distance

i am hitting a lot straighter than i used to do , but i have lost my distance ,why is this ?

Why not - if you are straighter than you were it should mean that you score better. A long inaccurate drive will cost you one or two shots every time, a shorter, straighter hit rarely costs you anything as you are where you should be, on the fairway.

 Question is - is the difference so great that you are actually scoring worse?

 p.s. there's nothing more satisfying than hitting another drive down the middle and your mates saying "boring" - then taking the money at the 18th!

Is it not because a slight draw on the ball actually increases distance?

& contrary to the post above (and im not one to argue) but i specifically remember watching a doumentary on the golf channel (RIP) that stated based on statistical data that long of the tee was better than accuracy. Bearing in mind that just left or just right of the fairway isnt actually that bad a place to be, hazards aside. I wish this were not the case not being a big hitter myself but its just what i heard.

Obviously very inacurate shots dont help anybody.

I also watched a documetary recently where Tiger Woods explained that due to the low spin in the air of modern balls a fade is as good as a draw now for longer distance. This is good news for me cause i have a massive fade.

Im sure that CW could provide some nuggets of wisdom from his club pro on this matter.

Col 

Will be working on a mathematical moddel for this theory tomorrow.

Long probably IS better than accurate in US pro tournaments as their courses (and their "semi-rough" and lack of undergrowth under trees) are set up to minimise the penalty and enhance the spectacle. Also, at that level, long is unlikely to penalise a player often in a tournament whereas taking a 4-iron many times when the long guys are taking 9's will destroy you.

 That doesn't have a lot to do with amateurs like us playing on courses with severely damaging rough - if I'm 15 yards off the fairway on my course I hope I've taken a provisional because I would be very lucky to be able to get my ball out in two more strokes.

As James is 28 handicap any answer should be to benefit him and his improving game and this has to be to enhance his new straight hitting. When his confidence in hitting or just missing the fairway is established he'll hit with more authority and hence longer - in the meantime he'll be practising hitting long shots to the green rather than hacking wedges out of thick grass.

 Finding out what is best for yourself in golf is easy - try it and keep score. One-handed putting if your distance judgement is bad. Lining your feet up with the other side of the fairway if you always hit a big slice or hook and let your subconscious make the correction (you'll hit it straighter as your swing will be along the intended line of flight). Taking the club back to 90% of your usual backswing, you'll probably gain power AND accuracy.

 Must try to remember this tomorrow!

James,

The cold contributes to loss of distance during winter so unless its a massive loss it may just be this.

I like to keep my balls warm in my pocket - not that it helps much but at least I feel as if I am doing something to aid distance....

NWOT.................