Am I short?

Hi Matoonia,

I recall asking the same question you did in my first year of picking up golf.  From searching online for answers then, many people were also asking the same question, or the intention was similar, e.g. How far should I hit my 7 iron?

On some other oversears forums, very often, a whole bunch of golfers with swing speeds comparable to Bubba Watson would then start posting their distances.  Thankfully, over here in GR, we have more honest and modest forumers (beware the overly modest ones ... LOL)

Looking back at my own reasons, I am going to generalise and assume that you are asking because you want to know if there is room for the average social golfer to improve without doing something drastic to your physical condition.

Based on your age and height, and assuming no physical injuries or other condition, and you are the normal physical condition for a working Singaporean (i.e. Slightly unfit), I would estimate that the spread for 7 iron distances (when struck well) would fall between 130m-160m depending on club loft (not all 7 irons have the same loft, some are actually 5 irons in disguise).

The question I would ask you is this.  Is the 120m you are referring to the average distance?  If it is, have you hit shots before that are much further?  If the answer is yes, then the issue is not swing speed per se but rather consistency of contact.

If 120m is your best distance when you get good contact, with the average even less, then unfortunately, it is highly likely there is something very wrong with your technique.

Also, while discussing or diagnosing your swing online is entertaining, the concrete solution is still to see a Golf Professional.  Whether your issue is either of the above, or something else entirely, a 60min session is going to shed more light about your issues (and more importantly, how to resolve them) than months of internet videos and self diagnosis.

p.s. Just curious, have you tried a half or 3/4 swing with a 7 iron? How far does that do compared to your full swing?

p.p.s  for your poll

Age: I am turning 40 this year and I am 168cm
Distance: my 7 iron (33 deg loft) carries between 135m to 142m, depends on quality of strike, would translate to 130-135m on a standard 35deg 7 Iron
Handicap: no current official handicap - guess I will just use 18

Anyway based on some of the replies here, hope no offense I will tabulate the 7i distance, not to compare but just to have a feel of GR members here, and see if age/physical attributes play a part.

1. Matoonia - 120m. HC 23, Height 1.75m, 38yo
2. Chien - 145m, shorter than 1.75m, more than 38yo
3. Popeyex - 120m.
4. TDO - less than 100m
5. Duval - Less than 120m (not sure if true)
6. Gray - 145m. 165cm.
7. Derek - 135m. HC18. 40yo. 168cm.

Like they always say: short nevermind, zhun can already!

Derek wrote:

Hi Matoonia,

I recall asking the same question you did in my first year of picking up golf.  From searching online for answers then, many people were also asking the same question, or the intention was similar, e.g. How far should I hit my 7 iron?

On some other oversears forums, very often, a whole bunch of golfers with swing speeds comparable to Bubba Watson would then start posting their distances.  Thankfully, over here in GR, we have more honest and modest forumers (beware the overly modest ones ... LOL)

Looking back at my own reasons, I am going to generalise and assume that you are asking because you want to know if there is room for the average social golfer to improve without doing something drastic to your physical condition.

Based on your age and height, and assuming no physical injuries or other condition, and you are the normal physical condition for a working Singaporean (i.e. Slightly unfit), I would estimate that the spread for 7 iron distances (when struck well) would fall between 130m-160m depending on club loft (not all 7 irons have the same loft, some are actually 5 irons in disguise).

The question I would ask you is this.  Is the 120m you are referring to the average distance?  If it is, have you hit shots before that are much further?  If the answer is yes, then the issue is not swing speed per se but rather consistency of contact.

If 120m is your best distance when you get good contact, with the average even less, then unfortunately, it is highly likely there is something very wrong with your technique.

Also, while discussing or diagnosing your swing online is entertaining, the concrete solution is still to see a Golf Professional.  Whether your issue is either of the above, or something else entirely, a 60min session is going to shed more light about your issues (and more importantly, how to resolve them) than months of internet videos and self diagnosis.

p.s. Just curious, have you tried a half or 3/4 swing with a 7 iron? How far does that do compared to your full swing?

p.p.s  for your poll

Age: I am turning 40 this year and I am 168cm
Distance: my 7 iron (33 deg loft) carries between 135m to 142m, depends on quality of strike, would translate to 130-135m on a standard 35deg 7 Iron
Handicap: no current official handicap - guess I will just use 18

Thks Derek. I will say I'm getting 120m. The most sweetest strike is maybe 10m more?

