Pro's are not the only ones that drive it 300 +

[BRDGOLFING]

Why do so many golfers think that it is un true when someone says they average 300+ yards each round with their driver off the tee?

 

I for one have seen a few folks that average over 300 yards with their driver. When people see me on the range. They ask; What do you average with your driver? I tell them around 315 to 320 on the course. I get told that I am not telling the truth. Especially on social media. They also find it hard to believe because I use a 2007 model burner driver. Hey, I do not have 400 dollars to buy a new one and this is working for me. Would I like to have a new driver that will allow me to hit it longer? Heck yeah! Who wouldn't?

 

I also know that driving isn't everything in golf.

 

Maybe we can discuss and get some input about this without criticism and being hateful.

[Bogey in The Woods]

I think that the reaction you get is probably normal. Not to say it is right. The general perception in that PGA players and long drive competitors are the only 300+ crowd. Obviously that isn't true. For we all know that they didnt simply start hitting 300+ when the got to the tour, or Remax Championships. So obviously, balls were flying far way before they got there. So is it possible you average 300+? you bet!

 

Now I have never seen or met you, so unless you are 4'11" and 98lbs, I would grant that it is entirely possible you hit that long on Avg. I myself have hit a few over the three century mark. If I could straighten them our regularly, I too, would join your club. God, in his infinite wisdom, has given me varying degrees of "Slice-itis". (currently in remission.)

 

The general haters will always cast doubt. Some out of jealously. Some out of spite. Some because they are simply A**holes at heart and cant help it.

 

What I can say, is that here on MGS, you will normally be taken at your word. But you will also be tirelessly hounded if any holes are found in your story. Best way to put it to bed, here at least, find an MGS member in your area and go play with them. Lots of that on here. Great story corroboration too! 

 

If I get back over your way, I'll come play with you. same if you should wonder down Texas-way. Maybe you can teach me how to turn my 260yrd slices into 305 yrd fairway-finders. 

[jbil8802]

I think some of it comes from people not understanding how to accurately measure their drives.

[BRDGOLFING]

I think that the reaction you get is probably normal. Not to say it is right. The general perception in that PGA players and long drive competitors are the only 300+ crowd. Obviously that isn't true. For we all know that they didnt simply start hitting 300+ when the got to the tour, or Remax Championships. So obviously, balls were flying far way before they got there. So is it possible you average 300+? you bet!

 

Now I have never seen or met you, so unless you are 4'11" and 98lbs, I would grant that it is entirely possible you hit that long on Avg. I myself have hit a few over the three century mark. If I could straighten them our regularly, I too, would join your club. God, in his infinite wisdom, has given me varying degrees of "Slice-itis". (currently in remission.)

 

The general haters will always cast doubt. Some out of jealously. Some out of spite. Some because they are simply A**holes at heart and cant help it.

 

What I can say, is that here on MGS, you will normally be taken at your word. But you will also be tirelessly hounded if any holes are found in your story. Best way to put it to bed, here at least, find an MGS member in your area and go play with them. Lots of that on here. Great story corroboration too! 

 

If I get back over your way, I'll come play with you. same if you should wonder down Texas-way. Maybe you can teach me how to turn my 260yrd slices into 305 yrd fairway-finders. 

A great reply and great information! I appreciate it.

 I was lucky enough to acquire a swing that allows me to hit it long. I recently changed the way that I swing into the ball. It is called the K Bomb. I was surfing youtube and found it. Look it up and try it out. It was the most un comfortable swing to me at first. My ribs even hurt for a few days. Until my body got use to it. It has allowed me to take my power swing and gain more control on the downward part of my swing. It only works with my driver though.

 

My friend who is around a 15 handicap has tried it and sent me a text of his golf logic app that showed he actually went from 250 -260 to around 275 - 280. It took him about 3 rounds of golf to get use to it and around two buckets of balls on the range. This set up actually makes it to where you have to turn harder/ faster to be able to hit it straight. Which in return gives you more distance right off the contact due to more club speed.

 

How do you find people on here that are near you? or do you just have to search through the members?

 

I love to play with new people. Even though I get nervous sometimes. LOL! You can learn a lot that way and I am always wanting to learn something new.

[BRDGOLFING]

I think some of it comes from people not understanding how to accurately measure their drives.

 

That would be a good topic!

 

What are some ways to get a accurate read on the distance of your drives while playing?

 

What are some of your ideas? I use GPS and range finder when available. my phone and the cart GPS is usually close. Sometimes the cart GPS is crazy though. Give or take 3 to 5 yards sometimes.

 

Thanks!

