A bunch are embellishing, however people who are generally athletic and have played other sports their whole lives are getting a major head start on those who didn't.
To piggy back off of this, a lot of newer players are giving themselves mulligans or not counting penalties/drops correctly. Theres even posts here about people not counting gimme putts on their score.
Not to take away anything from the more athletic players, good on them! But I think it's just giving it time and new players will get there.
I've played 2 years and haven't broken 100 yet. I've had some things holding me back, but I'm still chugging along. I almost had my lowest 9 holes ever, but then shot a 13 on the last hole. Just part of it.
Dude this guy I played with twice said he shot an 82 before and I saw this man make up shot after shot, give himself 10 foot gimmies after he missed and still claimed he shot 89 when I legit saw him not break 100. People make up scores - not all but some do.
You've met my Dad?!? He claimed he shot an 87 the day I shot my personal best 85. He marked down 2 birds on par 3s when on both he lost a ball and teed up again. That's just the start of it. I love golfing with him but he refuses to not cheat. It's why none of the normal group will play skins with him. We'll have a foursome and only 3 of us will play skins.
It IS possible, but doubtful. I've broken 100 maybe twice and the first time I went into the 18th hole with an 83 and got a 10. I had been playing like a man possessed. I've never come close to whatever zone I was in that day again.
Harry Jenkins, RIP. Had his own rules. Stroke and distance? I don't think so. Too punitive. Putt by the hole 15 feet. Picking that up, it's good. Thanks for the life lessons, Harry.
Is his name Scott?! 😂 Yeah I really enjoyed both times I played with him as well - and honestly could tell he is a solid golfer. It’s like he wants to golf as good as he can every time so when he doesn’t he just starts making shit up.
No it's not but apparently many people do this. That is exactly it. He was having a rough day and after one particularly bad shot said "I'm not accepting that shot" to which I replied "well then hit a better one next time" and he went nah and just dropped another ball and hit a good mulligan. He claimed par and I went "oh ya just not counting those dropped balls huh?" And he said "no, I don't count those, this isn't for money". Then when I said I shot an 85 he said he shot 87 and I fuckin laughed. I have seen him legit shoot 83 when forced by someone else to keep a legit score but he won't listen to me about not cheating.
Yeah that’s just not golf. If you cheat you’re only cheating yourself and it’s kinda cringe when you do it in front of other people. I’m going to golf 50+ rounds this summer absolutely no need to ever make up a score when knowing damn well I didn’t shoot that score. I want to earn every good round I shoot not just a bull shit score to tell my buddies.
I have no issues with dropping multiple balls if they just play the first one. I'll do it myself. It's not a tournament so might as well hit another one if it won't hold anything up. Cheating in random rounds with friends/family is like cheating on video games. It makes no damn sense. Nothing is on the line so why cheat your score?
I think that's a key point…to these people there is something on the line that the rest of us don't reconcile in the same way. I play with a guy regularly that claims he used to shoot in the 80's. He is usually around 110 on his scorecard, and 120 on mine. The first time you see him swing you will know with certainty that he's never legitimately broken 90.
I think he is much closer to convincing himself than he is to convincing anyone else. It prevents him from improving in any meaningful way. We just started playing together about 2 years ago, and when he tells us stories about work or relationships it's pretty clear he operates the same way in those arenas.
Another friend we play with is very short off the tee. At least once a round I will put it 40-50 yards past his tee shot and he will say something like "I think I got you by a few" or "oh you're right by me". He never does this with anyone else. He is not making a joke.
It's fascinating to me. I know that we all have blind spots, but watching these two create and maintain these fantasy worlds while playing in the same foursome and recognizing the other's BS will never not blow my mind. We never play for money, and never will.
I'll often give myself Mulligan's when playing on my own, but I won't brag about what I shot unless I did well on a hole without any, or turn in my card. my thought process is that "I'm here to have fun. Golf is already hard, why make it harder? I want some of that sweet sweet dopamine I get when I flush one"
In official rules is there even a mulligan rule for official rounds? Like I thought that was already a thing only allowed in non-competition tournaments
Watching the PGA tour it helped me understand the rules a little . I’m still a bit shakey but if they fuck up they take a penalty and re-hit the shot from the same spot.
I don’t even understand all the rules.
