Great advice Chad, drives me crazy watching amateur golfers trying the hero shots and blasting it off the planet. Partial shots are the way forward Chad, I do it with almost every shot, much more control 👍🏴
Excellent video mate. One of the best things anyone can do is know your distances of half swings from 7 iron down. Proper what you individually feels like a half swing so you can replicate it over and over, don't just half your normal distance with a club. It can make you pretty deadly from 150 in
Some the best common sense on course management I've heard in a long time. If we play to our "average" lengths we will be much less stressed all the way home! First time posting to your channel, but it won't be the last.
I accepted your chalenge to watch the video. I used to be very poor with my par 5 scoring. it was the worse for me. I thought about it and looked online and on utube videos and saw the thinking is to do your best to get as close to the green for your 2nd shot where possible. I have improved my par 5 scoring, but what has helped more is getting off the tee and in play. If you can get a tee shot around 200 yds in play, then it becomes a short par 4. there are times I use my 7 wood to get it in play. Other times the 5 wood. For me the most important is getting that tee shot in play. Some holes you should know if it fits your shape. Then go for it with Driver.
Thank you for that honest introduction! Tired of all those hit it ‘300 Yards’ captions. But… I do miss those experimental swing methods you were doing. I hope some day you try Steve Johnston’s Eureka Golf as a test. Always like your perspective 👍
Managing the course is not what a lot of players come to the course to do They want the long ball most of the shots I agree with you 100% …play smart and know your clubs distances I’m proud to say I’m one of those 14 who watch this video
@@JeffPassageCPA If the body is not moving correctly in the golf swing…how can the ball go long The body is a moving machine in our daily lives and is so in golf Knowing the machines moving parts and how to use them … is where we start Long ball will come
Just starting, and having learned my lesson in past (non golf) endeavors, I know that fooling myself into my “perceived” ability is a reliable road to only frustration. This is a MUST WATCH for me. Thank you!
This is great advice for me. At the end of my round I look at my score card and notice I have one or two bogey / double bogeys on the par fives because I always play low percentage shots. Pride is an awful thing.
The main thing I have been doing lately is tracking how far I hit each club on average. Spent a lot of time playing par 3 courses to dial in my short clubs. Just doing that has helped my overall game on the full course. Yesterday I won closest to the pin because I knew what my range was for my clubs. A realistic sense of your ability is something it took me a LONG time to come to terms with. At 53 years old I don't need to go swinging for the fences when a base hit will score a run. I took a class with some PGA pros and they stressed (especially on the putting green) "Don't try to sink the 30' putt for birdie every time. Put the ball close enough to the hole to make par. Even if you bogey every hole, your still shooting in the high 80's/low 90's." I say all this as a straight assumption of what your video was probably about, because I didn't watch a second of it.
One of the best golf videos I have watched. I kinda knew what was coming from the title and I wasn't wrong. I have a par 5 on my course that I cannot reach in 2 shots 95 percent of the time, however 95 percent of the time I hit drive, 5 iron and that leaves me a nice yardage for a 9 or wedge. 50 percent of the time I get birdie. No pictures on a scorecard folks..
I’ve been going for greens in two a few times and yes I’ve hit greens and had very easy 2 putt birdies. However, I will only do this IF I have a good number I can comfortably hit, I can leave it in a good spot if i miss it, and most importantly, if I have a good lie. If I’m even slightly out of position, we lay up and try to make birdie the hard way.
It's easy to go into the Arccos app and delete the clear mishits... the 120 yard drive was a mishit. It gets harder for the better than average ones! Did I just really crush that driver 270, or because it was being downwind and downhill mean I should delete it from the average? Probably yes, but every hole has wind and elevation change, so the question becomes what to include and what to exclude? It's all subjective choices and makes me far less comfortable with my data, not having a launch monitor at home to get consistent dry-ball data to go with. That said, it's great advice to know and play your real distances and plan holes backwards to get the approach you want into a green. I've found that as a mediocre putter, the best way to limit putts is to chip it close on the approach, and that takes planning.
Another great video. I'm a long hitter but, occasionally I miss. Par is still pretty easy when you consider 3 shot to get there and tucked in close 2 putts is a realistic number if you can putt. Putting practice is boring until you figure out the handicap gains the flatstick is responsible for
@@GolfTestDummy hunan nature being what it is, the driving range is full of guys that hit 10 balls with a 7 iron and the rest of the balls with the driver. Some of my playing partners do exactly that. One of my friends has never driven more than 220yards but he's a legitimate 2.1 handicap. He's so accurate from 150, his putter doesn't feel much stress. About 5 years ago I thought I had him beat since I was almost always 100 yards ahead of him and can usually reach par 5's in 2 with ease. I learned what humble pie tastes like. Now I'm a 2 handicap by following his sniper shooting techniques. How about this idea for a video idea. Take a short hitting sniper vs a long bomber. Play 9 and compare scorecards. I'd put money on the sniper! If your viewers are actually interested in lower scores, they'll tear a page out of my playbook! From 150 and in, the flatstick work will do so much more than a new $600+ driver that gets inches not yards further.
Another good video. You may want to talk about what a realistic score actually is. Pretty sure the average score for male amateurs is still around 100. If you add 2 strokes to the holes with stroke index 1-9 and 1 stroke to holes with index 10-18 you're going to break 100. Most golfers can do this without changing anything about their game but their mindset. Bogey golf gets you to 90. Follow your advice here and practice putting and you're shooting in the 80s.
