Having played in d-1 college, I heard all sorts of stories. For some reason, many collegiate golfers feel the need to create an image, by telling stories. And yes, it's based almost entirely on ego. I'd win a quad match (4 team tournament) by hitting fairways and greens....and keeping my mouth shut about my ability... as I listened to guys say "I used to be better before I changed my swing", or "I used to hit more fairways with my old driver" etc etc... The best is always the following scenario...I'm a pretty short dude (5'8") with a very compact swing. People see me, see my backswing, and they assume they'll drive it further. Now, I'm no Jason Gore or John Daly, but I can hit it regularly 285. If I absolutely tattoo one, on a dry day, maybe a slight downhill, it'll get over 3. It is quite an accomplishment when I do. (Mind you- my main focus is control, not distance... I do try to get as much power as I can- but I try my hardest not to sacrifice control... ie: short, compact backswing). So, anyway, let me get back to my point... I'll hit a good solid drive, 285 down the middle... then my opponent (usually taller than me) tries to STOMP on, and crushes it. He really catches it. Stands there, poses for 5 seconds, nods his head when I compliment his swing. Then we get out to the fairway, and he's 10 or 15 yds behind me. This is my favorite part... I ALWAYS hear it... "Man, I mis-hit that one quite a bit". Or, "Must have been off the heel". Or, "must have hit a bit of a toe-hook." Sure dude. You were posing for 5 seconds b/c of your mis-hit.
I love it. Then they spend the rest of the day trying to chase me. Too funny, guys, too funny. And mind you, if we go back to the 300yd convo... This is D-1 competition, at a pretty high level...and the % of guys hitting it 300 aren't nearly as many as guys who THINK they do it. Like I said, once in a blue moon for me. And that's all good... 8-ft putts for birdie are 8-ft putts for birdie, no matter how you do it. Knowwhatimsayin?!?!