Average Distances - How Far Do You Hit Each Club? (And Don't Lie!)

[SteveH]

After playing a bit more, I think my ball flight is a lot higher now that I don't have so much forward lean.  Likely that has resulted in less distance ? Accuracy does seem to be improving though.  Played 9 holes from the tips yesterday using only 4 clubs. I was pleasantly surprised that all my shots, except one, stayed in the fairway and ended with a decent score. Used a 5, 9, 60' and putter.  Going to do it more often, with different clubs.  Using my 5 instead of driver was a real eye opener that you don't always need driver.

[jfmario20]

thanks for the incite I'm getting better with my wedges, but I'm still not comfortable and the strange thing is I'm a pretty good putter.

[9wood]

you don't always need driver.

While playing a round yesterday, I watched the guy ahead of me, probably around 40 years old use his driver to tee off on a 138 yd. par 3. He pushed the shot off to left into the opposite fairway. Sometimes just watching other golfers provides enough entertainment all by itself to make it worth the outing.

[rusty35]

Driver 260

3W      240

4Hy     220

4i         205

5i         190

6i         180

7i         170

8i          155

9i         140

pw        130

gw        115 (I hope, it's new)

sw           90

lw         don't know, don't care, I'd rather choke down on a pw

speaking of, I started experimenting with Dave Pelz 4x3 wedge system with some success for shots under 100yds.  I like the idea of focusing on a repeatable swing that goes a known distance.  Especially with the amount of touch I have lost over the years (and limited rounds per year)

[10footer4bird]

D 270 3W. 245 4hy. 215 5hy. 200 6hy. 185 7. 165 8. 150 9. 140 PW. 130 GW. 118 52. 105 56. 95 60. 80

[flopster]

The one thing that this thread does is show how little people know what averages really are. The thread should be renamed "What's your potential with each club"

[MyrtleBeachGolf]

The one thing that this thread does is show how little people know what averages really are. The thread should be renamed "What's your potential with each club"

But, but, but...the sign on the hole says it's a 405 yard par 4. And after my drive I'm sitting at the 100 yard mark from the green. Are you trying to tell me I didnt drive it 305?!!

[M2R]

The one thing that this thread does is show how little people know what averages really are. The thread should be renamed "What's your potential with each club"

Your Distance Reality Check!

[Lihu]

Not sure this argument can ever be resolved.

There are plenty of long hitters out there, plenty of people who doubt it just because they can't do it themselves, and those that can't but claim that they do. . .

[WatchOutLeft]

My most recent averages from GameGolf (numbers in parentheses are short-long)

Driver: 222 (215-274)

3 Wood: 207 (183-277)

3 Iron: 193 (172-210)

4 Iron: 186 (167-191)

5 Iron: 160 (only 3 shots recorded with a range of 159-182)

6 Iron: 156 (130-185)

7 Iron: 150 (only 1 shot recorded)

8 Iron: 136 (112-160)

9 Iron: 138 (only 3 shots recorded 127-148)

PW: 108 (99-137)

SW: 80 (46-104)

Some huge ranges for individual clubs and several clubs that are very close to each other. I could probably get by with half my clubs 3/4, 5/6, 8/9, PW, SW. For SW 80 is about all I have. The 104 was probably hit thin. The course I usually play rarely requires me to use 5, 6, or 7. My 8 average is probably really more like 145. I have fallen in love with that club for whatever reason and use it for anything between 120-150.

If I ever get the money saved up I want to replace my woods, maybe get some hybrids, and possibly get a new driver, although I just got a "new" (to me) driver. Taylormade R580. 8i through SW are pretty solid. Anything above 8i and my mishits really come up short. I've flushed a handful of 3i and 4i shots that went significantly further than what I was going for.

[natureboy]

The one thing that this thread does is show how little people know what averages really are. The thread should be renamed "What's your potential with each club"

Your Distance Reality Check!

Not sure this argument can ever be resolved.

There are plenty of long hitters out there, plenty of people who doubt it just because they can't do it themselves, and those that can't but claim that they do. . .

Here's a table that shows relationship between 'good drives' & average drive distance. The 75% measure is that one out 4 drives goes farther than that distance.