Yeah, a lot of golfers are unaware of how to actually drop strokes or even strategize like you laid out. The last time I looked, the average amateur male handicap was 14.2. I honestly find that a little hard to believe. I would guess it's much closer to 24.
Interesting concept. I would prefer the 4 hybrid, my next club down from the driver. I am generally able to hit it pretty well off the fairway. But definitely a good policy to follow. Play the best shot of getting on GIR and then putting reasonably well
Good advice. I work at a course and far too many young guns thinking they are Kyle Berkshire or Martin Boreman hahaha. Some of if my best golf regulars are older guys who understand their abilities, averages, and play the course correctly. Be honest with yourself - best results!
Chad - thanks for all your content. Throughly enjoy it. Wanted to check in and see how you like your Garmin R10. Looking to set up a similar setup. Thanks !!
I have heard a few accounts of people having issues, but I gotta say; Mine has been absolutely awesome. The distances I get match up with what I see on course and I love playing and practicing on it.
You just nailed it on the head the way I’m already tackling the course this year. I didn’t even use my driver the other day, and my game was great minus my chipping around the green. But that’s another problem. LOL! For the 12 other people watching this video, try having an open mind to playing from the green backwards hitting only the shots you’re comfortable with. Keep up the good work bud!
Nice elaboration on some solid basic principles of scoring. You followed a simple, concise approach and made it look pretty simple. Also, you might have an extra 20 or so in your driver by trying to hit it 230. Bryson was a pretty good example today on 15 of how thinking the wrong way can get you into a lot of trouble (on a par 5 to boot) so the video was kind of timely. And I don't think that many of us are going to hit that last shot too often. Cheers.
@@GolfTestDummy No, I actually meant Bryson's holeout at 18 to, sort of, somewhat makeup for the debacle at 15 and the bogie at 16. In other words, most of us won't have such a stroke of fortune after mismanaging a par 5. The wedge was good though and I liked the way you drove it in low-ish. Cheers.
Great content -- this is 100% the way. I spent way too much time at the range the last few years with minimal improvement in scoring. I knew all this from a strategy perspective but haven't even taken the time to use my flightscope mevo to get really serious about partial distances. On my docket now for this week, as I've been spending 90% of time now on putting and chipping.
It's such a cliché, but truly, in the amateur game, inside of 100 yards, pitching, and putting are the way to drop strokes. The pros are different, because it's an arms race for distance. 540 yard par 4s and 680 yard par 5s. They are all so good around the greens and putting, that it comes down to better, longer positioning off the tee.
This is so true. I hit it very long. I am able to reach a par 5 in 2 in 95% of the times. But when I play with my higher handicap friends, they always want to go driver, 3 wood or driver, driver off the deck. And it kills me. I always tell them to go driver, mid iron, whatever iron you have left. I've even played par 5s with three 6 irons just to show them it doesn't have to be driver to 3 wood. Most of them hit their 7 iron almost as far as their driver. Be honest with yourself about your game and you will have way more fun.
longest drive i ever hit was 240 and that is with the roll out. I am 65 now I drive 180 to 195 yards I shot a 79 last week on a course I was averaging 90+..I started practicing putting and irons and swinging as hard as I can.My body is now flexible again. Just play your game
I do exactly what you're saying. I try and lay up to a number I like. It could 100 meters. In practice round, I might play 3 Wood and also 5 or 6 irons.
Excellent advice. Even after just having had rotator cuff surgery that I should've had 40 years ago, my total driving distance is about 220-240. Even playing the from senior tees (I'm 65) I could MAYBE reach the green with my second shot, IF maybe I hit the best shot of my life with a 3 Wood, which I can never hit straight when the ball is on the ground. 😂 What I do is take my 5 Iron or 4 Hybrid and hit a "punchy-punchy" that barely rises to head-height but always goes straight and runs down the fairway leaving me a shot inside 50-75 yards, with a fairway lie.
for the weekend player, the 2nd shot on a par 5 is key. it sets you up for that wedge or 9 into the green, which most amateurs can do quite well it practiced. 2 putts for an almost sure par, possible bird.
If I hit a drive 200 yards, it is usually pulled left. 180 is where I top out on a good day so I try to focus on doing better with my second shot and approach shots. On par 5s, my goal is usually to get my third shot within 6 or 7 iron range
Good video Chad, I’m not good at those 50-70 yard shots and I don’t have a club I can hit 240 off the fairway, it’s hard sometimes to be disciplined enough to hit a 140 yard layup to that 100 yard shot I am good at
OMG I hit really short, like 150 with a 3W that stays in the fairway and not much longer with my 1988 driver. I want to get a modern driver and see if I can get at least 200 off the tee (with control). Even with all that, I shoot from the forward men's tees and par or bogey par 5s. Staying in play and knowing your distances on the short approaches works.
Knowing your yardage is key to the best golf for each of us. Even if you exaggerate your yardage distance to others, be honest with yourself. Also, focus on course strategy, and it’ll help your game tremendously. We are not Tour Pros, so the objective for us is to have fun and stop trying to compare ourselves to the elite. Remember, when you play this most difficult game, your opponent is the course and never the other players, so ignore them and play the course. The exception may be Match Play. Cheers.
lol a guy at the range asked me how far I hit my 6i. I told him between 155 - 170 (carry). I play all year long and my distances are different from week to week. 😅😂
Yeah, most of us amateurs are going to have a range, rather than being really really tight with each distance. Plus, conditions and time of year will affect it.
Be careful with averages too. For example my drives are 250 to 265ave. But, my average PW shows 130s, it isn't. Closer to 150-160. My Garmin watch often selects the wrong clubs. Counts pitch shots in the average, counts solid shots with club x that hit a tree as x yards. Just saying using averages can be tricky too without a qualifying statement.