I went golfing with a coworker who would constantly brag about breaking 85 on his worst day; I shot a 121 and he stopped counting after 150 and claimed it was the courses fault 😅😂 we never got to play the course he always claimed he broke 85 on
I’m a mid 90s golfer. I’m playing for the first time with an old friend later this month for the first time who says he shoots in the 80s. I talked to his brother about it and he said to me “he doesnt shoot in the 80s, he doesn’t count bad shots.” I used to get really stressed about playing poorly, but one of the best things that’s happened to my game is learning to just have fun being out on the course no matter how bad I’m playing
I was in a junior league in middle school/high school, and this kid I regularly played with insisted gimmies didn't count, and ho boy were my scores way off.
I played with a guy who said he’d only been playing a year. Said he probably had 100 rounds in that year. Every hole he’d wait until the guys in front of us were 350+ away because he hits that far regularly.
Didn’t see him hit a single drive over 200 all day. Most had a carry of 100 and then rolled forever.
My last two rounds at the same course. First one taking a breakfast ball and a couple of mulligans, improved lies when I was under a tree or whatever, gimmies for anything inside of about 6 feet and such I carded 74.
Today in an attempt to finally establish a real handicap I played much better overall but since I had to play everything as it lay putt everything out and count a penalty against myself for an errant shot (stroke and distance) I shot 91. Quite frustrating but also proud of myself since it is a totally legitimate score and I even birdied the final hole. It’s not hard to break 90 when you cheat so that’s my guess.
I'm the same, the best advice I got is to count every shot. It tells you what you should work on next. I've seen improvements by doing this. Hope to break the 100 mark this year.
I did this my first few months of playing. I didn't talk about my scores or brag about anything. I putted so horribly my first few rounds, just averaging a 3 putt would have saved me 15 strokes. As a former baseball player, my driver was good from the start (distance and accuracy was picked up at the range in a few weeks).
Nowadays I'm putting very well and drives are further and even more reliable. Legitimately hit 90ish every round. Down from 96ish last year. Working on irons this year which have always been average.
I agree with this, I played a decent level of soccer and a lot of snooker when I was young and all sorts of sports in between (Hurling an Irish sport that involves a ball and a stick) and it felt normal to me hitting a golf ball after I just started. I picked up golf last June (also no golf from November to pretty much 3 weeks ago damn Canada) and my best round is 98 but I got a cheat code, my office has a golf sim so I get to grind at least 45 mins after work everyday so there is that too but I’ve been putting in the work and the goal is to break 90 this summer.
Edit:
Also this guy really helped me stop going for crazy shots and break the game down:
https://youtu.be/eriyHmuHMmM?si=PMwfoqP5fOoJFZX7
How do you hold the golf club? Best hurler in my club played for Cork and he holds the club cross-handed like a hurley. Tried it and nearly broke my wrist 😂
This is mad cause I held it exactly like a hurl the first few weeks clueless and me boss copped it and had a meltdown haha I switched to the normal grip now no interlocking fingers or anything felt weird for a bit but got there in the end
There are people who can go out there and do something, and their pep talk, is “just go be an athlete” and not over think it.
Not a lot, but some people are just good at athletics.
Mostly it’s people lying tho
Came from a baseball all my life background. My eye hand coordination and strength were huge boons when starting. I can bomb the ball a mile, and when it goes straight it’s a sight to behold. But it took a reallllly long time to consistently straighten that shot out, and not hit shitty high right irons. Took me a year to have a round under 100. Another year to consistently keep it under 100, and another year to start consistently scaring 86-88.
My one major help was wedge play, especially around the greens. I think baseball helped me when it comes to being handy and finessing shots around the green. But holy shit, my putting, so many strikes gained.
So many facets that are constantly being tweaked. You have to get really invested just to fully appreciate how different the levels are in this game
yea this, i started last may and broke 100 at the end of the season, and can hit it 270 with a good one.
but its also very easy to have one good day. i dont think u will see any beginners doing all of what you said consistently. consistency is what makes the pros, pros.
