A common question we get is, “Will increasing my clubhead speed and hitting longer drives actually help me lower my scores?” The answer is a resounding yes! Let’s break down why that’s the case.
The Importance of Longer Drives
When we look at ball striking, especially from a strokes gained perspective, the longer you hit off the tee, the better your chances of setting up a scoring opportunity. Here’s how:
1. Par 5s: Reaching in Two or Setting Up a Better Approach
If you can hit your drives 10, 15, or even 20 yards further, it opens up more possibilities. For many players, this means shorter approach shots on par 5s. Instead of having to lay up, you might be able to reach the green in two, giving you a chance for eagle or an easy birdie.
For players who already have enough distance to go for it, those extra yards might mean swapping a long iron or hybrid for a mid or short iron. Shorter clubs are easier to control, meaning you’ll be more accurate and have a better chance of getting closer to the pin.
2. Par 4s: Shorter Clubs, More Birdie Chances
Most golfers have certain par 4s at their home course where they typically pull out a mid or short iron for their approach. By increasing your clubhead speed and driving distance, you’re more likely to be hitting wedges or shorter irons into these greens.
Statistically, you’ll hit your pitching wedge closer to the hole than your 7 or 8 iron, and closer approaches mean more birdie chances.
3. Par 3s: Turning Long Holes into Manageable Shots
We’ve all played courses with long par 3s that demand hybrids, long irons, or even fairway woods. Imagine turning those into more manageable shots where you can hit a 7 iron instead of a 4 iron. That’s what more distance can do for you.
Hitting a shorter club means better accuracy, a better chance of hitting the green, and ultimately, more chances to score lower.
Why It Matters
In every scenario—whether you’re playing a long par 5, a challenging par 4, or a daunting par 3—the key takeaway is that longer drives lead to shorter clubs into greens. With shorter clubs, you’re more likely to hit your targets, get closer to the pin, and ultimately, have easier putts to convert those birdies and pars.
The goal with increasing clubhead speed isn’t just to hit longer drives for the sake of it; it’s to give you more opportunities to score. That’s why hitting longer drives can help you shoot lower scores.
So, if you’re looking to make a real difference in your game, focus on adding a few extra yards to your drives. It could be the key to breaking through to lower scores. 🏌️💪
Want to learn even more about how gaining distance with SuperSpeed swing speed training can impact your game? Read this on-course study Dr. Tyler Standifird did with Shot Scope here.
