Club Yardage Optimization: Fine-Tuning Distances for Improved Golf Performance

Question
Hi,

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Thanks for your previous advise, I am finally able to get the club more in the correct swing plane.

It has been over 2 months since I have been working with my current coach and I am now transferring my weight to the left better and able to get the club down square faster thanks to the focus on my fundamentals (takeaway, set-up position, grip pressure, grip, body and spine angle).

The next step is determining the yardages (we use meters here), on the clubs. I wonder what is the correct distances that my clubs should get. specifically, what distances should I get with my clubs that can help me increase the birdies chances. What are the distances that the touring pros are getting?

With thanks,
MY Chooi


Answer
Hi MY, nice to hear from you.  I am glad to hear things are going well.

When it comes to determining yardages with your clubs, that involves a good deal of trial and error on the practice range.  If you have access to a range finder, like a Bushnell, that is helpful.  You need to calculate your carry distances with each club.  Ideally, you have a 10-12 yard gap with each, starting with your SW going down to your long irons, fairway metals and driver.

I don't know exactly what the pro's yardages are.  You have to realize that their clubs are tweaked in different ways with lofts and shafts.....everyone is different.

I can give you my distances though:

    SW:  98
    GW:  110
    PW:  123
    9I:  138
    8I:  151
    7I:  164
    6I:  176
    5I:  187
    4I:  197
    5W:  215
    3W:  240
    1W:  261 (carry)

My club head speed with a 5I is 92mph and my driver head speed is 105mph.

You need to find out what your distances are, and when you do, you will find that your scoring chances will greatly improve!  Keep up the good work, and have a great holiday.

Sincerely,

Rick Williams