The 300 Yard Drive!!!

Notes from the Fringe

If I had a dime for every time someone told me they hit their tee shot 300 yards, I would be on my own private island hitting buckets of new Titleist Pro V1’s into the clear blue ocean. It seems just about everyone I know hits their drive “about 300 yards.” You want a small bit of truth? You don’t hit it anywhere near 300 yards. And you what? That’s OK. Here are the facts: While PGA Tour pros hit their drives anywhere from 280 yards to 320 yards on average, and LPGA Tour pros hit their drives from 230 to 270 yards on average, most recreational golfers – according to Golf Digest – average somewhere around 195-205 yards with their drivers (I typically carry my tee shot 265 yards.)

The point isn’t how far you hit the golf ball, but consistently predicting the distance and direction of your drive. You must know your carry distance with your driver. If you are on a hole that demands a 215 yard carry to clear a water hazard from the tee, and you know your typical carry is 205. Then, for the love of the game, do not try to carry the distance of the water. Play to the side and live to scratch out a par or just take your bogey and move on. Secondly, know your shot shape…and play it. If you consistently hit a hook, don’t try to hit that perfect shot around the dogleg by hitting a “fade.” Aim down the right, trust and hit your little hook and again, live to play another shot.

Take inventory of your game and play within your limits. Understanding your strengths and limitations is the key to playing good and even great golf.

See you on the Practice Tee!!!