Is being long off the tee a pipe dream?

[baw1]

I am a relative newbie to the game and currently probably drive between 200-230 moderately straight (when I hit well). My longest drive was probably ~260. There may have been some wind or extra roll to help with that one too (don’t remember).

I am trying to understand what my realistic chances of getting into the 250-300 range are? It seems like a lot of folks get these kinds of numbers on a regular basis based on my readings in this forum and maybe too much golf channel viewing. However, when I am out on the course and teamed up with other players I rarely see players hitting that far. In around ~60 rounds played this season, I can probably count the people who drove 260-300 on one hand.

I want to set my expectations properly for what leads to such driving and what is actually a realistic goal. To be clear, I understand that ultimately ones mechanics and swing are what yield a long drive and I am open to specific advice/observations on the swing itself, but the crux of my question is really more to do with the probability of actually getting there..based on the level of complexity.

Thanks for any insights on this!

[newtogolf]

Driving distance is based on a number of factors that include swing speed, quality of swing, angle of attack and how well the driver you're using fits your swing.  Swing speed is usually related to age, athletic ability, flexibility and your golf swing.

Most people on this site are pretty dedicated golfers so their driving distance is likely to be longer than what you might find on the average course.

Provide us with more details about yourself and some video of your swing with the driver to get more specific information from some of the instructors here on the site.

[Golfingdad]

Driving distance is based on a number of factors that include swing speed, quality of swing, angle of attack and how well the driver you're using fits your swing.  Swing speed is usually related to age, athletic ability, flexibility and your golf swing.

Yeah, I was basically going to say the same thing.  Nobody can answer the question without at least knowing some basics.

If you're 75 years old with arthritis, then the answer is likely no.  If you're young and in shape, with some flexibility, and also have the ability to take lessons, practice properly, and learn, then the answer is much more likely to be yes.

I am in the middle of those two somewhere.  I'm 40, not extremely flexible or terribly in shape, but I have a decent swing and decent mechanics so I have no trouble getting it out there a fair bit (not 300, but over 260 ;))

[rdsandy]

I am a relative newbie to the game and currently probably drive between 200-230 moderately straight (when I hit well). My longest drive was probably ~260. There may have been some wind or extra roll to help with that one too (don’t remember).

I am trying to understand what my realistic chances of getting into the 250-300 range are? It seems like a lot of folks get these kinds of numbers on a regular basis based on my readings in this forum and maybe too much golf channel viewing. However, when I am out on the course and teamed up with other players I rarely see players hitting that far. In around ~60 rounds played this season, I can probably count the people who drove 260-300 on one hand.

I want to set my expectations properly for what leads to such driving and what is actually a realistic goal. To be clear, I understand that ultimately ones mechanics and swing are what yield a long drive and I am open to specific advice/observations on the swing itself, but the crux of my question is really more to do with the probability of actually getting there..based on the level of complexity.

Thanks for any insights on this!

You hit the nail on the head. I play 3 to 4 times a week all year long. 70% of the time as a single paired up with 3 strangers. I out drive 95% of my playing partners, I'm over 60 years old and I don't ever achieve the distances bandied about on the forums or magazines, so how can they?

[Lihu]

I am a relative newbie to the game and currently probably drive between 200-230 moderately straight (when I hit well). My longest drive was probably ~260. There may have been some wind or extra roll to help with that one too (don’t remember).

I am trying to understand what my realistic chances of getting into the 250-300 range are? It seems like a lot of folks get these kinds of numbers on a regular basis based on my readings in this forum and maybe too much golf channel viewing. However, when I am out on the course and teamed up with other players I rarely see players hitting that far. In around ~60 rounds played this season, I can probably count the people who drove 260-300 on one hand.

I want to set my expectations properly for what leads to such driving and what is actually a realistic goal. To be clear, I understand that ultimately ones mechanics and swing are what yield a long drive and I am open to specific advice/observations on the swing itself, but the crux of my question is really more to do with the probability of actually getting there..based on the level of complexity.

Thanks for any insights on this!

Probably true, and the number of scratch golfers is about 1% of golfers with an official handicap.

[Golfingdad]

Probably true, and the number of scratch golfers is about 1% of golfers with an official handicap.

No way.  Is it really that high??  Assuming scratch means <1 index, I'd assume that the percentage is something a lot closer to 0.1%.

[Lihu]

No way.  Is it really that high??  Assuming scratch means <1 index, I'd assume that the percentage is something a lot closer to 0.1%.

The USGA table states that 1% or so of golfers with an official handicap. Maybe the number of golfers with an official handicap is 10%? Then your figure of 0.1% overall would be about right.

http://www.usga.org/handicapping/articles_resources/Men-s--Handicap-Indexes/

EDIT: BTW, it's depressing that I'm still in the 60th percentage of golfers at 14.6.

