What does the long ball mean??

[anotherday]

Not what does it mean to hit a long ball... rather, what does it mean to someone's game to be able to hit the ball far? It seems like people associate distance with skill/potential.

I see golf courses that determine which tee box you should use based on your handicap. But what if you're a long hitter and you can make it to Par 5's in 2 or possibly drive a Par 4?

With regards to staff stiffness.. how is it determined? I have a R9 460 9.5* S-Flex driver that I have been hitting out to 290-300 on good shots (1-3 times a round) and 275-280's on average for the round - throwing in a few horrible shots because I am still a high handicapper. So because I can hit it further does that mean I need a stiffer shaft? I hear all of these people say that they got an extra 10-20 yards by tinkering with this or that... but where does it end? And should this change in staff flex be replicated to all of my clubs?

And finally, as a side thought -- I hate going into Golfsmith or Dick's looking for a new club and telling them I hit it far, then I get on the simulator and chunk away some horrible shots. Plus you get the guy helping you that is two times your size (in my case) that gives you that look like... you don't hit it that far because I don't hit it that far.

As always, thanks in advance for any input.

[senorchipotle]

i guess it depends on with/against whom you're playing if you're considered a "long ball" hitter. i think anybody who has the ability to fly the ball 300+ is a long ball hitter, but that's imho. there are many people who have that ability, but until you have the ability to control it and know when and how to use it, i think it's a detriment instead of a positive. the fact that you know you can hit it really far can and will cause you to get into trouble when others would not, and that can mean 2 or 3 blow up holes per round. those people who say they get an extra 10-20 yards tinkering with this would probably be better served by a more consistent swing than messing with weights, shafts, etc. but some people like to do that, i just like to play good golf.

Quote:

And finally, as a side thought -- I hate going into Golfsmith or Dick's looking for a new club and telling them I hit it far, then I get on the simulator and chunk away some horrible shots

Yeah, that can be embarrassing. in which case, you should look the clerk directly in the eye and tell him "don't judge me," and give him a sly nod.