31 replies to this topic

[MRadix]

That 20 yars is a huge diff for me. Id probable lose like 6 strokes from day 1-3

[dogsbe]

bepo, on 07 April 2012 - 01:30 PM, said:

Here's a chart for the PGA tour average strokes gained.  Going with a 140 yard 9 iron and a 200 yard 5 iron the difference would be 5.04 strokes from the fairway.  For amateurs these number will be higher



source: http://www.columbia....ie_20110408.pdf

That table strongly supports my view that playing for position has a much larger effect on score than distance.  

If you look at just 100-200 yeard, so the normal range of full iron shots by mortals.  

You consider "Tee" and "Fairway" as most likely to be in position.  Again, position is defined as the ideal angle attack to achieve the desired outcome plus compensating for the golfer's weakness.  Architects have positions mapped out on the course and they very much know the strength and weakness of golfers.  However, the ideal position line changes daily for anyone golfer based on what they are trying to achieve, their strengths and weakness and condition of the course.  

The other point, being on the tee box does not mean the golfer is in position.  Architects spend time looking for ways to get golfers out of the position by just where they tee up.  They do funny things with illusions, hiding features and wind and so on.  Touring pros spend time studying the course and thus, they are most likely to be in the correct position off the tee.  

In terms of fairway, again this does not mean that they are in position, but most likely look to avoid things like the rough and bunkers.  The chances are is that a touring pro that hits the fairway is more likely to be in position than if pro is elsewhere on the course.  

Anyways, I did a quick analysis and produced a graph.  


 Distance vs Position.jpg   59.83K   0 downloads

On the graph, there is a line at 0.08 strokes.  This is the average of shots saved from 100-200 in 20 yards increments.  In other words, if the pro hit a driver instead of a 3 wood and both shots hit the fairway, you would save 0.08 shots. So, in playing 12.5 holes the pro would save 1 stroke.  

However, if the driver goes into the rough, it will cost the pro  -0.2 strokes.  The situation is slightly worst, because normally hitting rough, bunkers or other tends to leave the ball also shorter, so there is a distance penality to consider, but we will leave that for now.  

The whole point is that add distance that driver gives over the 3 wood, 20 yards will only improve scores if they can be hit accurate enough to stay in positon on the vast majority of time.  As previously stated, the only real time to use a driver is strategically and that is it is the minimum club necessary to get into position. If you can get into position with a more accurate club, you have to balance the risk vs award for taking more club.

Edited by dogsbe, 08 April 2012 - 03:40 AM.