2006 PGA stats from Golf World

[limpalong]

Having no life... other than golf... and sitting in a motel room all week, allowed me to peruse the 2006 PGA statistics. Here are some conclusions...

The top performers in GIR's, birdies per round, sand saves, and driver accuracy were all in the top 13 on the money list. The top performer in driving distance was #90. The second longest hitter was #59.

The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd performers in driving accuracy/fairways hit were all in the top 50.

On the LPGA only 1 of the top driver distance leaders was in the top 20 money winners. Yet, 5 of the leaders in GIR and putts per GIR were in the top 10 money winners. Two of the top 10 money winners were leaders in driver accuacy/fairways hit.

Both of these tours play considerably different course lengths. Yet, both tours statistics show length is overrated. The single most important stat to earn the big bucks on either tour is GIR's, followed by driver accuracy. Hummm! Does that mean you hit more greens from the short grass?? Duh!!

We continue on DB's to witness the search for length. If I only hit my driver 250, no one would believe I could break 100. We complain about the USGA limiting COR and, hence, limiting distance. We tought the newest and best "square headed" driver as being 10 yards longer. We tought the newest shaft fitted to our specific launch angle as giving us another 7 to 8 yards. Once again, I cannot over emphasize the importance of putting your drive in the fairway and hitting GIR's. As the annual report has been released by the PGA, perhaps it is a good time for all of us weekenders to look past the driver and study in more depth how we get on the green in a single swing from 150 in.

Just some points for discussion....

[JEFF4i]

Quite interesting. Good statistics all in all, especially the GIR, Birdies, and sand saves.

However, don't let anyone ever tell you that size doesn't matter. It's just something that the shorter people say to make themselves feel better.

[MCDavis]

Thanks for the stats.

I saw this Sunday when I noticed that I had 36 putts (only 2 - 3 putt greens) for 18, drove fairly well, but still shot a 96. Gee, what could the problem have been?

btw, 36 is a little high for me...like to be around 30-32.

[limpalong]

Originally Posted by JEFF4i

However, don't let anyone ever tell you that size doesn't matter. It's just something that the shorter people say to make themselves feel better.

I beg your pardon! I resemble that remark!!!! LOL

[ezra76]

I've hit more fairways my last 2 rounds and hit greens a lot easier. I basically can take a 5i or 6i off the fairway more accurately than a 9i from the rough. There is definitely something to be said for laying back and taking it in with a longer iron from the FW.

[gregfletch]

Really good post and very true - the quest for distance is not as important as accuracy but.....

My biggest challenge right now is because I'm so short off the tee (200 max), my approaches to almost all par four holes are over 150 yards - that is my 7 Wood! Result is few GIRs and while I'm a great putter, PAR is really tough.....

Sure, I can lay up and try wedges into the green, but that means five is about the best I can hope for and everything for a PAR must be a one putt - and that is a lot of pressure....

Add to that the problem of any par 3 over 150 yards and it is pretty tough to get to where I would like to be....

No - I don't play from the back tees and all I'm trying to do is consistantly break 90 - but it is tough if you don't have distance off the tee...

[ezra76]

See a pro if you haven't already. There are so many options for shaft/heads out now for slower swing speeds. You may pick up close to 20yds. just by going with a crazy sounding 12* driver and a high-launch shaft. I've played with quite a few older players that I'm a good 4 clubs longer than in irons, yet they consistantly put it out there 230+ with the driver. These guys have spent a few extra bucks on the right driver for them though.

[VtDivot]

Originally Posted by limpalong

We continue on DB's to witness the search for length. If I only hit my driver 250, no one would believe I could break 100. We complain about the USGA limiting COR and, hence, limiting distance. We tought the newest and best "square headed" driver as being 10 yards longer. We tought the newest shaft fitted to our specific launch angle as giving us another 7 to 8 yards. Once again, I cannot over emphasize the importance of putting your drive in the fairway and hitting GIR's. As the annual report has been released by the PGA, perhaps it is a good time for all of us weekenders to look past the driver and study in more depth how we get on the green in a single swing from 150 in.