[jbil8802]

I tend to just go by the stats I get from Game Golf and I'd say that GPS and rangefinders do fairly well. I've definitely played with guys that think I hit it 300 which is a result of them thiking they hit it 250. In reality it's more like 260 for me and 210 for them. I think some guys try to use the yardage off scorecards and subtract what they have left and I'm sure that's not a good way to go about it.

[Bogey in The Woods]

 

 

How do you find people on here that are near you? or do you just have to search through the members?

 

 

For me it was just goin to the Arrange a Game thread. That or just mentioning I was playing at such and such a course this week if anyone wanted to show up. 

 

I may have had something to do with that offer of beer for whoever would put up with me for 18........

[Mike Z]

One thing is that for the majority of recreational golfers, they have no idea what 300 yards actually is.  Its in their mind a measure of how far it was hit when its beyond what they can do. 

 

I hit it a little longer than a lot of guys I play with.  I can't tell you how many times I get told I just hit it 300 when I know for fact that I did not.  To a guy that hits it 240-250 tops 280 is a long way.  To many that shot is 300.

[Undershooter]

A 300 yard carry in golf is not something you see very often at the course. I'm not saying you don't do it because of the 4some I usually play in, 2 of us do it quite often and 1 can do it on occasion. This is far from the norm though. Even the best players at my club average between 250-280 off the box. And this club includes 3 courses and is by far the largest in the area. If you can hit it 300 then good! Use it as a weapon because that's what it is as long as its in play. 

 

As far as yardage recommendations on the course, game golf and Arccos golf come to mind. That or shoot the guys on the tee box behind you with your range finder. Either way welcome to the forum! If you ever find yourself in Jackson MS I will play with you. 

[revkev]

Oh I didn't see this thread before posting on the other one. Sorry, here's why people are sceptical. Please don't over interpret what I'm writing, I'm answering your question not doubting your driving distance.

 

Several studies including one done here on MGS three years ago, have found that golfers over estimate their driving distance by an average of 40 yards. That does not make them liars BTW, they really believe they hit it that far for a variety of reasons some off which have been mentioned here already. As you suggest in another thread they don't realize that there are simple and pretty accurate ways to measure distances these days.

 

Since you brought up touring pros consider that these are the best players in the world. Throw in the mini tours, very top Amatures including DI college players and even the few guys from the old long drive circuit. If you take all of those players less than a third average 300 yards off the tee. This group represents the very best players in the world, fewer than 1 percent of all players total and less than 1/3 of that group averages 300 yards off the tee.

 

Of course there are going to be a few of the rest of the golfing population that will average 300. Some will play on courses under exceptional conditions. High altitude, extremely firm fairways or both. They are stunned their 300 becomes 265 at Sea Level.

 

Knowing those things and more I'm hoping you can understand why many are skeptical about numbers posted by someone whom they've never seen hit a golf ball. I've given up on the matter. Each guy hits it as far as he hits it and all that matters is that he can carry the stuff he tries to carry on the course and not hit it so far that he ends up in trouble that he's aiming at there too. I stopped even trying to guess who is telling the truth about their driving distances and who is not. I will comment about a group, from time to time, but not an individual.

 

I will say that I've played a ton of golf and I've played in lots of tournaments with good players. I've played exactly two rounds where a guy averaged over 300 yards at Sea Level on a reliable measuring device. Both are guys that I play with on occasion and I believe they would consistently average 300. Both are young, good athletes in reasonablygood physical shape. One is a good golfer the other is average at best.

 

Social media and golf forums are weird. We are happy you are here and I'm sure you will find some MGS a guys in your area to play with. Where are you at in Georgia? My son is stationed in Kingsbay and I go play with him there a few times a year.

[silver & black]

As to why most people don't believe? Well..... I have personally only seen one guy hit a legitimate 300 yard drive in person. He can and does do it regularly. I'm talking carry, not roll out. Hell, I average about 250, and I've rolled a few 300 yarders myself...... in July and August (Ohio).

 

300 yards is way farther than most people think. My home course has a few 315-325 yard par 4's. They look all the world like anyone that can hit a driver well would have no problem driving the green. Wrong! Yea.... I've driven those greens a few times over the years..... in July and August with a whole lot of roll out...lol. I'm usually a gap wedge or sand wedge in from those holes with a very good drive, in the fairway. 

 

I believe you can drive the ball 300+. But, you have to understand the skepticism you get from people that actually play the game regularly. You guys really aren't in great numbers  out there...lol.

[jbil8802]

Oh I didn't see this thread before posting on the other one. Sorry, here's why people are sceptical. Please don't over interpret what I'm writing, I'm answering your question not doubting your driving distance.