Yeah, that's a garbage number with driver on my sim for some reason. I've said it in previous videos that, ball speed and yardage is good, but clubhead speed and smash are hit and miss. Can't trust it.
Dang my ego. You're exactly right, most often we think we're going to hit a "good" shot. We hardly ever think, where is my " normal" shot going to put. But I have been thinking that way for some time. It's really more enjoyable now. Thanks for the time and video. I appreciate it! ❤️🏌️✌️
Knowing your distances and what you can and can't do honestly, is a huge deal. All falls in that course management mindset. It can mean the difference between losing and winning, especially against younger, grip it and rip it let's see what happens guys. They struggle to break a 15 handicap but us old guys are playing scratch 😏
@@GolfTestDummy lol..true. I used to hit those almost 400 yards in my younger days...now I'm happy to stay around 250 and in the middle of the fairway...lay up and go for birdie.
Hez taking bout smart ⛳️ . . . I'm 1 of thoze stoopid heads that just tryz 2 knock the snotz outta the ball . . . Sumtimes i get rewarded wit' a gr8 shot . . . But i ends up in the woods a lotta times 2 . . . 😆
My observation: most people think if your score starts with the number "7" you are 'good'. So they play forward tees to have a chance of hitting a par-5 in two shots (concerning the topic of this video). Either par-5's were designed to be 3 shots (to the green) or the "par" for the hole (and the course) are irrelevant. IMHO, if you're reaching all the par-5's in 2 then you are either, a) a plus index player, b) playing the wrong tees, or c) want to play the course like you see the pro's do on TV. So be it. Just be realistic about things.
@@GolfTestDummy so nice sometimes to see. Curious what would you do when playing a long par 4 also a mid to high handicaper? When playing it safe i most of the time F up.
Everything is kinda situational, right? But, if I had a 420 yard par 4, fairly straight, fairly level, etc., I'd hit my mini driver, because it's pretty dependable. I'd likely be left with about 180 or so in. That's 6 iron distance for me, and I'm comfortable with that club. But, for average golfers, 220 off the tee, I'd hit 6 iron in, be a bit short, and pitch up to have a shot at par. If I bogey, no big deal.
If you are not going to hit your mini driver off of the turf. Why have one in your bag? Take a 10k driver and cut 3 inches off of the butt end. Then add 25 grams of lead tape to the heel and toe back away from the face. And now you have a 12k fairway finder. Please try this. I have been unable to get any youtuber to try this. I did this years ago with my g25 driver. And love it. The mini driver is a contradiction. It has a shorter shaft for better consistency. Then they shrink the head which makes it less forgiving. Smh
I thought the EXACT same thing.... before I tried one. However, I may be a bit of an anomaly. The mini, in theory, makes very little sense to me. But, I've tried a bunch of different drivers, and never found much consistentcy or good distances. The bigger head on modern drivers are like swinging a balloon on a stick for me. So much air drag. So hut 3 wood, right? Then, the face I too shallow, and it can lead to some missed strikes. With every driver I've tried over the last 5 years, I've never been able to consistently get much more than 230 to 240 out of them. But, with the mini, and I have played 2 rounds the last 2 days, I'm consistently over 240, with several at 265 to 280. It makes no sense, but it has revolutionized my game off the tee.
@@GolfTestDummy I wonder what the COR IS OF THE MINI. I hit my 3 inch shorter driver as far as my full length driver. I feel so much more connected with it. Think about it this way. How many pros use a 46 inch driver? Very few... If i pro thinks a 46 inch driver is too long. What makes anyone think that a weekend worrior can handle a 45.25 inch driver. When shortening a 45.5 inch driver by 3 inches. That is 6.5%. But if you calculate including the length of your left arm and length of driver. It might only be about 3.5% shorter. The shorter shaft also makes the swing more simular to your iron swing that you use much more during a round of golf and practice. You must have an old driver around. Cut it down and add the weight and give it a try. I never did add the required weight to maintain the swing weight. But i plan to this spring. Golf is just going in Minnesota. Shortening an old driver would make an interesting show. And might help a lot of golfers. I also recommend a jumbo light grip. A regular grip now feels like a pencil
The problem with the "strokes gained" crowd is they don't spend enough time emphasizing the most important part: "get it as close as you can, WITHOUT PENALTY." For higher-handicap golfers, penalties consist of a lot more than just OB or a penalty area. Hitting their ball in the trees is almost certainly a penalty (shot to chip out). Deep rough or "crap" is almost certainly a penalty. Being on an uneven lie may be a penalty. Even approaching the green from a bad angle may be a penalty because they don't have the skill and either chunk it or blade it into another terrible spot. Finally, a 15-handicap who decides to hit a 3-wood to "get it close to the green" is FAR more likely to top it or hit it 45-degrees into SEVERE trouble, than they are to get it down close for an easy chip on.
Very good points. Position is just so crucial. Play to prime positions. Like the doctors oath; First, do no harm. In golf, I'd take that to mean, don't ruin your next shot with your current shot.
This is depressing and I feel sorry for the golfers who cant hit it far. I can putt 50 yards and as I have gotten older have not lost any distance at all.
Based on the chart, the younger you are, the further you hit it. Count me in the crowd willing to say that my drives fall right in line with the average for my age... I am 3 years old... kapow! I'm on in 2 no problem! Seriously though, I average 220 and I am 56. It's like they used maths or something. Go figure.