[baw1]

Provide us with more details about yourself and some video of your swing with the driver to get more specific information from some of the instructors here on the site.

Your response makes sense, but I wasn't really trying to solicit specific individual swing feedback (although that is appreciated). At least for the purpose of this thread. I am 45, 5'7", 175 ibs. Very good physical condition. Reasonable flexibility. No health issues (knock on wood). practice/play multiple times per week. Strongly motivated to get get better.

Does this information help to get to some level of probability?

[Lihu]

Your response makes sense, but I wasn't really trying to solicit specific individual swing feedback (although that is appreciated). At least for the purpose of this thread. I am 45, 5'7", 175 ibs. Very good physical condition. Reasonable flexibility. No health issues (knock on wood). practice/play multiple times per week. Strongly motivated to get get better.

Does this information help to get to some level of probability?

So, I do know people who are 5'7" 135 pounds who drive 300 yards. One of them is a high school student, the other one is working for the local Golfsmith. Both of them are "athletic"

I also know a lot of people older and in the same height/weight/age range as you who drive 250+. I also know a 70 year old who drives 220+ yards, again with the same build.

Yes, it's possible to hit far enough to play par golf, but not sure if 300 yards is feasible. That's a really long ways to drive. If you watch someone who drives that far it is really impressive. The driving range nets look very much inadequate for them. The ball usually breaches the back of the net 250 yards away in about 3 seconds. I will say again it's really impressive and takes some talent to hit that far.

The only way to know is to get good swing mechanics, and just measure.

[newtogolf]

I am trying to understand what my realistic chances of getting into the 250-300 range are? It seems like a lot of folks get these kinds of numbers on a regular basis based on my readings in this forum and maybe too much golf channel viewing. However, when I am out on the course and teamed up with other players I rarely see players hitting that far. In around ~60 rounds played this season, I can probably count the people who drove 260-300 on one hand.

I want to set my expectations properly for what leads to such driving and what is actually a realistic goal. To be clear, I understand that ultimately ones mechanics and swing are what yield a long drive and I am open to specific advice/observations on the swing itself, but the crux of my question is really more to do with the probability of actually getting there..based on the level of complexity.

Thanks for any insights on this!

Your response makes sense, but I wasn't really trying to solicit specific individual swing feedback (although that is appreciated). At least for the purpose of this thread. I am 45, 5'7", 175 ibs. Very good physical condition. Reasonable flexibility. No health issues (knock on wood). practice/play multiple times per week. Strongly motivated to get get better.

Does this information help to get to some level of probability?

I was responding to what's highlighted in bold.  You want to set your expectations properly but in order to do so, the details you just provided are helpful in assisting you do just that.  I'm 49, 6'1 245lbs good physical condition, below average flexibility.  I can drive the ball on average 225 yards and lately that average has been going up.  I don't expect to ever reach 300 yards, but I have hit enough 250+ yard drives lately that I think it's reasonable to attain a 240+ average with practice, exercise, flexibility training and lessons.

Is it probable you're going to average 300 yards, not likely, age is working against us.  If you can achieve a 250 yard average  you're going to be long enough to play most courses from the tournament tee boxes and I see no reason why you can't achieve that if you get good lessons, practice and exercise.

[Golfingdad]

The USGA table states that 1% or so of golfers with an official handicap. Maybe the number of golfers with an official handicap is 10%? Then your figure of 0.1% overall would be about right.

http://www.usga.org/handicapping/articles_resources/Men-s--Handicap-Indexes/

EDIT: BTW, it's depressing that I'm still in the 60th percentage of golfers at 14.6.

Interesting.   And, in fact, you are reading that wrong and it's actually HIGHER than that.  0.92% of golfers are PLUS 1 or better.  I think it's fair to say that anybody who has a handicap of less than 1 is a scratch golfer ... in which case, the total is actually 2.55%.

That's much higher than I would have guessed, but you are right that it only includes official indeces and that is only a fraction of all of those who play golf.  Heck, it's only a fraction of those serious enough to spend time HERE. ;)

[LeftRightLeft]

It's possible.  I have a friend who is 5'7'' and weighs about 280.  Not athletic-looking at all.  He takes an enormous swing way past parallel (think Daly or Bubba).  He legitimately hits it 300.  If he's "on" it's pretty fun to watch.  Most of the time he's crooked.  He plays to a 15 handicap, but he can look a lot better or a lot worse.  He would play better if he didn't always swing for the fences, but I suppose he figures where's the glory in that?  So is the goal to be long hitter or a better golfer?

[Lihu]

Interesting.   And, in fact, you are reading that wrong and it's actually HIGHER than that.  0.92% of golfers are PLUS 1 or better.  I think it's fair to say that anybody who has a handicap of less than 1 is a scratch golfer ... in which case, the total is actually 2.55%.

