Long Drive contests -- old and new stuff

[RC]

Forgive me for a personal story, but there is a point.

A little over 40 years ago, I won a long drive contest. I'm not talking about the type where a flag is placed in a fairway on a hole, and people write there names down if they pass it (we have all likely been in dozens and dozens of those,) but the type where the drive contest is marked off with a grid and guys are measuring and radioing back each shot -- a formal contest. Length and accuracy are required. It was in the late 1960's and I used a wood-headed driver, 43 inches long, and a swing weight of E0 with a six degree face. The drive went 342 yards. There was little to no wind as I remember.

Today, at the course there was a long drive contest in progress -- the pro talked me into entering by telling me there was a senior division for anyone over 50 years old. It was the same formal set-up, and marked fairway (different city of course.) I used my tour x shafted 45 inch 8.5 degree Titleist 907 D2 and hit Pinnacle balls, which were provided by the host of the contest. First shot, 327 yards, then 334 yards, and then I got excited about a 341 yarder... imagine, within one yard of that old length. One last shot... it was flush and went 351 yards. So, I am now leading the senior division with the finals tomorrow. Not sure if I will attend. I am 65 years old, turning 66 in a few months, contest do not mean as much anymore. Oh, there is this super college golfer that is leading the younger division at 371 yards. I play with him some and he is monster long -- scary long with irons.

I know I am not swinging as well as 40 years ago. I know the truth -- I cannot keep up with the kids. It really is the equipment that makes a huge difference today. Over the years, it seems to me, as I get older, the ball and the equipment has compensated to the point where comparing my old swing speed that was estimated at 132 mph (if I recall correctly) and my current swing (which was measured at 120 mph last year) -- the new stuff now hits a golf ball much further than 40 years ago. That is likely not in question, but now I have my own evidence.

Over 30 years ago in the national long drive finals a good friend I used to play with regularly hit one 344 yards and finished third in the national finals -- he too used a 43 inch wood-head driver, and the old balls. I know this is anecdotal and not proof, but the new equipment surely has changed things a lot. I think this is good for old guys like me, but it does challenge golf course designs of older courses.

[RocketSauce]

holy cow!!! i wish i could hit the ball like you....wow, 342 yards with a persimmon driver is awesome... it sounds like you can still pound the ball for sure. good going man!

[RC]

I should have mentioned there was a little wind help today, not big but helpful. I like a right to left wind with it clocking a little behind you to help -- that is optimal for me. We had that, plus I just checked the weather station and the wind was at 7 mph at the time. We had a very nice green grass fairway grid on the regular range. Also, those Pinnacle balls they use are like rockets. Probably the ball made the most difference but I know the driver helped as well.

[colin007]

wow, thats really impressive, you have quite a bit to be proud of. keep up the good work.