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This Driver Data Will Convince You That…
… Fairways are Overrated

Another user question this week from Neil. If there is something you want me to cover in a future issue, please feel free to reach out! Email me or submit ideas here.

Neil wanted details on what handicap index looks like when you break it down by driver distance versus fairway percentage.

Off to the Arccos database we go! (DATALOU15 saves 15%).

The charts below are male golfers that played at least 25 rounds in a calendar year. This first image is for ALL ages. Below I break it down by age groups.

When you look at the players that hit the fewest fairways compared to the players that hit the most fairways, there is a 5.8 shot difference in median handicap index. When you look at the shortest hitters compared to the longest hitters, there is a 16.6 shot difference in median handicap index!

Distance is an advantage. It always has been and always will be. Is it nice to be in the fairway? Yes. Even more important than being in the fairway is keeping that tee shot in play!

On the subject of distance, my personal journey continues. I was going through my data with my P4S golf trainer recently. I'm still working on getting stronger and more mobile.

(Side note: I recently looked at a selfie from before I started with P4S. Crazy how much skinnier my face is now compared to what it was.)

P4S gives me access to their data and client reports so I can nerd out on the numbers. One report looked at results for golfers who stuck with the training, and a lot of them were just like me (and probably a lot of you), middle-aged, desk job, some aches and pains.

One guy, "JD," added strength and mobility, gained 8 mph of clubhead speed, and dropped his handicap index by 4.2 strokes in less than a year. Like me, JD was happy about the golf. But he was even happier that his lower back pain was gone. I understand where he is coming from as my aches and pains are a fraction of what they used to be.

P4S is a sponsor of this newsletter and the sponsors keep this newsletter free. So if you want to get serious about fitness, I highly recommend them.

Having a (remote) trainer to work with me on my fitness is best thing I have done for myself in a long time. They offer a free assessment. If you are looking to get back into shape, and help your golf game in the process, give them a shot!

Below are the same charts as above broken down by different age buckets.

 Finally...

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  Have a great week!