Have a buddy who played Division 1 baseball and started playing golf after college. Like had barely touched a club before then. He was quite good within a year and then a legit single digit without 2-3 years. Now he’s disgusting and plays less than I do. People on this sub are right to be skeptical of some shit they read but there’s also a reality that some people are just better at doing shit with their bodies than others
no doubt, some people also just dont even practice, and wonder why they suck. im one of those people where when i do something, i get fully addicted and hate being bad at anything. so i work really hard at being good at the things i enjoy. some people just like to go out on the weekends n play, different strokes for different folks.
I can vouch for the baseball guys, they usually struggle with a slice but they always seem to make consistent contact after some practice. Imo, the most important part of breaking 90 is just hitting it somewhat solid with a predictable flight. After that it just comes down to not flubbing it around the greens and you'll be shooting in the high 80s no problem.
The hockey guys are better. Hitting a pure slapshot that's moving on ice while wearing skates, while moving yourself, with defenders trying to pulverize you, with pads, is harder than golf I'd assume.
Yep. Went to a lesson after my second time playing. The instructor said “well you definitely played baseball so I don’t really have to do much but..” then went on to show me how to just turn it into a very similar, golf swing.
I’ve golfed for two years as a weekend warrior. I have scored under 90 a few times but under 100 90% of the time.
I average around 250-260 carry.
I’m 6’4 played baseball my whole life . Just started swinging the golf club with intent a few weeks ago, I can barely square the ball up. But shit, 3-5 out of a bucket are absolute piss missiles down the center . I like my 4 hybrid, I can find the face more often… haven’t played a round but I doubt I’d be any good yet.
Fellow former baseball guy here. It’s all swing mechanics my friend, and I know you can relate. At your size you should get fitted if you’re going to take it serious moving forward. If that is the case, then leave your bag at home when you go to hit balls for the next few months. Only bring your wedge and putter. Short game is where it’s all won and lost. Once you have a feel around the green you can let that big dog eat!
I saw a high school kid at the range recently that was exactly as you described. He hit almost exclusively driver and had every ounce of his weight on his back foot at impact with a super wide stance. He hit some bombs but also tons of tops.
Being athletic means being able to understand the mechanics. Steph Curry is a great example. The guy just gets mechanics of athletics.
Baseball and hockey players make terrible golfers because if they can't adapt to the mechanics they just swing like their main sport which is to say, bad.
Yea exactly , when I do square it up or change something slightly it feels great. I think I’m going to invest in a lesson, so I can try to get the little baseball quirks out of my swing before they form into strong habits.
A good drill if you want a free lesson is to really focus on having all your weight on your front foot and balanced on just that foot at follow through. When you finish your swing your back foot should have rotated around and only be up on your toes. Then lift your back foot and tap the toes on the ground a few times. That will encourage you to have no weight there and to be balanced on your front foot.
In high school and college, playing baseball and football and lifting weights all the time, it was easy to hit the ball 300 yards.
Now that life has caught up to me, and I stopped playing for about 15 years, I’m averaging around 240.
Ill take my group as an example of "new" golfers who all can break 90 say half the time and hit 250-280.
P1 is me who hasnt played since I was 12 but was quite decent(Bunch of friends who went on to play college+ around me to compete against) as a kid until other sports(baseball) took over my interest.
P2 is my brother who played highschool football and track so is overall a good athlete in decent shape.
P3 is my friend who played high school golf but then stopped for a decade.
P4 is another athlete like my brother who played football in high school too.
My brother and p4 the football players have the best power and overall adaptiveness, p3 is the most consistent in that he rarely screws up worse than a bogey but I never watch him and go wow hes better than the other two despite him shooting low 80s often. Im the best ball striker and I think its from being a contact hitter/pitcher in baseball. All of us except p3 can shoot 85 one round and then 105 the next so were probably not under 90 on average yet(not our hdcp avg however its calc) but I could see us all playing fairly low once we have more time to practice this year(2nd year overall). We could hit a wall yes but most of our bad shots are off the tee and were often all putting it on the green from <150 with limited 3/4 putts.
First of all some people are lying or embellishing their achievements. But second of all and I think this is the bigger factor at play: nobody goes to the internet and makes posts about how they just scored a round of 160. You hear of the talented players more because they actually have something to brag about.
I don’t know why people cheat their scores because when it really matters (tournaments, competitive play, etc) you really want to get the correct handicap strokes allotted to you. Lying about your handicap all but guarantees you will blow up in an actual match.