1st and foremost, how's your wife doing? Been in my prayers. Thanks for your golf content and lessons. I've used your advice on most of my swings. Unfortunately im still recovering from my recent back surgery late December it's not looking good because now im back getting MRI's and possibly more injections or im probably going to need a fusion. My discs continue to get enlarged with exercise. God is great and its in his hands....
Thanks so much for asking, and she's doing very well. We're not out of the woods yet, and we still have a long way to go to see if she's "cancer-free", but doing well. I really hope you get great news with your back, and you'll be in our thoughts.
Yep, but, most golfers won't listen. And, the few that you'll get to listen, will only take the advice if you break it down logically and go through the scenarios.
@GolfTestDummy It's why I'd use a pitching wedge and a 50 degree for that 220 yrd approach to the par 5. It's a lot harder to hit a PW out of bounds than a 3 wood.
I think it's all gotta be in context though, right? I mean, if it's wide open, no trouble, no water or bunkers, etc., then yeah, take a rip and get it as close as you can, IF, you're not horrible at chipping and pitching. Because if you blade a pitch over the green into a bunker or water, you just added strokes. Or, if you try and get it as close to the green as possible, but there's water and you splashdown, you just cost yourself strokes.
Absolutely agree, yes. Inside of 100 is king when you're talking about scoring. And that speaks to the biggest problem in amateur golf.... NOBODY, well, most amateurs, will not practice the scoring shots. Driver work, all day, everyday. Hence, the title of this video, lol.
Look I’ve been playing golf since I was 8 years old I’m 62 now. At 6’5” tall and an ex-bodybuilder who weighs 232 and I can still get it to 300 now and again. But no one hits a standard 7 iron 200 yards that total B.S.
Great advice Chad, drives me crazy watching amateur golfers trying the hero shots and blasting it off the planet. Partial shots are the way forward Chad, I do it with almost every shot, much more control 👍🏴
I do much better to think of position with each shot, and having better control over strategy, than just smashing away in a general direction.
I don’t need to watch this video because I already know how to play a par five it’s driver, two irons and then three putt. Problem solved.
Haha, that CAN happen, but stay on it. It'll come around.
🥴👍
Don’t forget the short escape shot from the trees back onto the fairway
Excellent video mate. One of the best things anyone can do is know your distances of half swings from 7 iron down. Proper what you individually feels like a half swing so you can replicate it over and over, don't just half your normal distance with a club. It can make you pretty deadly from 150 in
Yeah, most golfers would benefit from being passionate about 150 yards and in, rather than trying to bang a driver 300.
Some the best common sense on course management I've heard in a long time. If we play to our "average" lengths we will be much less stressed all the way home! First time posting to your channel, but it won't be the last.
Many graciases for the kudos. And you're absolutely right. It's a lot easier to play to realistic expectations.
I accepted your chalenge to watch the video. I used to be very poor with my par 5 scoring. it was the worse for me. I thought about it and looked online and on utube videos and saw the thinking is to do your best to get as close to the green for your 2nd shot where possible. I have improved my par 5 scoring, but what has helped more is getting off the tee and in play. If you can get a tee shot around 200 yds in play, then it becomes a short par 4. there are times I use my 7 wood to get it in play. Other times the 5 wood. For me the most important is getting that tee shot in play. Some holes you should know if it fits your shape. Then go for it with Driver.
Thank you for that honest introduction! Tired of all those hit it ‘300 Yards’ captions.
But… I do miss those experimental swing methods you were doing. I hope some day you try Steve Johnston’s Eureka Golf as a test. Always like your perspective 👍
Thanks a bunch! Maybe one day.
Managing the course is not what a lot of players come to the course to do
They want the long ball most of the shots
I agree with you 100% …play smart and know your clubs distances
I’m proud to say I’m one of those 14 who watch this video
Haha, 14 is ambitious. 👍🏻
I need the long ball. Don't have it.
@@JeffPassageCPA
If the body is not moving correctly in the golf swing…how can the ball go long
The body is a moving machine in our daily lives and is so in golf
Knowing the machines moving parts and how to use them … is where we start
Long ball will come
Just starting, and having learned my lesson in past (non golf) endeavors, I know that fooling myself into my “perceived” ability is a reliable road to only frustration. This is a MUST WATCH for me. Thank you!
Best of luck to you in the coming weeks and years!
This is great advice for me. At the end of my round I look at my score card and notice I have one or two bogey / double bogeys on the par fives because I always play low percentage shots. Pride is an awful thing.
We're all guilty of it. And even if there is a good strategy in place, you can still screw it up with a bad shot.
The main thing I have been doing lately is tracking how far I hit each club on average. Spent a lot of time playing par 3 courses to dial in my short clubs. Just doing that has helped my overall game on the full course. Yesterday I won closest to the pin because I knew what my range was for my clubs. A realistic sense of your ability is something it took me a LONG time to come to terms with. At 53 years old I don't need to go swinging for the fences when a base hit will score a run.
I took a class with some PGA pros and they stressed (especially on the putting green) "Don't try to sink the 30' putt for birdie every time. Put the ball close enough to the hole to make par. Even if you bogey every hole, your still shooting in the high 80's/low 90's."
I say all this as a straight assumption of what your video was probably about, because I didn't watch a second of it.
Well damn, haha. Some sound advice, but not watching the video stings a bit. Not gonna lie.
@@GolfTestDummy I guess I forgot to put the winky face at the end of my comment. ;) My bad
One of the best golf videos I have watched. I kinda knew what was coming from the title and I wasn't wrong. I have a par 5 on my course that I cannot reach in 2 shots 95 percent of the time, however 95 percent of the time I hit drive, 5 iron and that leaves me a nice yardage for a 9 or wedge. 50 percent of the time I get birdie. No pictures on a scorecard folks..
