"net" drive?

[Dyna]

I struggle to reach 220 yards on the launch monitor, but on the course I hit it 250

Maybe you should have had them set the monitor for 2-3 fairways over measurements?

[iacas]

I'm feeling pretty good about my driver distance today. I played with two guys who, from the looks of it, should have been bombing it by me all day. I was regularly longer than them. Even my bunt drive on the last hole beat out one of the guys (who didn't bunt).

The dumb thing is the guy hit down ever so slightly with his driver. Launch angle was probably about 9 degrees, spin was probably 3800. He could get another 10 yards if he'd optimize his launch conditions. But then again, maybe he'd have to change his swing to do that.

[jmurdock]

I am the opposite as far as the launch monitor goes. I would say I honestly carry the ball about 265-270. The launch monitor says I carry it closer to 295.

[TD22057]

I am the opposite as far as the launch monitor goes. I would say I honestly carry the ball about 265-270. The launch monitor says I carry it closer to 295.

Hmm - sounds like maybe the monitors have trouble w/ ball spin. I would think the primary factors for distance are launch angle, ball speed, and spin. The first two should be relatively easy to measure but the third might be tricky which could be why we get different results.

[bornfishy]

I think that's because most people who care enough about the game to join a forum are better than average. I personally don't claim an average drive of 300, though. My longest this week (in the fairway) was 285 something. The last time I hit one over 300, it was in the trees...

I couldn't disagree more. Quite a lot of people on this forum, and many others, are no more than very keen beginners. There's no reason why those "better than average" would be predisposed to joining a forum - in fact, you'd expect beginners, researching the game, technique, etc., to be signing up and posting.

I do, however, accept that some people can bomb their drives. I just think many hopelessly overestimate distance. andy.

[iacas]

I couldn't disagree more. Quite a lot of people on this forum, and many others, are no more than very keen beginners. There's no reason why those "better than average" would be predisposed to joining a forum - in fact, you'd expect beginners, researching the game, technique, etc., to be signing up and posting.

Disagree all you want, but the facts are that people who care more about golf are the types that join forums. 10% of all golfers are single-digit handicappers, but of the people who regularly post here, it's closer to 35%.

Newbies may do their research here, but they don't go out of their way to find information and "talk golf" nearly as much as the better players. Studies, stats, etc. show this, and I think you're over-estimating the "average" golfer. They're pretty bad, play six times per year, and are happy not to lose more than a sleeve of golf balls per round (not that they buy sleeves of golf balls).

[Dent]

Dont we already have another topic about ball carry? Fact is i think simulators judge roll horribly. The ball barely rolls on a simulator and roll adds considerable yards. I struggle to hit 260 on the launch monitor but can easily hit 265-270 on the fairway. I have to agree most kids can hit the ball further than most adults.

[Dyna]

Dont we already have another topic about ball carry?

Who cares? Nothing is ever truly a new topic & everything gets rehashed over & over. But thanks for playing.

Fact is i think simulators judge roll horribly.

Hmm, a stated opinion posted as fact, interesting.

[iacas]

Who cares? Nothing is ever truly a new topic & everything gets rehashed over & over. But thanks for playing.

No need to be rude about it. Collating threads is beneficial. Heck, if someone wants to list the URL to the other thread I can merge them into one.

Hmm, a stated opinion posted as fact, interesting.

He said it's a fact that he thinks something. That's not "an opinion stated as fact." If you're going to be rude to others, I'm not above pointing out your obvious errors, particularly when you're trying to be rude to more people.

[bornfishy]

Disagree all you want, but the facts are that people who care more about golf are the types that join forums. 10% of all golfers are single-digit handicappers, but of the people who regularly post here, it's closer to 35%.

I hope I never get cornered by the sad acts that conducted "studies" into golf forum usage at a drinks reception...

Anyway, I feel that given my stance on lamebums point, and by agreement your own, I'm underestimating the average golfer. As I believe the average golfer drives far less than is posted around here - and regardless of whether or not 35% of your members are single digits, I can say with conviction that >35% of "driver length posts" are boasting about drives far beyond the reach of most golfers. So someone in that remaining 65% is either telling porkies, or is an exceptionally good higher handicap player. In which case, fair play! andy.