Irons - Standard Distance versus Maximum Distance

[Mac62]

I voted 0-4 because of the key word "reliably".  I could probably squeeze 10 more yards out of a given iron, but it wouldn't be a reliable shot either in contact or accuracy.  Since I try to avoid low percentage shots, I'd rather club up than try to "step on it".

[CR McDivot]

I voted 10-14 because I tend to club up one more and hit easier for control.

My strategy also. When in doubt - club up!

[nick1998bunker]

Probably like 5 yards with an equal strike maybe more...you want to swing as hard as you can while keeping perfect balance...and that may change day to day. When I swing hard it spins more and goes more left and vica versa for when I don't. Into the wind if I swing hard it usually balloons. I've been clubbing up when in doubt recently cause I'm in doubt as far as my distances with new clubs and I can say I thoroughly donot recommend this...I can get up and down more often than not from short of the green but very rarely from past the green which is where I've been ending iPod late if I'm not hole high

[WUTiger]

I said 10-14 yards.

When this occurs, it's often a case that I'm hitting the ball more solidly on a given day, and all my irons are flying a bit long. (Usually on a "good balance" day when a lot of shots are pretty well center clubface.)

[RolandIvar]

I rely on what I think I can do consistently, the biggest issue for me is being left or right pin high.

[Golfingdad]

I noticed a few guys yesterday, Justin Rose in particular, who were hitting 9 iron at 17 ............... while it was playing 123 yards.  (Yes, it was gusty, but no, it wasn't like there was a huge headwind)

[Strandly]

I noticed a few guys yesterday, Justin Rose in particular, who were hitting 9 iron at 17 ............... while it was playing 123 yards.  (Yes, it was gusty, but no, it wasn't like there was a huge headwind)

I was talking to a friend the other day and said I'd either hit a PW or a 9 on that hole too.  I figured the pros would hit a sand wedge or something on that hole.

[Golfingdad]

I was talking to a friend the other day and said I'd either hit a PW or a 9 on that hole too.  I figured the pros would hit a sand wedge or something on that hole.

I don't practice partial irons or "flighted" irons yet, so I would also be going with something less.  Most likely a PW.

[Dave2512]

Someone calling it mentioned the wind above the hole tends to knock it down a bit if it is against them so they play it like they would any hole into wind even if the flag is limp. Couple times they showed a trajectory graphic and some guys were definitely hitting a normal shot into there. Quite a few took it long to be sure they got it there. I think average 9 iron distance for pros is just under 140. With the pin up front where it was 9 iron seems about right.

[Golfingdad]

I think average 9 iron distance for pros is just under 140.

If this is true than it lends a lot of credence to the comments from the PM that Terry Koehler made.

I would guess that the PGA Tour average "all out" 9 iron would be on the order of 150-160.

[Dave2512]

I was surprised by all the 9 yards or less votes but I chose 20 so...I don't try to step on it often unless I am between clubs and the shot plays downhill or something. So much of it depends on the situation. We have a 179 yard par 3 on the front and a 186 par 3 on the back and I have a three club difference on those holes for just 7 yards because of how they play. But yeah those guys are trying to hit specific numbers. I wouldn't doubt if they choked down, were behind the markers and all that trying to hit it to a certain spot. I just try to not duff it.

[SCC4380]

Quote:

I noticed a few guys yesterday, Justin Rose in particular, who were hitting 9 iron at 17 ............... while it was playing 123 yards.  (Yes, it was gusty, but no, it wasn't like there was a huge headwind)

I saw a few 9 irons that didn't work out too well and bunch of wedges that worked out pretty well. The 9 irons looked like they were slightly manufactured shots while the wedges looked more like a standard shot.

I remember reading a story about a pro (Johnny Miller?) who was talking to a media type on the range and was asked what club he would hit to one of the flagsticks out on the range. The pro replied that they could hit all of their clubs to the flagstick, and then proceeded to work through their bag from driver to wedge hitting right to it. (I can imagine Johnny Miller doing that.) Probably one or two of the shots were close to standard distance and the rest were manufactured to do what they did.

[Lihu]

I was surprised by all the 9 yards or less votes but I chose 20 so...I don't try to step on it often unless I am between clubs and the shot plays downhill or something. So much of it depends on the situation. We have a 179 yard par 3 on the front and a 186 par 3 on the back and I have a three club difference on those holes for just 7 yards because of how they play. But yeah those guys are trying to hit specific numbers. I wouldn't doubt if they choked down, were behind the markers and all that trying to hit it to a certain spot. I just try to not duff it.

I looked at the question as more of a "how far can you reliably hit" question, then how much do you take off for your "standard shot". For me it's pretty much my natural cadence. It's really hard for me to "control" anything shorter. I suppose this is why you're a solid single digit player.

EDIT: Just asked my son. He can pretty much take off 20-30 yards off any club, and hit a reliable distance. So, I guess it is a skill thing.

[Rock In Socks]

I agree with swinging too hard. That is usually my down fall. I often have to remind myself to slow down. Swinging harder generally doesn't give me more yards due to off center strikes, but when I do square it up properly it generally adds 5-9 yards.