Tiger's iron distances

[schmatt]

I think the conditions are what is making not only Tiger, but most pros, look like they can hit the ball 50 yards farther than everyone else. When you hit an iron shot downwind, especially a short iron, you are going to gain ~10% in distance. Not only that, but they are playing rock hard greens that require them to land the ball 10 to 20 yards short of the pin. If you really pay attention to both the conditions and where the ball actually lands, their distances are good, but nothing like the commentating is making them out to be.

[seve1972]

Steroids!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Sub-80]

I hit my 3-iron 260 once...

Once

The wind wasnt behind me, but there wasn't much of any wind that day anyway. The ground wasn't overly hard...and it wasn't downhill.

But to repeat...it was once. As others have said, who knows what the lofts of his irons are. I know my swing de-lofts the irons a bit too. I had one swing of the perfect storm...and the result is still something my buddy's talk about.

These guys can do that consistently...at least much more than I can. But I don't listen much to the pro iron distances...since I don't know their lofts.

My 3-iron was probably a 2-iron at impact...and my perfect swing...which shows itself far too rarely.

[bananapel]

[quote name='schmatt' timestamp='1339428891' post='5066986']
I think the conditions are what is making not only Tiger, but most pros, look like they can hit the ball 50 yards farther than everyone else. When you hit an iron shot downwind, especially a short iron, you are going to gain ~10% in distance. Not only that, but they are playing rock hard greens that require them to land the ball 10 to 20 yards short of the pin. If you really pay attention to both the conditions and where the ball actually lands, their distances are good, but nothing like the commentating is making them out to be.
[/quote]

Exactly. I'm on the + side so I play with a lot of very, very good ams/pros (nationwide and lower) and I'm usually the 2nd longest person with woods and my irons are slightly longer than theirs (using same lofts). To say TW hit a SW 140 yards when he normally does not hit anywhere close to that you (the commentators) aren't taking into any other conditions.

[SadTrombone]

I hit a 7 iron 205 yesterday. Down wind. The ball must have bounced 40' to the back of the green. Someone put me on Tour.

Sorry, it was 204...whatever.

[spitfisher]

[quote name='MadGolfer76' timestamp='1338865819' post='5031928']
Impressive until context sets in (downhill, wind, etc.) and then it is, well...still pretty good, but at least more believable. Using blades with (supposedly) weakened lofts no less.
[/quote]

Or simply hooding a club, anyone can do it.

[bscinstnct]

[quote name='spitfisher' timestamp='1339546851' post='5080380']
[quote name='MadGolfer76' timestamp='1338865819' post='5031928']
Impressive until context sets in (downhill, wind, etc.) and then it is, well...still pretty good, but at least more believable. Using blades with (supposedly) weakened lofts no less.
[/quote]

Or simply hooding a club, anyone can do it.
[/quote]

Take a guy who hits a 7i as far as TW

Then stick him on a PGA tour event on a Sunday with $1,000,000.00 on the line

Then (when the guy stops puking) tell him to hit the 7i 185yds but do

NOT hit it to the left side of the flag OR go more than 10ft past the pin

Then (once he is done puking) tell him to hit a fade because the wind is hurting a little from the right, btw maybe choke on a 6 since your adrenaline is up with all the cameras on you

And see what kind of shot he hits

[Vindog]

Are you really saying that average Joe's can't handle the pressure of Elite Professional Golf?

You don't say....

[bscinstnct]

[quote name='Vindog' timestamp='1339549176' post='5080706']
Are you really saying that average Joe's can't handle the pressure of Elite Professional Golf?

You don't say....
[/quote]

I'm saying, based on what I see, the majority of Pros can't handle the pressure.

[Vindog]

Neither could Tiger when he got YE Yang'd

heeeyaw!!!!!!!

(take it with a grain...either salt or alcohol, your choice)

[bscinstnct]

[quote name='Vindog' timestamp='1339550459' post='5080874']
Neither could Tiger when he got YE Yang'd

heeeyaw!!!!!!!

(take it with a grain...either salt or alcohol, your choice)
[/quote]

Ahh, but that was years ago.

Last time Tiger played

He was...well, you saw what he did.

73rd time he closed, was it?

[Redman]

[quote name='maxmw' timestamp='1339022534' post='5043540']
Driver: 285 yards (carry)
3 Wd: 265 yards (carry)
2 Iron: 245 yards
3 Iron: 230 yards
4 Iron: 220 yards
5 Iron: 208 yards
6 Iron: 190 yards
7 Iron: 172 yards
8 Iron: 158 yards
9 Iron: 142 yards
Pitching Wedge: 128 yards
Sand Wedge: 106 yards
Lob Wedge (60°): 92 yards

these are from 2007
[/quote]

Exactly - from 2007, back when Haney had him holding the grip in his left palm. He's picked up at least a club I think with the irons now that he's compressing it so much more.
And I'm not buying for one second anyone on here can hit the high towering iron shots Tiger does. Maybe the same distance once in a while, but don't believe the same consistent flush strike is being achieved.