Thanks so much for that.
The second shot for me this year is a new Callaway Big Bertha 5 wood. I am either over on par 4's or short for a wedge for 3 strokes!
That's fantastic to hear!
I’m a 5 percenter! I liked what you said. I’m always looking to improve my game. Thanks
Thank You for producing an Honest video for us 95%'s!! Common sense Brother....PREACH IT!!!!!
I’ve been going for greens in two a few times and yes I’ve hit greens and had very easy 2 putt birdies. However, I will only do this IF I have a good number I can comfortably hit, I can leave it in a good spot if i miss it, and most importantly, if I have a good lie. If I’m even slightly out of position, we lay up and try to make birdie the hard way.
It's easy to go into the Arccos app and delete the clear mishits... the 120 yard drive was a mishit. It gets harder for the better than average ones! Did I just really crush that driver 270, or because it was being downwind and downhill mean I should delete it from the average? Probably yes, but every hole has wind and elevation change, so the question becomes what to include and what to exclude? It's all subjective choices and makes me far less comfortable with my data, not having a launch monitor at home to get consistent dry-ball data to go with. That said, it's great advice to know and play your real distances and plan holes backwards to get the approach you want into a green. I've found that as a mediocre putter, the best way to limit putts is to chip it close on the approach, and that takes planning.
Great thoughts here. Love this.
Another great video. I'm a long hitter but, occasionally I miss. Par is still pretty easy when you consider 3 shot to get there and tucked in close 2 putts is a realistic number if you can putt. Putting practice is boring until you figure out the handicap gains the flatstick is responsible for
Haha, yeah, true. I've seen SOME putting videos get some traction, but by and large, if it ain't a driver video, it's a dud.
@@GolfTestDummy hunan nature being what it is, the driving range is full of guys that hit 10 balls with a 7 iron and the rest of the balls with the driver. Some of my playing partners do exactly that. One of my friends has never driven more than 220yards but he's a legitimate 2.1 handicap. He's so accurate from 150, his putter doesn't feel much stress. About 5 years ago I thought I had him beat since I was almost always 100 yards ahead of him and can usually reach par 5's in 2 with ease. I learned what humble pie tastes like. Now I'm a 2 handicap by following his sniper shooting techniques.
How about this idea for a video idea. Take a short hitting sniper vs a long bomber. Play 9 and compare scorecards. I'd put money on the sniper! If your viewers are actually interested in lower scores, they'll tear a page out of my playbook! From 150 and in, the flatstick work will do so much more than a new $600+ driver that gets inches not yards further.
Another good video. You may want to talk about what a realistic score actually is. Pretty sure the average score for male amateurs is still around 100. If you add 2 strokes to the holes with stroke index 1-9 and 1 stroke to holes with index 10-18 you're going to break 100. Most golfers can do this without changing anything about their game but their mindset. Bogey golf gets you to 90. Follow your advice here and practice putting and you're shooting in the 80s.
Yeah, a lot of golfers are unaware of how to actually drop strokes or even strategize like you laid out. The last time I looked, the average amateur male handicap was 14.2. I honestly find that a little hard to believe. I would guess it's much closer to 24.
Interesting concept. I would prefer the 4 hybrid, my next club down from the driver. I am generally able to hit it pretty well off the fairway. But definitely a good policy to follow. Play the best shot of getting on GIR and then putting reasonably well
Good advice. I work at a course and far too many young guns thinking they are Kyle Berkshire or Martin Boreman hahaha. Some of if my best golf regulars are older guys who understand their abilities, averages, and play the course correctly. Be honest with yourself - best results!
Chad - thanks for all your content. Throughly enjoy it. Wanted to check in and see how you like your Garmin R10. Looking to set up a similar setup. Thanks !!
I have heard a few accounts of people having issues, but I gotta say; Mine has been absolutely awesome. The distances I get match up with what I see on course and I love playing and practicing on it.
You just nailed it on the head the way I’m already tackling the course this year. I didn’t even use my driver the other day, and my game was great minus my chipping around the green. But that’s another problem. LOL! For the 12 other people watching this video, try having an open mind to playing from the green backwards hitting only the shots you’re comfortable with. Keep up the good work bud!
Many thanks, and best of luck with the chipping. It'll come around.
Nice elaboration on some solid basic principles of scoring. You followed a simple, concise approach and made it look pretty simple. Also, you might have an extra 20 or so in your driver by trying to hit it 230.
Bryson was a pretty good example today on 15 of how thinking the wrong way can get you into a lot of trouble (on a par 5 to boot) so the video was kind of timely. And I don't think that many of us are going to hit that last shot too often. Cheers.
You mean the partial wedge I hit? Eh, a little practice, some forethought, piece of cake.
@@GolfTestDummy No, I actually meant Bryson's holeout at 18 to, sort of, somewhat makeup for the debacle at 15 and the bogie at 16. In other words, most of us won't have such a stroke of fortune after mismanaging a par 5. The wedge was good though and I liked the way you drove it in low-ish. Cheers.
@@GolfTestDummy Boy, I guess that you were a little more encouraged to say the least! 20k views, not bad at all. Cheers.
No clue why one takes off and another sits and collects dust. Unreal, haha.
Hi GTD, glad to see that you're still doing videos. I'm still with my Venetos golf swing. Welcome back to UA-cam.
Oh, I've been here, haha. Usually, a video every week, but lately every 2 weeks.