 

Several studies including one done here on MGS three years ago, have found that golfers over estimate their driving distance by an average of 40 yards. That does not make them liars BTW, they really believe they hit it that far for a variety of reasons some off which have been mentioned here already. As you suggest in another thread they don't realize that there are simple and pretty accurate ways to measure distances these days.

 

Since you brought up touring pros consider that these are the best players in the world. Throw in the mini tours, very top Amatures including DI college players and even the few guys from the old long drive circuit. If you take all of those players less than a third average 300 yards off the tee. This group represents the very best players in the world, fewer than 1 percent of all players total and less than 1/3 of that group averages 300 yards off the tee.

 

Of course there are going to be a few of the rest of the golfing population that will average 300. Some will play on courses under exceptional conditions. High altitude, extremely firm fairways or both. They are stunned their 300 becomes 265 at Sea Level.

 

Knowing those things and more I'm hoping you can understand why many are skeptical about numbers posted by someone whom they've never seen hit a golf ball. I've given up on the matter. Each guy hits it as far as he hits it and all that matters is that he can carry the stuff he tries to carry on the course and not hit it so far that he ends up in trouble that he's aiming at there too. I stopped even trying to guess who is telling the truth about their driving distances and who is not. I will comment about a group, from time to time, but not an individual.

 

I will say that I've played a ton of golf and I've played in lots of tournaments with good players. I've played exactly two rounds where a guy averaged over 300 yards at Sea Level on a reliable measuring device. Both are guys that I play with on occasion and I believe they would consistently average 300. Both are young, good athletes in reasonablygood physical shape. One is a good golfer the other is average at best.

 

Social media and golf forums are weird. We are happy you are here and I'm sure you will find some MGS a guys in your area to play with. Where are you at in Georgia? My son is stationed in Kingsbay and I go play with him there a few times a year.

Totally hit the nail on the head. Couldn't have said it any better.

[RookieBlue7]

I can move the ball fairly well. When I was in shape and playing regularly, I was right at 3 bills off the tee. I'm now fatter and play less regularly. I can still move it fairly well off the tee when I'm swinging well. To me though, now, I could care less how far I hit it as long as I'm accurate with the approach and have scoring opportunities. It doesn't really matter if you hit it 300 in the fairway, woods, rough, wherever. If you're shooting a hundred people are just going to pick apart other aspects it ask why you don't score better when you have scoring clubs in your hands. 6 of 1, half dozen of the other. And honestly, who cares what arbitrary number your distance is? I've played with guys that hit it 210 and beat guys long off the tee's brains in.

 

Where are you at in Georgia? If it's north Georgia we can go play this weekend and I'll validate it for you if that's what you're wanting.

[Kor.A.Door]

I think the skepticism comes from being on the course. I play golf with so e ridiculously long hitters, and I would bet they don't average 300. If we are only talking about shots with driver then yes, they would be over the 300 average, but they only hit driver on about 2-3 holes, so there is no advantage to hitting a driver 300+

[BRDGOLFING]

Oh I didn't see this thread before posting on the other one. Sorry, here's why people are sceptical. Please don't over interpret what I'm writing, I'm answering your question not doubting your driving distance.

 

Several studies including one done here on MGS three years ago, have found that golfers over estimate their driving distance by an average of 40 yards. That does not make them liars BTW, they really believe they hit it that far for a variety of reasons some off which have been mentioned here already. As you suggest in another thread they don't realize that there are simple and pretty accurate ways to measure distances these days.

 

Since you brought up touring pros consider that these are the best players in the world. Throw in the mini tours, very top Amatures including DI college players and even the few guys from the old long drive circuit. If you take all of those players less than a third average 300 yards off the tee. This group represents the very best players in the world, fewer than 1 percent of all players total and less than 1/3 of that group averages 300 yards off the tee.

 

Of course there are going to be a few of the rest of the golfing population that will average 300. Some will play on courses under exceptional conditions. High altitude, extremely firm fairways or both. They are stunned their 300 becomes 265 at Sea Level.

 

Knowing those things and more I'm hoping you can understand why many are skeptical about numbers posted by someone whom they've never seen hit a golf ball. I've given up on the matter. Each guy hits it as far as he hits it and all that matters is that he can carry the stuff he tries to carry on the course and not hit it so far that he ends up in trouble that he's aiming at there too. I stopped even trying to guess who is telling the truth about their driving distances and who is not. I will comment about a group, from time to time, but not an individual.

