Golfers are constantly looking for that quick fix or “secret sauce” that will instantly take their game to the next level. But ask any experienced instructor or accomplished player, and they’ll tell you there’s no magic tip that can replace hard work.
With that said, there are smart, efficient ways to practice that will help you fast-track your progress. And according to Monique Thoresz, a GOLF Teacher to Watch, there’s one key stat every golfer should know if they want to play better: your average carry distance with every club.
This critical data can help your game in more ways than one. Here’s why that information matters more than you might think.
1. It gives you a real understanding of your game.
“Most amateurs don’t know how far they hit their clubs,” Thoresz says, “and if you’re going out to try and shoot your best scores possible, you need to know basic facts [like carry distance] about your game.”
Foundational knowledge—like your average carry yardages—will help you increase your awareness of your game, which will help you be more intentional on the course and the practice range.
2. It helps you make better on-course decisions.
This, again, feels obvious, but it’s worth hammering home. Knowing your carry numbers is critical in situations where precision matters — which is nearly every golf shot. When you find yourself having to hit over a hazard or onto a firm green, you’ll thank yourself for having your yardages dialed in beforehand.
Not only will you have better club selection, but you’ll also be able to mitigate risk and adjust your course strategy for the conditions.
3. It ensures your equipment is right for your game.
Knowing your average distances can help you identify overlaps or significant gaps between your clubs. So when you work with a fitter you can ensure you build a bag that’s efficient, consistent and supports your needs from tee to green.
4. It builds confidence
Don’t underestimate the effect that confidence—or a lack of confidence—can have on your performance. When you know your carry distances, you can trust your decisions and avoid second-guessing when the pressure is on.
5. It keeps your game sharp year-round
Calibrating your yardages consistently helps you track changes due to swing adjustments, weather or equipment tweaks. Which is why Thoresz says it’s important to dial in your distances ahead of off-season.
“Before you embark on any swing changes, you kind of want to know some basics about how far you carry the ball,” she says.
Regularly updating your carry data keeps your game consistent and your practice purposeful. As a rule of thumb, Thoresz says it’s a good idea to check your yardages three or four times a year—or as frequently as every month if you’re serious about your game.
6. It creates focused practice sessions
Tracking carry distances turns your practice sessions into something that’s measurable and meaningful, which is key—especially for newer golfers.
“Some people might think, ‘I’m not good enough to do that.’ But I think that undergoing this exercise really makes you connect to your practice a little bit more,” Thoresz says.
Which can give beginners the validation that they are getting better, even if the scorecard isn’t reflecting it. Having this kind of data-driven practice can keep you motivated and able to see the “invisible gains” you’re making.
7. It’s a hallmark of every good player.
Simply put, knowing your carry yardages is something all of the best golfers in the world do.
“There’s no good player that wouldn’t know how far they carry their particular club,” Thoresz says, “So, yeah, I think it’s a critical piece of information that you need to sort of get to that next level.”
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“I KNOW THAT FULL SWING IS MEASURING MY GOLF BALL, NOT GUESSING AT IT.”- Tiger Woods
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