Shifting trends on the PGA tour.

[jgreen85]

I was only a kid during the 1997 Masters, but I do remember all of the announcers constantly talking about his length. They never talked about the Ernie's length or anyone else that week. I know they didn't talk about Ernie's length during the '97 US Open either.

Here's an article discussing the '97 Masters. Towards the end, you'll see Tiger's driving distance of 323 yards. Now, it doesn't say if that is average or not.

http://espn.go.com/golf/blog/_/name/masters_moments/id/6283330/tiger-eye-opening-victory

[Edgk]

I don't buy the list at all. Schwartzel, Kaymer, Casey and Westwood are not considered average length. They are all above average in every sense. Driving stats are very tricky. Ricky Fowler averages 298 yds off of the tee but if you call up the stats for an individual tournament, interesting things happen. Earlier in the year I looked in at a tourney and Fowler was like 5th in average distance driving. He was right around 305. When you went on the chart for the individual longest drive his best drive was about 310 yds good for about 30th furthest drive of the week. About twenty guys had hit one 330 yds when they needed to but Fowler can't dial that up. Full year Tour driving average is not a total of every drive hit. 2 holes are picked at random and players drives are measured on those holes and that is what becomes the driving average.

[Edgk]

2 holes each week that should read.

[newtogolf]

Here is how the PGA states the driving distance average is calculated: "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. (101)"

It's not stated here, but I don't believe Par 3's are ever used in the calculation.  The numbers don't reflect the choice of club, so if someone plays it safe with a 3w or 2i from the tee that is being used calculate driving distance those numbers will skew the overall average.  The fact they use only two drives per round that are equally weighted means that the averages are may also indicate aggressiveness on the tee.   Golfers who tend to be more aggressive on a course and use driver more often will likely average higher than conservative golfers that put their 3w or 2i into play frequently  to avoid trouble.

Originally Posted by Edgk

Full year Tour driving average is not a total of every drive hit. 2 holes are picked at random and players drives are measured on those holes and that is what becomes the driving average.

[sean_miller]

http://www.pgatour.com/r/stats/info/?317

I prefer this stat.

"The average number of yards per drive for all drives where the distance was measured by a laser. (317) "

[uttexas]

I like that stat also--Only three guys on tour over 300yds and 13 pros averaging over 290yds. Puts things in a better perspective.