 

I will say that I've played a ton of golf and I've played in lots of tournaments with good players. I've played exactly two rounds where a guy averaged over 300 yards at Sea Level on a reliable measuring device. Both are guys that I play with on occasion and I believe they would consistently average 300. Both are young, good athletes in reasonablygood physical shape. One is a good golfer the other is average at best.

 

Social media and golf forums are weird. We are happy you are here and I'm sure you will find some MGS a guys in your area to play with. Where are you at in Georgia? My son is stationed in Kingsbay and I go play with him there a few times a year.

[BRDGOLFING]

I appreciate the reply. I am located in Valdosta, Georgia. It is 30 minutes from the Florida state line right off of I-75.

 

I would love to be taught how to control it better. I have been able to use the k bomb swing effectively compared to how I was hitting the ball last month. I still only hit about 8 fairways if that. I was only hitting about 3 fairways before the new swing.

 

I did not start the thread for anyone to think that I am bragging at all. I just did not think that it was that big of a thing to hit it 300 +.

[RookieBlue7]

He's at the halfway point between us Rev Kev

[BRDGOLFING]

We have a fairly decent course for distance. I can hit driver on every par four and of course par fives. We have par fours that range from 300 to 400+. There is only one par four that is a cut shot for a drive. Our course is pretty much flat. I hit a high shot with every club.

 

I am not bragging by any means. I know my drives might be long but they are inaccurate some times. I was mainly starting this thread because I have seen people get dogged out including myself because we have said that we can hit 300+ yard drives regularly in 1 round of golf. I felt like it wasn't something out of this world just because we are average joe golfers and not pros.

 

I have seen people who are weekend golfers that are scratch. Just imagine how good they could be if all they did was practice and play everyday like the pros!. Just because they are not considered a pro doesn't mean they couldn't play with and like a pro. They just do not have the time, money and connections like the pro has and had.

[Undershooter]

We have a fairly decent course for distance. I can hit driver on every par four and of course par fives. We have par fours that range from 300 to 400+. There is only one par four that is a cut shot for a drive. Our course is pretty much flat. I hit a high shot with every club.

I am not bragging by any means. I know my drives might be long but they are inaccurate some times. I was mainly starting this thread because I have seen people get dogged out including myself because we have said that we can hit 300+ yard drives regularly in 1 round of golf. I felt like it wasn't something out of this world just because we are average joe golfers and not pros.

I have seen people who are weekend golfers that are scratch. Just imagine how good they could be if all they did was practice and play everyday like the pros!. Just because they are not considered a pro doesn't mean they couldn't play with and like a pro. They just do not have the time, money and connections like the pro has and had.

I understand that people don't have the time to practice enough to hang with the pros but scratch is a looooong way from where the pros play. They play tough courses with higher ratings than Joe schmo and even then they play to a +4 and +6 handicaps(if they kept them). That's ridiculously above scratch. When you see the commercials saying "these guys are good" they aren't kidding. I read somewhere that tiger was projected as a +10 in his prime. That means his average round at an average course was 62. That's unfathomable by me.

[BRDGOLFING]

I understand that people don't have the time to practice enough to hang with the pros but scratch is a looooong way from where the pros play. They play tough courses with higher ratings than Joe schmo and even then they play to a +4 and +6 handicaps(if they kept them). That's ridiculously above scratch. When you see the commercials saying "these guys are good" they aren't kidding. I read somewhere that tiger was projected as a +10 in his prime. That means his average round at an average course was 62. That's unfathomable by me.

That is a heck of an average. Seeing that can leave you dreaming.

 

I was trying to say that there are people that are just as good or better than pros in any sport out there. Motorsports, baseball, football ..... Their life changes did not allow them to make it.

[RookieBlue7]

No, there's really not guys out there playing golf that are better than pros. If they were they'd be pros. You don't dedicate yourself to becoming that good of a golfer to go around winning club championships for no money. There's a guy at the local CC that could've went on tour if he wanted and wasn't so lazy. He's that good. Boo Weekley plays here occasionally and he throttles him every time, and it's this guy's home course.

[BRDGOLFING]

No, there's really not guys out there playing golf that are better than pros. If they were they'd be pros. There's a guy at the local CC that could've went on tour if he wanted and wasn't so lazy. He's that good. Boo Weekley plays here occasionally and he throttles him every time, and it's this guy's home course.

There are not many like you said. There are though and there are people that have the potential and skill. Just not time, money and guidance. There is always some one better than the next person in anything. They have just not been found or met. Some folks are good enough, but chose to live life differently with another career. Some were and are lazy with poor choices like you talk about. Some just need a good kick in the butt to see what talent they are wasting.