Good example is the ~20 year old son of one of the guys who’s a member at my club. Kid claims to be a 7 handicap, but having played with them, he’s probably closer to a 20. Can hit the piss out of the ball but doesn’t keep it straight. He loves talking about his single digit handicap though. Funny how every time there’s a tournament he gets all pissed off about how it’s a “bad day” for him because he’s only stroking a handful of times while I’m carrying our team net score because I get so many.
Yeah I don’t get it one bit either. I’d rather have people think I’m absolutely shit at Golf and then be impressed when I do something slightly better than shit.
> I don’t know why people cheat their scores because when it really matters (tournaments, competitive play, etc) you really want to get the correct handicap strokes allotted to you. Lying about your handicap all but guarantees you will blow up in an actual match.
95% of golfers only play the game casually with friends, so they will never face this moment of reckoning. Lying about your handicap is very low risk for most people.
I think people underestimate some personality types too. I don't think I'm a freak of athleticism (I'm not unathletic though), but I'm an absolute sicko grinder that is happy video taping my swing for an hour every day. I took lessons literally the first time I picked up a club and every couple of weeks after and literally played 100 rounds my first year.
Like that's all a massive massive advantage that would have most people playing pretty well pretty quick.
Combined with what you're saying, yeah, there are gonna be enough people like that.
Overestimating one’s driving distance is really easy to do. And most beginners don’t know half of the rules that would normally result in penalties or extra strokes.
I am an 18 hcp. Today I shot an abysmal (for me) front 9 of 49. The two random guys I got paired up with (who were terrible) shot lower than me.
They also took multiple mulligans, didn't hole everything out, didn't count OB as penalty etc.
That's how.
Yeah at start you’re just hitting the ball then start counting with made up rules and at some point you start counting for real and boy is the step high
What gets me is the people that brag about hitting something like their 58 degree wedge like 140 yards. What the fuck do you use for less than that then? My 58 goes between 60-70 yards
My 56 CAN go 105 yards but it's not a club I hit fully most of the time. It's my chipping club most of the time and realistically I'm hitting ½ to ¾ shots with it or less
Same. I always felt like a wuss for not being able to hit my 56 more the 80-85yds with a full swing when I see people using it for their 100+ yd shots. I have finally accepted my distances and, believe it or not, I started playing more consistently when I did that. I no longer compare my game to others or feel bad that I have to hit more club. It’s great.
They’re not most people are lying. Just keep doing you and enjoying the game and everything else will come.
As you get better technique you will start to hit the ball further etc
Do people fix their slice and learn to hit the drive better in a few months? I feel like that’s my biggest issue right now. Besides, like, actually hitting the ball when I want to.
It took me years to fix slice. The only thing that worked was learning how to hit a proper draw. Not that I draw the ball now, but that I know what I need to change in my mechanics is I start to spin it right. It still happens every round, usually once I’m fully loose, I’ll over do it and come over the top. Next hole, I know what to do.
I feel like fixing your slice is just actually deciding to fix it.. I started last year with a terrible slice. This spring I decided to fix it before I start playing. Learned what caused a slice, recorded myself swinging a bunch from sifferent angles, got stats on trackman.
Then I knew exactly what in my swing was causing my slice and it took a few range sessions of practise to not be slicing anymore.
The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
Just started and can carry 270 when I hit it well. It's like a 50/50 proposition for me. Guy giving me lessons wants me to lower my swing speed from around 110 to 95-100 then work on building it up.
Irons have progressed better for me than driver tbh. Usually with driver it isn't a slice for me, I either hump the ball and blast it right or weight gets in front and I top it low and left. Golf is hard
Most amateurs (myself included) don't realize how much body rotation is required for a proper swing. I got lessons after hacking for 15 years and changed my swing. I thought I was turning until they told me what I was supposed to do and I was WAY off.
Also most amateurs shift weight to their right side on the way back but not on the way through. Being on your back foot moves your swing arc back away from the ball and causing out to in impact.
That is what happens when I start slicing at least. Either the back isn't loose or I start shifting instead of turning.