This is exactly how I play a par 5. Great video content.
Much appreciated!
Great content -- this is 100% the way. I spent way too much time at the range the last few years with minimal improvement in scoring. I knew all this from a strategy perspective but haven't even taken the time to use my flightscope mevo to get really serious about partial distances. On my docket now for this week, as I've been spending 90% of time now on putting and chipping.
It's such a cliché, but truly, in the amateur game, inside of 100 yards, pitching, and putting are the way to drop strokes. The pros are different, because it's an arms race for distance. 540 yard par 4s and 680 yard par 5s. They are all so good around the greens and putting, that it comes down to better, longer positioning off the tee.
This is so true. I hit it very long. I am able to reach a par 5 in 2 in 95% of the times.
But when I play with my higher handicap friends, they always want to go driver, 3 wood or driver, driver off the deck. And it kills me. I always tell them to go driver, mid iron, whatever iron you have left.
I've even played par 5s with three 6 irons just to show them it doesn't have to be driver to 3 wood. Most of them hit their 7 iron almost as far as their driver.
Be honest with yourself about your game and you will have way more fun.
longest drive i ever hit was 240 and that is with the roll out. I am 65 now I drive 180 to 195 yards I shot a 79 last week on a course I was averaging 90+..I started practicing putting and irons and swinging as hard as I can.My body is now flexible again. Just play your game
Absolute wisdom !!!!
This is one of the best videos I've seen !
🙏 Many thanks.
I do exactly what you're saying. I try and lay up to a number I like. It could 100 meters. In practice round, I might play 3 Wood and also 5 or 6 irons.
It's an easy concept, but really tough to be disciplined enough to put into practice.
excellent video, as always.
Much appreciated!
Great video Chad. Know your strengths and play to them. Also know your weaknesses and avoid them. 🤨
100 percent right.
This has helped me
I’ve always wanted to play golf badly.
Now I can! Thanks UA-cam….
Bro i wish i applied this lesson to myself a few weeks ago. Turned a birdie attempt/for sure par to a double bogey real fast.
Happens allllll the time to a LOT OF US.
Excellent advice. Even after just having had rotator cuff surgery that I should've had 40 years ago, my total driving distance is about 220-240. Even playing the from senior tees (I'm 65) I could MAYBE reach the green with my second shot, IF maybe I hit the best shot of my life with a 3 Wood, which I can never hit straight when the ball is on the ground. 😂 What I do is take my 5 Iron or 4 Hybrid and hit a "punchy-punchy" that barely rises to head-height but always goes straight and runs down the fairway leaving me a shot inside 50-75 yards, with a fairway lie.
Go with what you can pull off more often than not. Always great advice.
As a real once-in-a-while golfer, I love your video!
for the weekend player, the 2nd shot on a par 5 is key. it sets you up for that wedge or 9 into the green, which most amateurs can do quite well it practiced. 2 putts for an almost sure par, possible bird.
All you need is a chance, and sometimes, the birdies and pars will drop.
It’s all about getting to the “full wedge” distance from the green on your second shot.
I like full wedges, but I really am comfortable with half wedges also. It's a good problem to have I guess.
well done, I agree.
If I hit a drive 200 yards, it is usually pulled left. 180 is where I top out on a good day so I try to focus on doing better with my second shot and approach shots. On par 5s, my goal is usually to get my third shot within 6 or 7 iron range
That's the trick, hit it in 3 if possible.
When I used to play all the time, my driver was my most consistent club from the tee. It was on average between 240-250.
That's an absolute blessing to have.
Good video Chad, I’m not good at those 50-70 yard shots and I don’t have a club I can hit 240 off the fairway, it’s hard sometimes to be disciplined enough to hit a 140 yard layup to that 100 yard shot I am good at
Leaving a full wedge shot in is a great option for me also. Love that idea.
I've always been a mid-handicapper (15-18), until I took ego out of it. Now Im a single digit. Never be afraid to lay up.
Smart golf is good golf.
Bro this blew up 😮 well done 👏
Lol, no idea why. Just random "youtubeness".
OMG I hit really short, like 150 with a 3W that stays in the fairway and not much longer with my 1988 driver. I want to get a modern driver and see if I can get at least 200 off the tee (with control). Even with all that, I shoot from the forward men's tees and par or bogey par 5s. Staying in play and knowing your distances on the short approaches works.
Well, keeping it in play is huge, but you mentioned tees, also. Gotta play the correct tees for your distances.
@@GolfTestDummy Oh yeah, I'm on the front men's almost always.
This video was quite good i gave it a thumbs up.
Very much appreciated!
Knowing your yardage is key to the best golf for each of us. Even if you exaggerate your yardage distance to others, be honest with yourself. Also, focus on course strategy, and it’ll help your game tremendously. We are not Tour Pros, so the objective for us is to have fun and stop trying to compare ourselves to the elite. Remember, when you play this most difficult game, your opponent is the course and never the other players, so ignore them and play the course. The exception may be Match Play. Cheers.
Yeah, not too many golfers end up in match play situations, so that's sound advice.
Great advice.
Great video, thanks!🙂
You got it! Thanks for watching.
Great, interesting video. Subscribed!
So glad to hear it!
I'm clicking and watching!
You're a fool!! Haha! Thanks brother.
Well Said! Did you make the birdie 😮?!
Haha, yes, made the birdie. But.... I don't always make the birdie. I'm just happy to have a shot at it.