That's much higher than I would have guessed, but you are right that it only includes official indeces and that is only a fraction of all of those who play golf.  Heck, it's only a fraction of those serious enough to spend time HERE. ;)

Yeah, I would still guess that 60% of the golfers on this site shoot better than me. Kind of depressing given how much work I've been putting into this game, and you're one of those making me feel depressed about it.

[baw1]

I was responding to what's highlighted in bold.  You want to set your expectations properly but in order to do so, the details you just provided are helpful in assisting you do just that.  I'm 49, 6'1 245lbs good physical condition, below average flexibility.  I can drive the ball on average 225 yards and lately that average has been going up.  I don't expect to ever reach 300 yards, but I have hit enough 250+ yard drives lately that I think it's reasonable to attain a 240+ average with practice, exercise, flexibility training and lessons.

Is it probable you're going to average 300 yards, not likely, age is working against us.  If you can achieve a 250 yard average  you're going to be long enough to play most courses from the tournament tee boxes and I see no reason why you can't achieve that if you get good lessons, practice and exercise.

Thanks for the feedback. Sounds like mid-200s can be attained, but going up from there will be unlikely.

[baw1]

Better golfer. I am only interested in hitting further off the tee to make the 2nd shot easier or have a better probability of reaching the green. That's really it.

[baw1]

So, I do know people who are 5'7" 135 pounds who drive 300 yards. One of them is a high school student, the other one is working for the local Golfsmith. Both of them are "athletic"

So this interesting. I like to think that I am very athletic and capable. I work out regularly and have strong endurance. However, is it really "athleticism"? I mean is Fred Couples who drives the ball 300 and is 54 really "athletic"? I realize he is a super star touring pro, but my point is that it really seems like this is much more technique driven vs. physical/athletic ability.

[RandallT]

I am a relative newbie to the game and currently probably drive between 200-230 moderately straight (when I hit well). My longest drive was probably ~260. There may have been some wind or extra roll to help with that one too (don’t remember).

I am trying to understand what my realistic chances of getting into the 250-300 range are? It seems like a lot of folks get these kinds of numbers on a regular basis based on my readings in this forum and maybe too much golf channel viewing. However, when I am out on the course and teamed up with other players I rarely see players hitting that far. In around ~60 rounds played this season, I can probably count the people who drove 260-300 on one hand.

I want to set my expectations properly for what leads to such driving and what is actually a realistic goal. To be clear, I understand that ultimately ones mechanics and swing are what yield a long drive and I am open to specific advice/observations on the swing itself, but the crux of my question is really more to do with the probability of actually getting there..based on the level of complexity.

Thanks for any insights on this!

I was hitting 200-230 for most of my drives when I started up with golf again in 2012. Like you, I have only seen a handful over the last few seasons who hit regularly over 250, but I only play the local muni's on weekdays mostly. Generally, that's an older crowd, and slackers like me who are sneaking out (and are too cheap to belong to a club). The sample set is probably skewed toward the shorter hitters. I wonder too where all these big hitters are, but they sure don't play the same courses and tee times as me. I am not very good (and not very long), but I'm often the longest in my group.

What it took me to move from low 200s to and average of over 240 is to completely revamp my swing. My stats are found below from 2013 to now:

http://www.ushandicap.com/golf-handicap/reports_v2.asp?userID=1599473 (you can drill down to each round and see each drive- embarrassing for me at times!)

I found that I had peaked with my distance in 2012 using the arm-sy "over the top" swing that I had grown up with. I am still learning to get a more flowing relaxed swing from the "inside," and I'm learning this better swing allows the club to whip through more effortlessly. My swing speed was just measured for a driver fitting at 101+ (up a few MPH from mid-2013). It's not uncommon now for me to hit over 250, but for my average to get up over 250, I need to stop those several crappy drives per round. Throw in a few 200-230 drives in a round with off-center hits or slices, and the average drops pretty fast.

So yes, it's possible. You need a good swing first of all. Look closely at how you are swinging. This site is a great start. You need to achieve the keys (5SK) described here or else it'll be tougher to get distance with consistency.

[Lihu]

So this interesting. I like to think that I am very athletic and capable. I work out regularly and have strong endurance. However, is it really "athleticism"? I mean is Fred Couples who drives the ball 300 and is 54 really "athletic"? I realize he is a super star touring pro, but my point is that it really seems like this is much more technique driven vs. physical/athletic ability.

There might be 100 people with the same physical size/weight attributes, but only 1 of them that can swing that fast. If you are one of the people in this category, you probably would have demonstrated this ability in other sports.

The only real way to know is to get your swing mechanics optimized as well as you can, then measure your drives.