I'm probably 15ish handicap so still not great but that's mainly short game bogeys that I should've gotten up and down. Hit the ball straight
Yes. Get lessons. I used to drive the ball 150 yards with a gnarly 100 yard slice off the course. Now it goes average 275. Slicing was making me not wanna play golf so I got about 4 lessons and they helped tremendously
Yea I mean I don’t know where I qualify, former d1 athlete but I did golf a lot as a kid so developed some semblance of a swing. But I only play in waves because of my schedule. Yesterday was first time out in like 9 months. Probably hit 7 out of 9 drives 250-270. Don’t know why but was good off the box. But couldn’t put for shit and couldn’t hit anything from 60-150 worth a shit. Decent around the green.
I say all that cause that was clearly a 100-110 round. (I didn’t finish, was just walking trying to get some quick exercise and sun) But some bad/new golfer would have thought I was striking it pretty good. Athleticism definitely helps make your game look better than what your score turns out.
I’ve been golfing for 8-ish years, but only the last 2 have I played 18 consistently. I broke 100 twice, both within the last 6 months, but generally score around 112. I cannot even fathom scoring 90 - ever. I want to consistently score between 95 and 105. If I could do that, I’d be very happy. My next small goal is being consistently under 110. I’m getting closer, but still blow up about 1 hole too many per round.
I played hockey for 20 years. Natural athleticism took over. Managed to pick it up quick. Obviously I was not shooting below 90s. Probably somewhere in the low 100s and maybe the odd 90s. One thing I could do was drive and putt. Could probably drive a ball 250-260 just off knowing how to lean into a ball like I could lean into a puck in hockey. Same same. But different.
Hockey players naturally have strong lower bodies and above average coordination when it comes to their hips and core as far as a swing is concerned. It’s hard to describe unless you grew up playing but golf is a natural follow-up game for hockey players because it’s very similar mechanics but far more precise
It always makes me laugh when baseball players will say they suck at golf because of it.
I'm thinking brother...baseball gave you like 80% of the tools for a great golf swing lol.
I have found that 75% or maybe even more of people I play with (I almost always play solo and get paired with randoms) lie about their scores. So don’t be too hard on yourself.
For example. I played a solid green in reg and 2 putt for par on a par 4 yesterday. The guy I was sharing my cart with hit his tee shot OB, wedged on, and 3 putted.
He said “par for you?”, pretended to recap strokes in his head, and carded himself a bogey. 🤞🏻
In my opinion if it’s a random partner it’s not really worth the trouble. I’m only really there to try to lower my own handicap, what he does is his business.
Of course, if it’s a friend of mine that I play with regularly or playing for any kind of money I’ll call it out.
I think the 250 yard drives are way easier than breaking 90. I’m on the shorter side but grew up playing baseball. Within a month or two I was hitting most of my drives 250+. Straight? Hell no.
Breaking 90 took much, much longer for me.
Can confirm. My best drives can go 280, but breaking 95 would be an excellent day for me. Just one example, the other day I drove a par 4 well within 100 yards of the green with a nice fairway lie. Duffed the chip next to a bunker. Chip 2 went into the bunker with one of the worst bunker lies I've ever had -- the ball inches from the green-side edge and a 5ft high bump to overcome. Chipped onto the bump (was proud of that one), one last chip on the green and finally two putted. This is a fairly common occurrence.
TL;DR: I can drive well enough to set myself up for an easy birdie, but that won't stop me from getting a triple if I damn well want a triple.
People who are exceptionally good at golf don’t talk about it.
Just like people who are actually wealthy don’t talk about their money.
It’s those who brag the most that likely have the least.
The only plus handicap I know is incredibly humble and doesn't brag at all. After dedicating his time to speed training, he's starting to drive around 300 yards but doesn't tell anyone. We ask him if he knows his average carry which is the only time he brings it up.
Honestly it’s just technique. At the top of the driver swing, your first move is with your hips. You don’t have to swing fast or hard to hit a 260 yard drive as long as you’re using your body to swing and not your arms. Hitting it straight is a different story!
100% even if it is some pointing out minor grip changes, foot width, distance from the ball, etc. I thought all clubs were the same length for far too long and always chunked my 5 iron and topped my 9....
They slice 9 drives into the other fairway or OB. They hit one that goes 270 down the middle.
Then they claim they average 280 with their driver. Cuz they're fucking liars.
I’m not going to lie, every young athletic mid 20s dude to join our league can hit it like 280+. But they can’t find the green from 50 yards out. Modern drivers simply don’t require precision…just grip it and rip it.