Makes sense
Golf Roulette. So true.
lol a guy at the range asked me how far I hit my 6i. I told him between 155 - 170 (carry). I play all year long and my distances are different from week to week. 😅😂
Yeah, most of us amateurs are going to have a range, rather than being really really tight with each distance. Plus, conditions and time of year will affect it.
Kyle Berkshire: 7 iron, PW, 2 putt
Be careful with averages too. For example my drives are 250 to 265ave. But, my average PW shows 130s, it isn't. Closer to 150-160. My Garmin watch often selects the wrong clubs. Counts pitch shots in the average, counts solid shots with club x that hit a tree as x yards. Just saying using averages can be tricky too without a qualifying statement.
Yeah, I think the term "realistic averages" is fitting. I never let apps select clubs, because it doesn't have all of the information.
ShotScope fixes the yardage problem
Great vid 👍
I hit three seven irons, and two putt.
What kind of grip os that on your driver
I'm pretty sure it's made of recycled cat turds. I have to get it replaced. It looks like what used to be a junior Winn grip.
My honestly is I’m 68 there are no par 5’s I can get to in two Hit drive 3 wood as far as you can and hope to be within an 8 Iron
Driver smash factor is 1.68? Did I see that right?
Yeah, that's a garbage number with driver on my sim for some reason. I've said it in previous videos that, ball speed and yardage is good, but clubhead speed and smash are hit and miss. Can't trust it.
I am lucky to be on the green in 4 strokes on a par 5 hole.
On par 5s I can’t reach in 2 easily, I just hit 2 shots that’ll leave me 140-160 to the center of the green. Boring but less stress
On par 5s, I try to get as close as possible to the green in 2. That's just the way I play. I'd rather have 50 yards than 120🤷
Dang my ego. You're exactly right, most often we think we're going to hit a "good" shot. We hardly ever think, where is my " normal" shot going to put. But I have been thinking that way for some time. It's really more enjoyable now.
Thanks for the time and video. I appreciate it!
❤️🏌️✌️
You're very welcome, and the boat you're in has a lot of passengers.
Great advise
It's a hard lesson to learn, but most of us would be much better served.
PS forgot to say I am now using the new BRNR mini for my driver!!
Absolutely love that club.
Knowing your distances and what you can and can't do honestly, is a huge deal. All falls in that course management mindset. It can mean the difference between losing and winning, especially against younger, grip it and rip it let's see what happens guys. They struggle to break a 15 handicap but us old guys are playing scratch 😏
The older we get, the better our brains, but the body starts disobeying, haha.
@@GolfTestDummy lol..true. I used to hit those almost 400 yards in my younger days...now I'm happy to stay around 250 and in the middle of the fairway...lay up and go for birdie.
Par 5 on a simulator is way different than on course.
BUT the strategy is good
Hez taking bout smart ⛳️ . . . I'm 1 of thoze stoopid heads that just tryz 2 knock the snotz outta the ball . . . Sumtimes i get rewarded wit' a gr8 shot . . . But i ends up in the woods a lotta times 2 . . . 😆
play smart - strategic - and save the ego for the clubhouse. right on
My observation: most people think if your score starts with the number "7" you are 'good'. So they play forward tees to have a chance of hitting a par-5 in two shots (concerning the topic of this video).
Either par-5's were designed to be 3 shots (to the green) or the "par" for the hole (and the course) are irrelevant. IMHO, if you're reaching all the par-5's in 2 then you are either, a) a plus index player, b) playing the wrong tees, or c) want to play the course like you see the pro's do on TV.
So be it. Just be realistic about things.
Most people are playing the wrong tees I'd bet.
Enjoy your vids for years. Ever look at the juju swing?
I have, yes. Even tried it informally a few times off camera. It's a disaster for me personally.
Talking about honesty, like that one. So much big talking. Good video.
I think most golfers legitimately don't know they're full of it, haha.
@@GolfTestDummy so nice sometimes to see. Curious what would you do when playing a long par 4 also a mid to high handicaper?
When playing it safe i most of the time F up.
Everything is kinda situational, right? But, if I had a 420 yard par 4, fairly straight, fairly level, etc., I'd hit my mini driver, because it's pretty dependable. I'd likely be left with about 180 or so in. That's 6 iron distance for me, and I'm comfortable with that club. But, for average golfers, 220 off the tee, I'd hit 6 iron in, be a bit short, and pitch up to have a shot at par. If I bogey, no big deal.
@@GolfTestDummy just when i don’t go for it i tend to miss bigger, maybe something mental (thinking to make it easy)
If you can bogey all the holes you’ll have a 90. Make a few par’s and you’ll be in the 80’s. Got to avoid the blow up holes
💯 percent.
Know your average distances!
If you are not going to hit your mini driver off of the turf. Why have one in your bag?
Take a 10k driver and cut 3 inches off of the butt end. Then add 25 grams of lead tape to the heel and toe back away from the face. And now you have a 12k fairway finder.
Please try this.
I have been unable to get any youtuber to try this.
I did this years ago with my g25 driver. And love it.
The mini driver is a contradiction. It has a shorter shaft for better consistency. Then they shrink the head which makes it less forgiving.
Smh
I thought the EXACT same thing.... before I tried one. However, I may be a bit of an anomaly. The mini, in theory, makes very little sense to me. But, I've tried a bunch of different drivers, and never found much consistentcy or good distances. The bigger head on modern drivers are like swinging a balloon on a stick for me. So much air drag. So hut 3 wood, right? Then, the face I too shallow, and it can lead to some missed strikes. With every driver I've tried over the last 5 years, I've never been able to consistently get much more than 230 to 240 out of them. But, with the mini, and I have played 2 rounds the last 2 days, I'm consistently over 240, with several at 265 to 280. It makes no sense, but it has revolutionized my game off the tee.
