Golfers are all chasing distance. Tour players work hard to get their swing speeds higher. Younger players learn to bomb it before learning how to control their shots. Older players search for the club, the ball, the pro or the trainer that can get them another ten yards. Manufacturers push the limits of club and ball design trying to eke out more speed while conforming to the rules set forth by golf’s governing bodies.
Let’s face it, distance has become king.
The days of balata balls and persimmon drivers are long gone. Balls fly straighter and farther with less spin. Irons have stronger lofts. Drivers are large headed behemoths with design features such as MOI, Center of Gravity and CG.
Let’s face it, we all love hitting the ball as far as we can.
But there is a reason for chasing distance. All of us instinctively know it. Simply put, the farther you can hit the ball, the better your chance to score. Distance is the biggest indicator of scoring potential. Better players tend to hit the ball farther.
I could bore you with all kinds of stats and numbers to prove the point, and, at some point down the road, I will. For now, let’s keep it simple and use common sense. Imagine we are playing together and tee off on a 420 yard par 4. I hit my drive 250 down the center of the fairway leaving me with 170 yards to the middle of the green. You hit your drive 220 yards down the center of the fairway leaving you with 200 yards to the middle of the green. I might be hitting a 6 iron where you are probably hitting 3-wood. Which one of us is more likely to make birdie? Which one is more likely to make par? I have the better opportunity for both birdie and par. It’s not that you can’t make birdie or par, but the odds are in my favor.
Imagine the same scenario where I hit my drive in the rough. I still have the better opportunity to make birdie or par by virtue of being closer to the hole and hitting a shorter club into the green. But what happens if you hit your drive in the rough? Birdie is pretty much gone at that point.
Some argue the short game is more important than distance. Naturally, even if I can hit 300-yard drives, if I can’t hit wedges or can’t putt very well, I’m not going to score to my potential. Distance does not mean I will score well. It means I have the opportunity to score well. There still needs to be a functional short game.
Ultimately, golf is a game of proximity to the hole. It all starts with the tee shot. The closer the ball gets to the green, the shorter the next shot which leads to a better chance of getting the ball close to the hole.
If you are searching for more distance, one of the ways you can gain speed is to start training with a TPI certified trainer like myself. No matter your age, you can always add muscle and get stronger. Strength is 50% of swing speed. Getting stronger and faster requires work. I can guarantee you if you do nothing, you will never gain distance.
Check out mytpi.com to find a TPI Certified trainer near you.
As always, be thankful and grateful for your time on the course. It is a privilege to play golf. Go golf and enjoy every moment.