[Vindog]

[quote name='bscinstnct' timestamp='1339551892' post='5081100']Ahh, but that was years ago.

[/quote]
Don't forget about him gettin Rock'd in January.

That perfect dome of well-groomedmanship imimidates the tiger in all of us...

[i]Robert Rock’s superb victory at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship marked the pinnacle of an astonishing ascent through the golfing ranks, [b]a journey that has seen the Englishman go from a complete unknown as a teaching professional to schooling Tiger down the stretch in the UAE.[/b][/i]

The Robert Rock effect?

[baseballfrk8998]

[quote name='Vindog' timestamp='1339553575' post='5081388']
[quote name='bscinstnct' timestamp='1339551892' post='5081100']Ahh, but that was years ago.

[/quote]
Don't forget about him gettin Rock'd in January.

That perfect dome of well-groomedmanship imimidates the tiger in all of us...

[i]Robert Rock’s superb victory at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship marked the pinnacle of an astonishing ascent through the golfing ranks, [b]a journey that has seen the Englishman go from a complete unknown as a teaching professional to schooling Tiger down the stretch in the UAE.[/b][/i]

The Robert Rock effect?
[/quote]

But he's never closed one out, right?

[Vindog]

[quote name='baseballfrk8998' timestamp='1339554146' post='5081468']But he's never closed one out, right?
[/quote]
who? Rocky? Sure did.

As the hair goes, so goes the man...unflappable

[baseballfrk8998]

[quote name='Vindog' timestamp='1339554352' post='5081498']
[quote name='baseballfrk8998' timestamp='1339554146' post='5081468']But he's never closed one out, right?
[/quote]
who? Rocky? Sure did.

As the hair goes, so goes the man...unflappable
[/quote]

So you're implying that you had no idea I was talking about Tiger?

Point proven.

[bscinstnct]

[quote name='Vindog' timestamp='1339553575' post='5081388']
[quote name='bscinstnct' timestamp='1339551892' post='5081100']Ahh, but that was years ago.

[/quote]
Don't forget about him gettin Rock'd in January.

That perfect dome of well-groomedmanship imimidates the tiger in all of us...

[i]Robert Rock’s superb victory at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship marked the pinnacle of an astonishing ascent through the golfing ranks, [b]a journey that has seen the Englishman go from a complete unknown as a teaching professional to schooling Tiger down the stretch in the UAE.[/b][/i]

The Robert Rock effect?
[/quote]

Robert Rock seems like a cool guy.

He has a good story to tell his grandkids one day.

I beat Tiger Woods.

They probably won't believe him, hope he saved the paper that day.

[Vindog]

[quote name='bscinstnct' timestamp='1339556256' post='5081692']Robert Rock seems like a cool guy.

He has a good story to tell his grandkids one day.

I beat Tiger Woods.

[b]They probably won't believe him, hope he saved the paper that day.[/b]
[/quote]

haHA

I like it!

[quote name='baseballfrk8998' timestamp='1339555833' post='5081646']
So you're implying that you had no idea I was talking about Tiger?

Point proven.
[/quote]

I might have if you knew proper use of pronouns. Without that, it's left open to interpretation.

The quote did contain Robert Rock, after all.

Nighty night!

[justinp766]

Why is everyone making a big deal about this?

Use the big muscles of your body and hit the ball flush and it will fly pretty damn far.

[mesquite2]

Check out this month's Golf Digest, it has Rory's "whats in the bag", says his 46* pw yardage is 138, 9 iron is 150, etc. its about conditions, some people just can't understand this, & about the wrong yardages given by announcers to make these guys seem like supemen.

[RacineBoxer]

[quote name='mesquite2' timestamp='1339767606' post='5098774']
Check out this month's Golf Digest, it has Rory's "whats in the bag", says his 46* pw yardage is 138, 9 iron is 150, etc. its about conditions, some people just can't understand this, & about the wrong yardages given by announcers to make these guys seem like supemen.
[/quote]


Every single time a tour pro gives their yardages for one of these articles, the yardages are "normal". Every time.

It's just the TV B.S. or an occassional down wind, down hill or purposely "nuked" shot that gets the noobs fired up that pro's hit everything ridiculously far. They usually don't.

[Brianm423]

[quote name='RacineBoxer' timestamp='1339768566' post='5098890']
[quote name='mesquite2' timestamp='1339767606' post='5098774']
Check out this month's Golf Digest, it has Rory's "whats in the bag", says his 46* pw yardage is 138, 9 iron is 150, etc. its about conditions, some people just can't understand this, & about the wrong yardages given by announcers to make these guys seem like supemen.
[/quote]


Every single time a tour pro gives their yardages for one of these articles, the yardages are "normal". Every time.

It's just the TV B.S. or an occassional down wind, down hill or purposely "nuked" shot that gets the noobs fired up that pro's hit everything ridiculously far. They usually don't.
[/quote]

Correct.