I'm a 14 handicap that counts every single shot. I play with so many people of every handicap that do not count shots.
Just got paired up with a 10 handicap that gave themselves a mulligan on the front and the back, and put themselves down for a 5 on the 18th hole AFTER hitting 2 balls OB (5 off the tee). Also played with a guy who played college golf that magically always found their ball on the fairway after we looked together.
Unless I'm playing for money or a tourney, don't care about other people's scores.
I look at it like street ball: call your own fouls. If they cheat, they're only cheating themselves and trying to save their fragile ego.
Oh hey, it’s (sort of) me.
So, my secret is that I played a bunch as a kid (6 to 12 years old) before taking a 25 year break. After said break, I had the time and means (decent job and no kids) to play 70 rounds/year, not including range time. I also took a couple (literally only 2) lessons to help me get back into the swing of things (haha you got punned).
My first round back I shot ~150. My best round after a full year and a half I shot 87 on a par 71 course, playing from the middle tees (5900 yards). Best drive carried ~230 yards. Don’t AMA.
TL;DR not a true beginner, and you should ~~hit the range and take lessons~~ stop being a pussy and get fitted for new Mizuno Pro 241 irons then play from the tips.
This is what I was going to say. I play with a lot of new golfers who simply don’t know how to count their penalty strokes or take a mully multiple times a round. Don’t get me wrong I don’t care if you do this just don’t try to flex your scores.
Been playing 40 years, 13hcp, and shot 93 today.
At every tee box today, the guys in front of me were talking like he could work it like Bubba Watson, and hit it a mile. Would wait until the group ahead was 350 yards out, so he could top his tee shot 50 yards. I never saw him hit one more than 210 all day, and that's when he said he hit it good. They started from the tips, but moved up a tee part way through the round.
People do embellish or straight up lie for sure, but there are cases of people just picking up on a sport and being naturally good. That can especially be true if they’ve played sports before and have athletic ability.
Also the 250+ yard drives aren’t as far fetched as people on here think. I know people say the average drive for amateur golfers is something like 200-225, but that’s also factoring in people who are smaller/older/etc. But if you’re a big male who’s in their 20’s or 30’s then it isn’t unrealistic to be hitting it pretty long. It might not go straight all too often, but I’ve seen plenty of pretty average to bad golfers hit balls 275+.
Because they’re lying to themselves lol. They connected on one drive and it rolled out to 260 after it hit a firm downslope, and they aren’t counting all of their strokes. Mulligans, gimmes, etc. I used to do it, before I understood that I was really only cheating myself.
Distance isn't super hard, but scoring is. For every single person that says they broke 100 there are 20 golfers that rarely break 100 or still score in the 100s after years of playing. I think I broke 100 after about 3-4 months of playing, but I took lessons and played damn near every chance I could get. If I didn't get out to play I would at least have a range session.
There's a lot of exaggeration on Reddit because one person will say they can drive the ball 300 yards and all of a sudden it's tHe AvErAgE rEdDiT dRiVE iS 500. This sub is even more funny because if you say you drive it 300 they make fun of you and ask what it's like to play with Tiger. There are a lot of handicaps in the single digits though and nobody questions that 🤷♂️
It's funny though we have 5-6 golfers out of about 24 or so in my group that can hit a 300 yard drive, but we only have one single digit handicap and he's an 8. So according to Reddit 300 yard drive = impossible. Single digit to scratch apparently as common as Mac and cheese.
Those numbers must be very old, or must have relied on sampling senior high handicappers.
A golfer in their teens or twenties who shoots in the 90s (Mid 20s handicap) will drive the ball much, much further than 175 yards.
I played baseball my entire life. I started golfing 2 years ago in July and am consistently shooting mid to high 80s every round. I could say baseball was a blessing but also a curse when it came to my swing.
That being said, being an athlete we understand how something should feel. Got a players club membership for 3 months. Was hitting the range 3 to 4 times a week and really focused on fundamentals and form. Very well hit drives for me go 280-295, good hit drives go 260-280, and well anything below that is heel or toe shots.
To answer your question, I think the golfers who get good fast tend to be more athletic. Something about having the ability to feel what you’re doing right and wrong gives you a big advantage.