Thks for contributing to the poll!  

My distance for 7i is also 120m. I know my swing is bad as my divots are befote the ball and the ball flight is very high. High but no speed as such it will drop faster and usually get plugged.  Sigh,  still dont know which part of the swing is the problem. 

My 2014 Resolution is to go to a coach to solve it, hopefully

matoonia wrote:

enwee wrote:

matoonia wrote:

pushslice wrote:

7i 120m enough to play white tee lor, your std GiR plus 1 plus 1 putt also par mah...

i play white tee. Par 3 no problem, it's often the par 4 and par 5 that gets double or triple

Par 4 and 5 double or triple? Perhaps u should see a coach.

Yah usually the par 4 and 5 will start with a wayward drive, sometimes OB, then kan cheong liao and screw up. Yes, I am seeing a coach soon on woods and driver.

But everything else being equal, getting more yardage from the irons will do no harm.

getting doubles or triples is rarely because you don't hit irons long enough. 

based on your root cause analysis, one may conclude that straightening your drives and learning course management and/or mental skills to manage that kan cheong urges will up your game more effectively, everything else being equal of course.

I am 32 years young, 1.8m tall, well-built (I work out).

People always say to me "wah your drive must be 260m"

In actual fact I hit my 7iron 130m (to the best of my knowledge, I don't have a laser finder).

To me I believe flexibility comes into play. I honestly think that until now I have never done a full swing before. Because my rigid body only allows me to do a shallow back swing. So with less potential energy, it is hard to generate club head speed/acceleration compared to those who has a deep backswing.

I have a business idea. Yoga for golfers. 

But I don't crave for more distance because I know that if I have zero dispersion, I can play GIR and Par every hole and become a scratch golfer. So I always crave for more accuracy.

In conclusion Matoonia I don't think you are short.

P.S. I heard the Orange Whip can improve flexibility. Anybody has one to let me try?

why I cannot use emoticons? Is it Mac issue?

Bro , I have the same problem with you ... Flexibility problem... Body feels so like rusty when trying to coil during backswing..like Turing a rusty screw out from a thread. Need to apply WD40 at the joints ..  

Nam Flog wrote:

I am 32 years young, 1.8m tall, well-built (I work out).

People always say to me "wah your drive must be 260m"

In actual fact I hit my 7iron 130m (to the best of my knowledge, I don't have a laser finder).

To me I believe flexibility comes into play. I honestly think that until now I have never done a full swing before. Because my rigid body only allows me to do a shallow back swing. So with less potential energy, it is hard to generate club head speed/acceleration compared to those who has a deep backswing.

I have a business idea. Yoga for golfers. 

But I don't crave for more distance because I know that if I have zero dispersion, I can play GIR and Par every hole and become a scratch golfer. So I always crave for more accuracy.

In conclusion Matoonia I don't think you are short.

P.S. I heard the Orange Whip can improve flexibility. Anybody has one to let me try?

Nam Flog wrote:

why I cannot use emoticons? Is it Mac issue?

Yes, too much bulky muscle is definitely detrimental to golf swing speed instead of helping ... You need to integrate flexibility exercise in your workout like Tiger Woods, Camilio Villegas, Rory McIlroy, etc.

I have a Korean friend who is slender (1.7m tall and 65kg) but his average driving distance is 270 yards (carry). No kidding ... He is flexible and has fast arms. He hit a 4i on average to 200 yards and his 7i is 165 yards (carry).

Besides what you mentioned above, this further proves that body built has no relation to hitting long ... It is the technique and flexibility of one body that matter most. Of course if you have the power, it is a bonus. Juz look at Ryo Yishikawa, he is only 1.7m and very slim but he can drive 300 yards in excess ... Tiger is 6 ft 1 with solid compact muscle but can only drive about the same distance as Ryo ...

Nam Flog wrote:

I am 32 years young, 1.8m tall, well-built (I work out).

People always say to me "wah your drive must be 260m"

In actual fact I hit my 7iron 130m (to the best of my knowledge, I don't have a laser finder).

To me I believe flexibility comes into play. I honestly think that until now I have never done a full swing before. Because my rigid body only allows me to do a shallow back swing. So with less potential energy, it is hard to generate club head speed/acceleration compared to those who has a deep backswing.

I have a business idea. Yoga for golfers. 