[Jmikecpa]

I just looked up the PGA Tour distance stats and there are 18 guys on tour that average 300 yards +............18!  Of that on one is north of 310 and that is Dustin Johnson who is in a world all his own when it comes to distance with any club in the bag.  Not saying an amateur could not do it, but I have played with some good amateurs that are long and they are just not DJ or Bubba long.  Let's just say that if there was a contest and it was my money on the line against the pros I would not be taking the amateur.  There is a big difference from hitting a 300 yard drive and averaging 310 off the tee.

 

For reference the attached is the current top 10 in distance.

[Severtheties]

No, there's really not guys out there playing golf that are better than pros. If they were they'd be pros. You don't dedicate yourself to becoming that good of a golfer to go around winning club championships for no money. There's a guy at the local CC that could've went on tour if he wanted and wasn't so lazy. He's that good. Boo Weekley plays here occasionally and he throttles him every time, and it's this guy's home course.

 

While there are probably only a few I'd disagree a little bit. In the sport of bowling, there are a TON of guys that are not on the PBA tour that are better or could compete with the best week to week. 

 

With that being said, there are some specific reason for it. Theres more money in amateur bowling than there is on the pro tour. Also - being on the pro tour can limit the amour of tournaments and types of tournaments you can bowl in.

 

So to sum all of that up. Bowling, and more specifically professional bowling, is a really strange sport and set up. But i would would believe there are a few guys that are outside of every sport that could probably compete week to week. I don't believe theres a Tiger or Rory out there not on tour but probably some guys that would hang around 50-100 on the money list.

[BK in TEXAS]

I don't believe theres a Tiger or Rory out there not on tour but probably some guys that would hang around 50-100 on the money list.

 

Not sure about that.....here are some of the big names worse than 50 on last years money list:

 

K.J. Choi

Brandt Snedeker

Jason Dufner

Camilo Villegas

Ian Poulter

Luke Donald

Lee Westwood

Steve Stricker

Louis Oosthuizen

Nick Watney

Boo Weekley

[Severtheties]

 

Not sure about that.....here are some of the big names worse than 50 on last years money list:

 

K.J. Choi

Brandt Snedeker

Jason Dufner

Camilo Villegas

Ian Poulter

Luke Donald

Lee Westwood

Steve Stricker

Louis Oosthuizen

Nick Watney

Boo Weekley

 

Ok maybe 100-200 haha. I just kinda threw a number off the top of my head. Point is that I do believe there are probably a couple of people out there with the talent to compete that aren't on tour for who knows what reason. It could be that they play another sport and give most of their time to that (Tony Romo?)

[JBones]

I claimed 300yds on here and I'm sure I was scoffed at.  I've played with a handful of guys from here and when they saw me, I guarantee they laughed inside at the thought of this little 5'8.5" (don't forget that .5 dammit) 180lb guy hitting it 300 off the tee.  When it comes down to it, talk is talk, until you can back it up.......I always back up my talk.

[Severtheties]

I claimed 300yds on here and I'm sure I was scoffed at.  I've played with a handful of guys from here and when they saw me, I guarantee they laughed inside at the thought of this little 5'8.5" (don't forget that .5 dammit) 180lb guy hitting it 300 off the tee.  When it comes down to it, talk is talk, until you can back it up.......I always back up my talk.

 

I've heard stories....

[BRDGOLFING]

Man I love this site. I have never been to a place where people can tell you like it is with out dogging or cussing you out for random reasons. This site is a first! I can handle criticism for the most part. Y'all got your points and opinions across with out arguing and have helped me understand the distance thing. Especially when I have read where people judge their distance off giving or taking yards and it not be on purpose. I am going to play this weekend and make it a point to be detailed with my distances with more than one measuring device. This all has got me thinking that I could be doing things wrong and looking like a idiot when I tell people stuff like this. I appreciate it all and look forward to learning more from all of you.

[Sluggo42]

I'm 59 and I can hit it 300 yards.

 

In august

In a ten year drought (sp?)

Downhill

With a 20+ tailwind

With a pinnacle distance ball

If I hit it square on the nose with a baby draw

After it rolls out

 

But seriously, "averaging" 300 is a lot different than rolling a few out there.

I hit a lot in the 260-270, but I probably average 240-250 maybe, and I've always been known as a really long hitter. But I have played with a very few long hitters. They are typically 6'-4" ish, slender, and smooth as silk. And when they hit it, the ball hisses and squirms as it leaves, and then eventually I lose sight of it as it flies away. I rarely lose sight of my balls. And when they do go long, it's usually not in the fairway.

It's also helpful to be young.

 

bRD?, can I ask how far you typically hit your 8 iron?