Just some points for discussion....

Don't kid yourself. I bet your local muni is no Torrey Pines. Length and forgiveness is exactly what the average amateur needs to help them score better. I'll take a wedge from any lie in the rough over a 7 iron from the tight grass every day

[Eracer]

I agree with the assessment that driving accuracy is more important than driving distance. The experiment I did this year where I teed off with a 4-iron on most every par-4 and par 5 taught me that. Ball in fairway = better scoring chance. No doubt in my mind. But - and this is big - that strategy only works if one is happy with bogey on the par 4's. Most of us should be. If we manage our games, and play for par only the 3's and 5's, we will break 90 most of the time. But the better golfers among us are playing for par (or better) on every hole. And to do that requires a solid, consistent driver. Being able to hit one's driver 280 yards and hit the fairway most of the time is a huge weapon to have in the bag. The trick for them is to know when to leave the driver in the bag. A 400 yard hole with a narrow fairway and trouble on both sides demands that even the better player throttle back and focus on an accurate (if shorter) tee shot. The better player can shoot par in that situation much more easily than the player who only hits the ball 200 yards off the tee with a driver, only occasionally finding the fairway. Neither player should hit driver in that case, but for very different reasons.

[limpalong]

Originally Posted by Eracer

I agree with the assessment that driving accuracy is more important than driving distance.

And, it depends so much on the course/courses we play. So many of the PGA venues are wide open. They can 'bomb and gouge' and score. One of the courses in our area is long and difficult. But, the carries demand driver on every 4 and 5. No trees... fairly wide fairways... you live and die by your driver. Another challenging venue is much shorter. But some holes are tight and tree lined while a couple are more open. That course demands strategy over strength! The tree-lined 4's must be played from the fairway. An errant driver will add at least 2 strokes to the hole. My scores don't vary between the two courses. Playing them both repeatedly, I'll be within 2 or 3 strokes back and forth between them. Yet, the longer course has a much higher slope rating????!!!!!

I really think your entire post is great! I don't know how many folks I've played with over the years who would be better off finding a fairway with a 5-iron than banging the first OB off the tee and the 2nd into trouble. Yet, if you listen to the commentators on any PGA event, you would think we amateurs should adopt the 'bomb and gouge' mentality of the pros. Most of us can't dunk a basketball so, if playing that game, would do well to work on outside shots. Many of the weekend players can't find 14 fairways with the driver and would be better off strategizing how best to play from the short grass.

Just makes some interesting discussion....

[demon]

All of this debate is dependent on your skill level and confidence you have in your clubs while you are in the thick stuff. When I miss a fairway it is usually in either the first cut or the rough and rarely the rough is ever thicker than 3 - 4 inches and that stuff is no big deal to me. Usually in the thick stuff if I am on a long par 5 (greater than 550 yards) that I am using a 2 - iron instead of a 3 - wood of course it is dependent on the lie and if there are any obstructions with my ball flight. Most par 5's I am either on in two or sitting greenside rough/sandtrap in two, I would bet that on Par 5's I am at least 80% GIR. Ooo, another stat to track. Some of you would be surprised on what area of your game needs improvement, this is why it is good to keep stats since golf is not all about the swing.

[JEFF4i]

Originally Posted by demon

All of this debate is dependent on your skill level and confidence you have in your clubs while you are in the thick stuff. When I miss a fairway it is usually in either the first cut or the rough and rarely the rough is ever thicker than 3 - 4 inches and that stuff is no big deal to me. Usually in the thick stuff if I am on a long par 5 (greater than 550 yards) that I am using a 2 - iron instead of a 3 - wood of course it is dependent on the lie and if there are any obstructions with my ball flight. Most par 5's I am either on in two or sitting greenside rough/sandtrap in two, I would bet that on Par 5's I am at least 80% GIR. Ooo, another stat to track. Some of you would be surprised on what area of your game needs improvement, this is why it is good to keep stats since golf is not all about the swing.

Also depends on the course.

How much is it going to punish you for going astray, and further, as you said, how confident are you?