Avg Score	65	70	75	80	85	90	95	100	105	110	115
~ HCP (Course Rating 75)	-11.1	-6.5	-1.9	2.7	7.3	11.9	16.5	21.1	25.7	30.3	34.9
~ HCP (Course Rating 72)	-8.6	-4.0	0.6	5.2	9.8	14.4	19.0	23.6	28.2	32.8	37.4
~ HCP (Course Rating 68)	-4.0	0.6	5.2	9.8	14.4	19.0	23.6	28.2	32.8	37.4	42.0
~ USGA Reccd Tees (Yards)	7,542	7,016	6,573	6,232	5,986	5,814	5,687	5,568	5,419	5,200	4,861
75% Drive Distance (Good Drives)	314.1	283.1	260.3	244.3	233.3	225.9	220.6	215.7	209.7	201.1	188.3
Avg Driving Distance	298.8	266.7	242.5	224.6	211.6	202.0	194.5	187.6	179.7	169.5	155.5

[mvmac]

Here's a table that shows relationship between 'good drives' & average drive distance. The 75% measure is that one out 4 drives goes farther than that distance.

Avg Score

65

70

75

80

85

90

95

100

105

110

115

~ HCP (Course Rating 75)

-11.1

-6.5

-1.9

2.7

7.3

11.9

16.5

21.1

25.7

30.3

34.9

~ HCP (Course Rating 72)

-8.6

-4.0

0.6

5.2

9.8

14.4

19.0

23.6

28.2

32.8

37.4

~ HCP (Course Rating 68)

-4.0

0.6

5.2

9.8

14.4

19.0

23.6

28.2

32.8

37.4

42.0

~ USGA Reccd Tees (Yards)

7,542

7,016

6,573

6,232

5,986

5,814

5,687

5,568

5,419

5,200

4,861

75% Drive Distance (Good Drives)

314.1

283.1

260.3

244.3

233.3

225.9

220.6

215.7

209.7

201.1

188.3

Avg Driving Distance

298.8

266.7

242.5

224.6

211.6

202.0

194.5

187.6

179.7

169.5

155.5

@natureboy , where's that from?

[flopster]

Your Distance Reality Check!

That is a hammer on the head of the nail right there, a lot of good data for sure and truth is I believe that golfers should definitely play approaches based off potential since who enjoys hitting an iron pure straight at the flag just to see it sail over the back of the green? Of course this potential should be a swing that is under control and to some degree repeatable. Averages are going to be subjective since lower index players will average better contact therefore more consistent distance and in the end longer averages. I have played alongside younger stronger players who can potentially hit it further but if we where to drop 10 balls on the ground I'm sure my average 7 iron will probably edge him out on distance. I think what we are learning is that higher index players should and probably do play by potential distance and lower index players play more closer to averages.

[9wood]

Winds + moisture on fairway + slopes + ability to hit fairways = driving distance on any given hole

[Lihu]

Quote:

Originally Posted by M2R

Your Distance Reality Check!

That is a hammer on the head of the nail right there, a lot of good data for sure and truth is I believe that golfers should definitely play approaches based off potential since who enjoys hitting an iron pure straight at the flag just to see it sail over the back of the green? Of course this potential should be a swing that is under control and to some degree repeatable. Averages are going to be subjective since lower index players will average better contact therefore more consistent distance and in the end longer averages. I have played alongside younger stronger players who can potentially hit it further but if we where to drop 10 balls on the ground I'm sure my average 7 iron will probably edge him out on distance. I think what we are learning is that higher index players should and probably do play by potential distance and lower index players play more closer to averages.

There's like this inhibitor built into most bogey players that prevents them from trying to shoot for the center of the green, or something. . .

[Jeremie Boop]

Here's a table that shows relationship between 'good drives' & average drive distance. The 75% measure is that one out 4 drives goes farther than that distance.