Here's a great example....not sure what # hole this is, but yesterday the par 3 which was playing 150 yards or so, Rory hit 8 iron. Donald hit 7 iron. It's all about the conditions and how the hole is being played that day.

[baseballfrk8998]

[quote name='mesquite2' timestamp='1339767606' post='5098774']
Check out this month's Golf Digest, it has Rory's "whats in the bag", says his 46* pw yardage is 138, 9 iron is 150, etc. its about conditions, some people just can't understand this, & about the wrong yardages given by announcers to make these guys seem like supemen.
[/quote]

I disagree with that [b]100%[/b].

I hit my clubs the same yardages as the 2 you've mentioned and there's no way I'm as long as Rory. 46* about 140 carry, 42* 9 iron about 150 carry in calm conditions only 400 feet above sea level.

[Iggypop]

I have a good friend I play with who is scratch and he hits the ball miles. In cold Scottish conditions.
He is not particularly fit by his own standards at the moment but he is helluva strong.
I'll not go into distances and I've mentioned it in other threads - but basically he has enormous club head speed and a good technique = very long.
Now Tiger has everything "fitted" perfect balls & good conditions - but it's his clubheads speed - which he had as a kid, with great technique & fitness. I've watched Tiger close and he is long!

[Vince.Cole]

[quote name='maxmw' timestamp='1339022534' post='5043540']
Driver: 285 yards (carry)
3 Wd: 265 yards (carry)
2 Iron: 245 yards
3 Iron: 230 yards
4 Iron: 220 yards
5 Iron: 208 yards
6 Iron: 190 yards
7 Iron: 172 yards
8 Iron: 158 yards
9 Iron: 142 yards
Pitching Wedge: 128 yards
Sand Wedge: 106 yards
Lob Wedge (60°): 92 yards

these are from 2007
[/quote]

Rorys 3wood is past 300. Tour pros have crazy distance. could it be the playing conditions?

[QMany]

[quote name='rianco' timestamp='1339872128' post='5108170']
[quote name='maxmw' timestamp='1339022534' post='5043540']
Driver: 285 yards (carry)
3 Wd: 265 yards (carry)
2 Iron: 245 yards
3 Iron: 230 yards
4 Iron: 220 yards
5 Iron: 208 yards
6 Iron: 190 yards
7 Iron: 172 yards
8 Iron: 158 yards
9 Iron: 142 yards
Pitching Wedge: 128 yards
Sand Wedge: 106 yards
Lob Wedge (60°): 92 yards

these are from 2007
[/quote]

Rorys 3wood is past 300. Tour pros have crazy distance. could it be the playing conditions?
[/quote]

Wrong.

Rory averages 303 with the Driver. http://www.pgatour.com/golfers/028237/rory-mcilroy/performance-stats/

[Paranorml]

[quote name='QMany' timestamp='1339881106' post='5108792']
[quote name='rianco' timestamp='1339872128' post='5108170']
[quote name='maxmw' timestamp='1339022534' post='5043540']
Driver: 285 yards (carry)
3 Wd: 265 yards (carry)
2 Iron: 245 yards
3 Iron: 230 yards
4 Iron: 220 yards
5 Iron: 208 yards
6 Iron: 190 yards
7 Iron: 172 yards
8 Iron: 158 yards
9 Iron: 142 yards
Pitching Wedge: 128 yards
Sand Wedge: 106 yards
Lob Wedge (60°): 92 yards

these are from 2007
[/quote]

Rorys 3wood is past 300. Tour pros have crazy distance. could it be the playing conditions?
[/quote]

Wrong.

Rory averages 303 with the Driver. http://www.pgatour.com/golfers/028237/rory-mcilroy/performance-stats/
[/quote]

You're wrong. http://www.pgatour.com/r/stats/info/?02409

Carry distance as stated in the article. 303 includes roll out.

[bobsuruncle]

distance is useless if you're not consistent, and TW's distance control with the short irons are just awful.

[baseballfrk8998]

[quote name='bobsuruncle' timestamp='1339902762' post='5111210']
distance is useless if you're not consistent, and TW's distance control with the short irons are just awful.
[/quote]

Wedges are bad, his short irons are fine. He's absolutely terrible from <130

[schmatt]

It's all conditions. The tour guys play everything firm and fast. If you are playing a course where everything stops on a dime and has little if any rollout, of course you'll be amazed by their distances. I play in Texas, where everything is firm and fast. I have a poor clubhead speed, but the ball rolls out a ton and I end up with a decent distance. Also, if you've ever played brand new greens, you will get a good idea of how the greens play for these tour players. The ball is impossible to stop, even with a wedge. You have to play for 10+ yards of release. Now add in down wind.

These guys are longer than average, but not the 30-40 yards with irons and 100 yards with driver the commentators make it out to be. If you watch a tournament where it has rained a lot, you will get an idea of what their true distances are.