Charting Golf Club Distance
Some of us do not know our distance. They can be anywhere in Singapore but when they are late whether they are in Jurong or Changi they tell you they are nearby and will be there in 10 minutes. It's either the island is so small or they have super automobiles and driving skills.
Talking about driving skills, many golfers still do not really know their distance. What distance each club should generate and what you the golfer can generate using each club. In golf, there is no such thing as what distance for the club but only your distance. One fellow could achieve 150m with a 7-iron while another can do it only with a 5-iron, so be it. However, those with the right technique and can hit it longer has some advantages as a 7-iron is an easier club to hit than a 5-iron but if you are skilled enough or with the right equipment, then the gap narrows again. Well, nice from far but far from nice - from a distance. Let Bette Midler entertain you with "From A distance":
However, as a general average, I shall give you an estimation what distance each club should generate base on the quality of shots from a beginner, an intermediate and a single digit or pro golfer all things being equal.
Here's How To Chart Your Distance (in yards)
Woods
Wood No. 1 Driver - 170-180 (Beginner), 220-230 (Intermediate), 250-270 (Pro)
Wood No. 3 Fairway - 160-170 (B), 200-220 (I), 220-240 (P)
Wood No. 5 Fairway - 150-160 (B), 180-200 (I), 200-220 (P)
Irons
No. 2 - 160-170 (Beginner), 200-220 (Intermediate), 225-240 (Pro)
No. 3 - 150-160 (B), 190-200 (I), 215-225 (P)
No. 4 - 140-150 (B), 175-190 (I), 200-215 (P)
No. 5 - 125-140 (B), 165-175 (I), 185-200 (P)
No. 6 - 115-125 (B), 155-165 (I), 170-185 (P)
N0. 7 - 105-115 (B), 145-155 (I), 155-170 (P)
N0. 8 - 90-105 (B), 135-145 (I), 145-155 (P)
N0. 9 - 80-90 (B), 125-135 (I), 135-145 (P)
PW - 60-80 (B), 100-125 (I), 115-135 (P)
SW - 40-60 (B), *0-100 (I), 90-115 (P)
***1 Yard = 0.9144 MetreWhile the numbers on the clubs are made easy for you to remember the distance, it is really the length, lie and loft of each club that determines the distance.
Loft & Distance Chart (in yards)
UL (ultra lob wedge) @ 64 degrees - 35 yards (Medium hitters), 40 yards (Long hitters)
LW (lob wedge) @ 60 degrees - 55 y (M), 60 y (L)
SW (sand wedge) @ 56 degrees - 75 y (M), 80 y (L)
AW (approach wedge) @ 52 degrees - 95 y (M), 100 y (L)
PW (pitching wedge) @ 48 degree - 115 y (M), 120 y (L), Lie @ 70 degree, Length: 35-35.5 ins.
9 Iron @ 45 degrees - 125 y (M), 130 y (L), Lie @ 65 degrees, Length: 35.5-36 ins.
8 Iron @ 40 degrees - 135 y (M), 140 y (L), Lie @ 64 degrees, Length: 36-36.5 ins.
7 Iron @ 35 degrees - 145 y (M), 150 y (L), Lie @ 63 degrees, Length: 36.5-37 ins.
6 Iron @ 30 degrees - 155 y (M), 160 y (L), Lie @ 62 degrees, Length: 37-37.5 ins.
5 Iron @ 25 degrees - 165 y (M), 170 y (L), Lie @ 61 degrees, Length: 27.5-38 ins.
4 Iron @ 20 degrees - 175 y (M), 180 (L), Lie @ 60 degrees, Length: 38-38.5 ins.
3 Iron @ 15 degrees - 185 y (M), 190 y (L), Lie @ 59 degrees, Length: 38.5-39 ins.
2 Iron @ 10 degrees - 195 y (M), 200 y (L), Lie @ 58 degrees, Length: 39-39.5 ins.
5 Wood @ 17-19 d - 180 y (M), 200 y (L), Lie @ 54 degrees, Length: 40-41 ins.
4 Wood @ 14-16 d - 200 y (M), 220 y (L), Lie @ 52 degrees, Length: 41-42 ins.
3 Wood @ 13-15 d - 210 y (M), 230 y (L), Lie @ 50 degrees, Length: 42-43 ins.
Driver @ 8-10 d - 230 y (M), 250 y (L), Lie @ 46 degrees, Length 45-45.75 ins.
Remarks: Please note the numbers, degrees in loft, length, lie and distance may vary for different clubs depending on the brands and manufacturers' specifications.
*** 1 Yard = 0.9144 Metre
Mistaken Notion
Many golfers get a mistaken notion from here that the lower the loft of a club, the longer the distance. Based on the distance gap each club provides and in theory it is a correct assumption but to a-s-s-u-m-e is to make an "ass" of "u" and "me". You will hit a 2-iron longer than a 9-iron because the 2-iron has longer shaft and lower loft but that is if you can handle a 2-iron. May be you can do it one out of ten times while you can hit a 9-iron reasonably well 7 out of ten times. Often times, many golfers who go to buy themselves a 8 or 9 degrees driver will suffer because you may not have the swing speed or the right launch angle to take off. To play a 9 degrees driver correctly, you have to have the swing speed to launch it. If your ball's trajectory do not reach the apex of the flight it will die off sooner and not get you a good distance. Lee Westood, no. 3 in the world plays with a 11 degrees driver. Tiger has shifted up from 8 to 10 degrees and now could find 70% of the fairways. It would be helpful to be measured for you launch angle. You may be surprised to hit further with a 11-12 degrees than a 9-10.5 degrees.
What About Hybrids?
Hybrids are meant to replace hard to hit long irons. So, it is like a direct replacement with a no.2 hybrid for a no.2 iron. 3 for 3 and so on. However, when purchasing a hybrid, do not look at the numbers as different brands sell and name them with a different number. For example, TaylorMade's numbers are no. 5 (25 degrees), no. 4 (22 d), No. 3 (19 d) & no. 2 (17 d) while Cleveland's are no. 4 (25 d), no. 3 (22 d), no. 2 (19 d) & no.1 (17 d). More importantly, look at the loft as a guide. Roughly every four degrees has a difference of about 10m. A an estimate, a 17 degrees 2 iron or hybrid will give the distance of a 5 wood, a 20 degrees 3 iron or hybrid will give the distance of a 7 wood and a 23 degrees 4 iron or hybrid will get a distance of a 9 wood. The hybrid is created to launch the ball easier and higher with the extra mass on the club head and may be slightly longer or about the same distance as the iron but it is a lot friendlier. Shots from fairway woods tend to land and run more due to its lower trajectory while hybrids can give you parachute-like softer landing.
Do not underestimate the importance of distance control and judgement. It will make a big difference to your game and your score. Good luck!
Golf as in life, play as it lies.
Comments