But I don't crave for more distance because I know that if I have zero dispersion, I can play GIR and Par every hole and become a scratch golfer. So I always crave for more accuracy.

In conclusion Matoonia I don't think you are short.

P.S. I heard the Orange Whip can improve flexibility. Anybody has one to let me try?

I can only drool n admire your physique mate. . If only i have that height... For you hitting 250m should be piece of cake... Imagine how it'll change your game. . Par 5 480m, your 3rd shot only left with 30m.. Part 4 400m your 2nd short only need a 7i.. 

 

How I wish I can play like Chien, all the shots straight like ruler.

chien wrote:

I can only drool n admire your physique mate. . 

Come on dude, I like girls……...

Seriously, comparing other ppl distance with your distance won't help much.
Seeing a coach to check your swing is more practical.
Height n age isn't important. It is still maximising the full potential of your swing, contact with the clubhead and swing speed, in fact I have seen some senior golfers swinging above 150m for a 7iron easily.
Alternatively, u can opt to change to lighter graphite shafts for a try.

kenneth18 wrote:

Seriously, comparing other ppl distance with your distance won't help much.
Seeing a coach to check your swing is more practical.
Height n age isn't important. It is still maximising the full potential of your swing, contact with the clubhead and swing speed, in fact I have seen some senior golfers swinging above 150m for a 7iron easily.
Alternatively, u can opt to change to lighter graphite shafts for a try.

true, age and distance does not equate.

One good example is gofnut, anyone seem him played is impressive.

Nam Flog wrote:

chien wrote:

I can only drool n admire your physique mate. . 

Come on dude, I like girls……...

  
  
that was exactly what I thot too when I saw Chien's reply... it just sounded so wrong!

HC 10.7, 1.72M, 19yo
7i 150m

I will be considered as a short hitter of my age, but will be working out much after graduation before going NS. I consider 150m comfortable when I am hitting the stronger ball flight, a mid-high draw, after having some golf lessons. In the past, my ball flight was rarely right to left, mostly left to right or straight, which average about 140m at most. And with this weak ball flight, my long irons distance gap is close, which makes me have to use my hybrid to control shots. Now, I am able to hit low shots with my 4i on the range(consider 180m normal, 170m on low) but yet to try out on the course as it might cause me some strokes during a bet. Do not overlook the balls you use, hard like rock balls feels bad on irons and rarely does it go long.

P.S: I never use a "distance" or GI irons before, hence all pretty 'weak' lofts. I have tried a ON-OFF cast iron 7i and I gained 10~15m but feel and sound too springy.

From all the posts here, I know I need to get help. Will get that sorted out soon   

And from the poll results so far, agree with kenneth18 and enwee that height and age does not really correlate to distance. But at the same time, hopefully this thread can give us all an idea how well average real life recreational golfer can hit the 7 iron. No different from those "How far do you drive" threads. Again just to clarify, this is not meant to be hao lian thread, or buaya thread, or shame/demoralise folks. Share your 7i distance only if you are comfortable to contribute. Hopefully this poll can be useful and inspire recreational golfers. More inputs from GRians added below.

1. Matoonia - 120m. HC 23, Height 1.75m, 38yo
2. Chien - 145m, shorter than 1.75m, more than 38yo
3. Popeyex - 120m.
4. TDO - less than 100m
5. Duval - Less than 120m (not sure if true)
6. Gray - 145m. 165cm.
7. Derek - 135m. HC18. 40yo. 168cm.
8. tksoh - 120m
9. Nam Flog - 130m. 32yo. 1.8m. Well built
10. goh.YF.52 - 150m. HC 10.7, 1.72M, 19yo

matoonia wrote:

From all the posts here, I know I need to get help. Will get that sorted out soon   

And from the poll results so far, agree with kenneth18 and enwee that height and age does not really correlate to distance. But at the same time, hopefully this thread can give us all an idea how well average real life recreational golfer can hit the 7 iron. No different from those "How far do you drive" threads. Again just to clarify, this is not meant to be hao lian thread, or buaya thread, or shame/demoralise folks. Share your 7i distance only if you are comfortable to contribute. Hopefully this poll can be useful and inspire recreational golfers. More inputs from GRians added below.