@@GolfTestDummy
I wonder what the COR IS OF THE MINI.
I hit my 3 inch shorter driver as far as my full length driver.
I feel so much more connected with it.
Think about it this way.
How many pros use a 46 inch driver? Very few...
If i pro thinks a 46 inch driver is too long. What makes anyone think that a weekend worrior can handle a 45.25 inch driver.
When shortening a 45.5 inch driver by 3 inches. That is 6.5%.
But if you calculate including the length of your left arm and length of driver. It might only be about 3.5% shorter.
The shorter shaft also makes the swing more simular to your iron swing that you use much more during a round of golf and practice.
You must have an old driver around. Cut it down and add the weight and give it a try.
I never did add the required weight to maintain the swing weight. But i plan to this spring. Golf is just going in Minnesota.
Shortening an old driver would make an interesting show.
And might help a lot of golfers.
I also recommend a jumbo light grip.
A regular grip now feels like a pencil
@@GolfTestDummyi bet your swing speed actually went up with the mini
Yes sir, a few mph.
The problem with the "strokes gained" crowd is they don't spend enough time emphasizing the most important part: "get it as close as you can, WITHOUT PENALTY." For higher-handicap golfers, penalties consist of a lot more than just OB or a penalty area. Hitting their ball in the trees is almost certainly a penalty (shot to chip out). Deep rough or "crap" is almost certainly a penalty. Being on an uneven lie may be a penalty. Even approaching the green from a bad angle may be a penalty because they don't have the skill and either chunk it or blade it into another terrible spot. Finally, a 15-handicap who decides to hit a 3-wood to "get it close to the green" is FAR more likely to top it or hit it 45-degrees into SEVERE trouble, than they are to get it down close for an easy chip on.
Very good points. Position is just so crucial. Play to prime positions. Like the doctors oath; First, do no harm. In golf, I'd take that to mean, don't ruin your next shot with your current shot.
I was hoping the secret was a rule change that amateurs could tee up their fairway woods after a good drive to better reach par 5’s. No?!?
Haha, that's a fine idea. That would work.
You're right. I didn't watch. Just came here to say this.
Despise baiting tins...
Might be missing something. Why do you say this is click bait?
This is depressing and I feel sorry for the golfers who cant hit it far. I can putt 50 yards and as I have gotten older have not lost any distance at all.
Haha, staying strong through the years.
Based on the chart, the younger you are, the further you hit it. Count me in the crowd willing to say that my drives fall right in line with the average for my age... I am 3 years old... kapow! I'm on in 2 no problem!
Seriously though, I average 220 and I am 56. It's like they used maths or something. Go figure.
Driver,5 wood,wedge ,2 putt.....simple
3 six irons will suffice on most par 5's
That's true, given there isn't a forced carry off the tee. But if there is, then you can have an even shorter iron into the green, which is a plus.
1st and foremost, how's your wife doing? Been in my prayers. Thanks for your golf content and lessons. I've used your advice on most of my swings. Unfortunately im still recovering from my recent back surgery late December it's not looking good because now im back getting MRI's and possibly more injections or im probably going to need a fusion. My discs continue to get enlarged with exercise. God is great and its in his hands....
Thanks so much for asking, and she's doing very well. We're not out of the woods yet, and we still have a long way to go to see if she's "cancer-free", but doing well. I really hope you get great news with your back, and you'll be in our thoughts.
I do find it rather annoying when a guy on youtube hits the driver then a wedge from 150 and then turns round to tell you how easy it is.
Seems like all the par 5’s got longer after I turned 60. 😂
Haha, well, it may be the aging, but truth is, courses are getting longer and longer in reality, too.
Let me sum up this video: On a par 5, unless your a scratch golfer, leave yourself a wedge into the green with your third shot.
Yep, but, most golfers won't listen. And, the few that you'll get to listen, will only take the advice if you break it down logically and go through the scenarios.
Ah
Delusions of grandeur wreck 98% of amateurs' scores. The other 2% have a different problem: Bernie coming after them for stroke inequality.
Improve the quality of your misses. No hero shots.
A fantastic tip, but a whole other video is needed, lol.
@GolfTestDummy It's why I'd use a pitching wedge and a 50 degree for that 220 yrd approach to the par 5. It's a lot harder to hit a PW out of bounds than a 3 wood.
Terrible advice . Sure do whatever you want... MGS stats say... Hit it the longest you can to get closest to the pin..
I think it's all gotta be in context though, right? I mean, if it's wide open, no trouble, no water or bunkers, etc., then yeah, take a rip and get it as close as you can, IF, you're not horrible at chipping and pitching. Because if you blade a pitch over the green into a bunker or water, you just added strokes. Or, if you try and get it as close to the green as possible, but there's water and you splashdown, you just cost yourself strokes.
@@GolfTestDummy if you're horrible at chipping, practice and improve your chipping. The game is inside 100 yards .. no?
Absolutely agree, yes. Inside of 100 is king when you're talking about scoring. And that speaks to the biggest problem in amateur golf.... NOBODY, well, most amateurs, will not practice the scoring shots. Driver work, all day, everyday. Hence, the title of this video, lol.
EGO is the biggest handicap in golf…….
Look I’ve been playing golf since I was 8 years old I’m 62 now. At 6’5” tall and an ex-bodybuilder who weighs 232 and I can still get it to 300 now and again. But no one hits a standard 7 iron 200 yards that total B.S.