Avg Score

65

70

75

80

85

90

95

100

105

110

115

~ HCP (Course Rating 75)

-11.1

-6.5

-1.9

2.7

7.3

11.9

16.5

21.1

25.7

30.3

34.9

~ HCP (Course Rating 72)

-8.6

-4.0

0.6

5.2

9.8

14.4

19.0

23.6

28.2

32.8

37.4

~ HCP (Course Rating 68)

-4.0

0.6

5.2

9.8

14.4

19.0

23.6

28.2

32.8

37.4

42.0

~ USGA Reccd Tees (Yards)

7,542

7,016

6,573

6,232

5,986

5,814

5,687

5,568

5,419

5,200

4,861

75% Drive Distance (Good Drives)

314.1

283.1

260.3

244.3

233.3

225.9

220.6

215.7

209.7

201.1

188.3

Avg Driving Distance

298.8

266.7

242.5

224.6

211.6

202.0

194.5

187.6

179.7

169.5

155.5

Interesting, but nowhere near accurate for me. Though I readily admit I used to inaccurately go by course yardage markers to determine how far I typically hit my shots, currently I use Game Golf and have found my "average drive" was shown to be 274 with a high recorded of 309. No doubt or denying that I've had several bad drives *snap hook/hit tree and knocked down*, but if my drive goes less than at minimum 240 then I either hit a supremely bad shot or the weather is horrible.

[Golfingdad]

Here's a table that shows relationship between 'good drives' & average drive distance. The 75% measure is that one out 4 drives goes farther than that distance.

Avg Score

65

70

75

80

85

90

95

100

105

110

115

~ HCP (Course Rating 75)

-11.1

-6.5

-1.9

2.7

7.3

11.9

16.5

21.1

25.7

30.3

34.9

~ HCP (Course Rating 72)

-8.6

-4.0

0.6

5.2

9.8

14.4

19.0

23.6

28.2

32.8

37.4

~ HCP (Course Rating 68)

-4.0

0.6

5.2

9.8

14.4

19.0

23.6

28.2

32.8

37.4

42.0

~ USGA Reccd Tees (Yards)

7,542

7,016

6,573

6,232

5,986

5,814

5,687

5,568

5,419

5,200

4,861

75% Drive Distance (Good Drives)

314.1

283.1

260.3

244.3

233.3

225.9

220.6

215.7

209.7

201.1

188.3

Avg Driving Distance

298.8

266.7

242.5

224.6

211.6

202.0

194.5

187.6

179.7

169.5

155.5

@natureboy, where's that from?

I'm curious too because it makes absolutely no sense.  The "USGA recommended tees," and driving distance rows are trying to indicate that each column is a similar golfer.  Well, that's not even remotely accurate.  You can even see above ... a guy who averages 80 on a 75 rated course has a handicap in the 2's and a guy who averages 80 on a 68 rated course is a 10.

So, the conclusion of the table is that a 2 handicap and a 10 handicap who both average 80 on completely different courses have the same average driving distance and should play from the same tees is, well, ridiculous.

Another conclusion you can make from the table:

If you are struggling with driving distance, then all you have to do is move from a hard course to an easier course and magically your drive average will jump by 10-15 yards.

[Lihu]

Quote:

Originally Posted by natureboy

Here's a table that shows relationship between 'good drives' & average drive distance. The 75% measure is that one out 4 drives goes farther than that distance.

Avg Score

65

70

75

80

85

90

95

100

105

110

115

~ HCP (Course Rating 75)

-11.1

-6.5

-1.9

2.7

7.3

11.9

16.5

21.1

25.7

30.3

34.9

~ HCP (Course Rating 72)

-8.6

-4.0

0.6

5.2

9.8

14.4

19.0

23.6

28.2

32.8

37.4

~ HCP (Course Rating 68)

-4.0

0.6

5.2

9.8

14.4

19.0

23.6

28.2

32.8

37.4

42.0

~ USGA Reccd Tees (Yards)

7,542

7,016

6,573

6,232

5,986

5,814

5,687

5,568

5,419

5,200

4,861

75% Drive Distance (Good Drives)

314.1

283.1

260.3

244.3

233.3

225.9

220.6

215.7

209.7

201.1

188.3

Avg Driving Distance

298.8

266.7

242.5

224.6

211.6

202.0

194.5

187.6

179.7

169.5

155.5

Interesting, but nowhere near accurate for me. Though I readily admit I used to inaccurately go by course yardage markers to determine how far I typically hit my shots, currently I use Game Golf and have found my "average drive" was shown to be 274 with a high recorded of 309. No doubt or denying that I've had several bad drives *snap hook/hit tree and knocked down*, but if my drive goes less than at minimum 240 then I either hit a supremely bad shot or the weather is horrible.

Maybe that's a bare minimum requirement? Let's say if your approach game and short game are as good in proportion to your driving, maybe you could have the potential to break par on good days?