1. Matoonia - 120m. HC 23, Height 1.75m, 38yo
2. Chien - 145m, shorter than 1.75m, more than 38yo
3. Popeyex - 120m.
4. TDO - less than 100m
5. Duval - Less than 120m (not sure if true)
6. Gray - 145m. 165cm.
7. Derek - 135m. HC18. 40yo. 168cm.
8. tksoh - 120m
9. Nam Flog - 130m. 32yo. 1.8m. Well built
10. goh.YF.52 - 150m. HC 10.7, 1.72M, 19yo

I would said 7i for wkend player would be around 130-140m

I'm a relative short hitter myself for my built.  I blame it on my poor swing fundamentals that I adopted when I was playing golf many years ago.  Too man to get a proper coaching lesson  , instead trying to rely on my poor observations.  It's really hard to unlearn bad habits when you are older. 

For short hitters like myself, I'm lacking lag and compression through the ball.  Mainly decelerating at impact as opposed to accelerating/driving through impact.  I played alot of racket balls when I was younger and I could smack some shuttle cocks, ping pong & tennis balls with my dominant right hand, and a good smack really came from really good follow through and solid contact.  

Still searching for the elusive feel   in my golf swing, and working hard on it so that I could play a bit decent golf.  Of course, to build an efficient swing, I need to instill proper swing fundamentals that I would get from ad hoc lessons nowadays. Lessons and proper fitting definitely help heaps. 

I'm always awed   to see a flightmate that hit a 250m drive and left with a short iron into green.  As opposed to myself, a hybrid and duff on my pitch/chip.    Ai yai yai! 

Keep swinging guys!  

goh.YF.52 wrote:

HC 10.7, 1.72M, 19yo
7i 150m

I will be considered as a short hitter of my age, but will be working out much after graduation before going NS. I consider 150m comfortable when I am hitting the stronger ball flight, a mid-high draw, after having some golf lessons. In the past, my ball flight was rarely right to left, mostly left to right or straight, which average about 140m at most. And with this weak ball flight, my long irons distance gap is close, which makes me have to use my hybrid to control shots. Now, I am able to hit low shots with my 4i on the range(consider 180m normal, 170m on low) but yet to try out on the course as it might cause me some strokes during a bet. Do not overlook the balls you use, hard like rock balls feels bad on irons and rarely does it go long.

P.S: I never use a "distance" or GI irons before, hence all pretty 'weak' lofts. I have tried a ON-OFF cast iron 7i and I gained 10~15m but feel and sound too springy.

Hi Goh YF,

Can u share the essence of your lessons? Who is your teacher?

My 5i n 6i distances also bunch up.

Thanks.

From my observation, it is also vary from model of iron. I can hit 7i of the MP68 around 150m but 160-170 when hitting the new Speedbladez and my dad 's Honma 7i . The lower loft and Regular Graphite flex certainly make a big different.
My best round was 73 when i hit 7i around 140m with 80% of my swing . Do we really need to hit 7i really really far ?

Lms wrote:

From my observation, it is also vary from model of iron. I can hit 7i of the MP68 around 150m but 160-170 when hitting the new Speedbladez and my dad 's Honma 7i . The lower loft and Regular Graphite flex certainly make a big different.
My best round was 73 when i hit 7i around 140m with 80% of my swing . Do we really need to hit 7i really really far ?

That's very far...but of course speed blade and honma got a stronger loft.

Stronger lofts irons doesnt feel great and cast irons cant bent which i needed

enwee wrote:

Lms wrote:

From my observation, it is also vary from model of iron. I can hit 7i of the MP68 around 150m but 160-170 when hitting the new Speedbladez and my dad 's Honma 7i . The lower loft and Regular Graphite flex certainly make a big different.
My best round was 73 when i hit 7i around 140m with 80% of my swing . Do we really need to hit 7i really really far ?

That's very far...but of course speed blade and honma got a stronger loft.

Yes, as I said earlier, graphite can give one additional 10-15 m on average. But on condition that your swing fundamentals must be right ...  

Sometime a stronger loft (especially those longer irons like 5i, 4i & 3i) may not necessary give one longer distance if he/she does not have the swing speed to optimize on the low lofted irons ... It is the same theory as low lofted driver ... e.g. 8.5 deg or lower driver is not for everyone ... Some social golfers may still use a 8.5 deg driver out of ego even if they have to sacrifice on distance. Justin Rose and Dustin Johnson are now using 10.5 deg loft on their new TM SLDR drivers ... Sergio Garcia is using a 9.5 deg TM SLDR driver.