Today I found out just how much I've lost over the years.

I recently bought a portable launch monitor. A PRGR from Top Shelf Golf and mainly to use in gaping my clubs. But , of course to see my swing speed, carry and overall distance.

Like most, we think we hit it a lot further than we actually do. Example, most of the time I think one my my "good drives" is in the 250-260 range. Guessing my swing speed is around 95mph. NOT!

According to the monitor, my average swing speed is around 82/83 mph and my carry distance is about 220-225. Total distance is about 235-240. Not once did I get to 250 yards!

Irons were just as bad. I thought I could carry an 8 iron about 150-155....Nope! 135-140 at best.

Now these were with range balls, but are they really that much shorter???

Like I said...Getting Old SUCKS!!!

    Never used a launch monitor, but I'm right about with you distance wise. Don't think I've hit a 250 yard drive yet this year - most only going 220 - 230. On top of that I now need to take Tylenol or some other inflammation fighting drug prior to a round now or my back will start binding up and my swing becomes even weaker.

    Welcome to your new reality my friend.
    Sounds like my game fir the last 10 years. But it does beat the alternative.
    .

    CallMeAl

    Range balls make a big difference- i general find them about a club shorter and less spinning as i play high spin balls.

      CallMeAl Like most, we think we hit it a lot further than we actually do.

      When fitting clients in my golf fitting biz I send out a fitting questionnaire pdf. to get to know their strong and weak suits. 95% all answer their club distances as 10% to 20% longer than their actual carry distance on average. It's human nature to think you are doing more than you actually are. This is one reason over 75% are always short on approach shots to greens.

        garyt1957 Several years ago, I was clocked at 88 MPH on my best hits, which, according to that particular monitor, gave me a drive of 225. I remember posting this and being called into question about that number. 240 doesn't seem right at that club head speed.


            This year is the first year i am noticing a big change. That could be a combo of age and losing 25 lbs. while I still get the odd one out there 270-280 average has gone from about 260 last year to 240 this year. Gonna work on flexibility and strength in off season and hopefully get that average back up over 250.

            5i is going 185/190 so I'm able to comfortably play course yardages to 6700 which the blues at mine are

              Weirfan

              When you know it is getting to be a problem is when your 'gaps' start shrinking - especially in longer clubs.
              Club head speed and ball speeds get closer together. Happens with age - if your lucky enough to keep playing.

                  CallMeAl I believe that's total distance not carry? Yes/no? Does PRGR calculate smash factor?

                      injim yea, they used to say 2.5 yards per mph SS, but now they're down to 2.4 I believe and that's on perfect hits. I figure I'm around 90 so that would get me about 220 which is about right gets me about 230-240. Hit exactly one drive this year that got to 251, woo hoo!

                        CallMeAl
                        I guess it depends which of those numbers they are measuring and which they are calculating.
                        But the smash factor is way off. 132/83 = 1.59, and that's too high. Actually, impossible unless you are using an illegal driver.

                        If the 83 is right, your ball speed should be 120 or so. Your carry should be well under 200 and I would think that with roll, you'd be a bit above 200.

                        What do you get on the course?