MartinD In particular, there are quite a few scratch and low handicap golfers who hit the ball relatively short distances - I know this because I'm one of them (handicap of 1, with carry distances of around 200 yards with driver and 130 yards with 7-iron...))
Does the R&A use the same criteria for 'scratch' golfer as the USGA? Seems a golfer who can play to a 0 handicap would have an asterisk next to his or her name if they're a 'short' hitter. 😏
"A "scratch golfer" is a player who can play to a course handicap of zero on any and all rated golf courses.
A male scratch golfer, for rating purposes, can hit tee shots an average of 250 yards and can reach a 470-yard hole in two shots at sea level.
A female scratch golfer, for rating purposes, can hit tee shots an average of 210 yards and can reach a 400-yard hole in two shots at sea level."