off trees. which is exactly why i don't calculate my driving distance.

[rebby]

I would say that depends on what you're going for.

Personally I think that it matters more what type of approch shot you have than how far you hit the ball. This can vary from person to person and course to course as well. I've played courses before where the rough doesn't really punish you at all but the holes are pretty long (as in 470yd par 4's). In that case, getting "out there" is a pretty big benefit and being a few yards into the rough might not matter. The opposite can apply as well.

You also have to look at your game and determine what really matters, to you. I know quite a few people who'd rather be 160yds out in the rough than 170yds out in the fairway. Why? Basically because their chance of hitting the green, even from the rough, from 160yds is about double that than it would be at 170yds.

I used to work pretty hard to make sure that I was always one of the longest off the tee, even if that meant slipping into the rough a few yards. It was an ego thing. Once I learned to check my ego and work on long, accurate shots (with an emphisis on accurate), I started to hit more fairways. Once on the fairway I could play the type of shot that I wanted to depending on the conditions, hole location, etc. Which resulted in hitting more greens and yeilded shorter puts as well. In the end, I found that my handicap dropped quickly. All because I quit worrying about how far I hit the ball and worried more about putting the ball in the right place.

So... Probably not the kind of answer that you we're looking for but I hope that it was somewhat useful anyway.

[Q.Q.Quillume]

When they average a tour player's driving distance, they only count fairways. I do the same...

Not true.

According to http://www.pgatour.com/r/stats/info/xm.html?101 "The average number of yards per measured drive. These drives are measured on two holes per round. Care is taken to select two holes which face in opposite directions to counteract the effect of wind. Drives are measured to the point at which they come to rest regardless of whether they are in the fairway or not."

[mruseless]

You also have to look at your game and determine what really matters, to you. I know quite a few people who'd rather be 160yds out in the rough than 170yds out in the fairway. Why? Basically because their chance of hitting the green, even from the rough, from 160yds is about double that than it would be at 170yds.

Also because at most courses, the rough isn't that long, and often the ball is sitting up making it even easier to hit than from a tight fairway lie (for mid and high handicappers)

[Soup Fan]

Well the reason is ask is because of two situations I encountered this afternoon.

1) My first tee shot went Oscar Bravo. My second ball off the tee, however, was on the fairway but it was by and far the best drive I have ever hit - EVER - going 265, which is about 10-15 yards longer than I have hit it this season. I am counting it as a miss left, but I would like to be able to apply my best tee shot ever into my stats if it is legit.

2) My first ball off the tee was in the rough just off the fairway (about a club length, not out in the boonies or anything) and never interacted with any trees or cart paths...it was just a real nice drive that just missed the fairway.

I just want to know what I can/can't/should/shouldn't count.

[JonnyGolf]

Well the reason is ask is because of two situations I encountered this afternoon.

I'm not sure your second shot off the first tee would count as your "tee shot" as it was technically your 3rd shot.

A shot that missed the fairway should still be counted as part of your total driving distance. Golf Digest had a good article on tracking the success of your driving game by using a score of 0 - 4 with 0 being best. I think the only thing they should have included is that a drive that is in the middle of the fairway, but not long enough to enable your second shot to reach the green should be counted as a poor shot.

[JimmyDoesGolf]

If the only person using these stats is you, then why does it matter what is or isn't proper. As long as its giving you information that is helpful to you then in my opinion it doesn't matter what criteria you use, as long as it is consistent.

[dtown]

You are absolutely 100% right. Slow it down and hit it where you want.