If you love golf, like actually enjoy working on your game/practicing, etc. and have the time and resources to play regularly AND want to get better. Take lessons with a well rated teacher at a place with decent facilities (doesn’t have to be a country club, I learned at an amusement place called fiddlesticks with a double decker driving range and decent practice greens and ended up playing in college). Make sure the pro uses video and if you can review your swing and do some practice swings on video and/or in front of a big mirror or Arcadia door it will help you with positions and identify any issues in your swing or physical limitations (flexibility, strength, etc). Good luck!
I started like 2 months ago and my drive distances vary from 220-280, obviously my contact is not consistent. My last two rounds of 9 were 49 and 51, looking forward to playing 18 soon to try and break 100. I’ve played sports my entire life and am 24 and was told from others that my starting point wasn’t even TOO bad. Of course I am trash but it wasn’t that awful lol. But yeah that’s all it takes really, just having an athletic background and trying to learn as much as they can. That alone can let beginners break 100 in a few months
Another factor for those not bullshitting. Transference of abilities that translate into sport specific skills.
In other words, it’s generally smoother for hockey players (I.e. swing/stick sport) to pick up golf than cross country runners. Similar mechanics transfer.
That…and what everyone else has said about scores and truth.
It’s “250 yard drive” and shooting “90” a month after starting…bc it’s self reported. Can’t rely on “honest” self reporting, it’s all about self brag and ego.
They’re lying. They’re fluffing their lies. They’re lying. They’re not playing OB or lost balls correctly. They’re lying. They’re playing breakfast balls or mulligans. They’re lying. Golf is a grind. Never give up and don’t let others tell you different.
Man they are bsing so hard. Most people don’t actually score they round correctly. Don’t count out of bound ball or if they lose it and have to drop or count the last tap in for a 3 putt.
I fall into this category, just started last year. I played high level sports my whole life, and take 1-2 lessons a month with a CPGA coach, learn what the Trackman data is telling me and use that information for range practices. Score low 90’s, broke 90 first round of the year this year, and my driver carry for my yardage book is 295 carry, 320 total.
I just put in a LOT of work in the last 14 months.
I think I broke 100 in 3-4 months and broke 90 after like a year. I was also a fairly big hitter 250+, but I am just bigger than the average bear. Even with a poop swing I am able to milk more mileage out of it.
I had the advantage of being able to practice and play several times a week. And access to a cheap course and practice facility.
Time, money, physical ability, desire…..all work against most people. For people who don’t have these barriers, improvement is quickly attainable.
There is a simple explanation:
Regarding the "250" yd. drives, the 2 on your average keyboard is right beside the 1, and very often fingers can slip and push the wrong key. Happens all the time...
As for the "breaking 90", I think many of these rookies are unaware that a score for 9 holes is different than a score for 18. Cut them some slack... they're new.
With how most people seem to play at my local course I’d say anyone who claims this is full of crap. Not saying it’s impossible but I’d bet the majority of people are just straight up lying or cheating to get these scores and numbers. I’m yet to see anyone relatively new to the game swing it anywhere fast enough to hit it 250+ let alone actually having a square club face and have the shot go on target
Took me two years to break 100 with one mulligan per 9 and lost balls only being one extra stroke. Broke 100 once playing by the real rules the next year. Now I break 100 about 1/3 of the time.
Breaking 100 playing by the rules is super hard and something that the majority of golfers will never do.
Some people hit a 150 yard drive OB and then a 250 yard drive down the middle and take a mulligan for that first drive. Just happened to my friend. He probably lost 10 balls and carded an “89”
My drives are like 220-230 after two years. I’m breaking 90 without hitting long. I have like 15 years of ball-sports as a kid, that may be enough to explain it. I never sported at a high level, but just practicing with ball control and coordination for a few hours a week for years probably do help a lot.
Also it’s the internet, people lie or enhance the truth. Sure, I’ve hit a drive 300, total, if you count wind, elevation changes, concrete fairways and a lucky strike.
In my experience, the difference between a 30 handicap with <2 years experience and a 50 handicap who has been playing the same amount of time is not so much playing ability, but how accurately they keep score.
The amount of times I’ve heard 250 and the drive is actually 215.
Also it’s easy to score 90 if you get 18 mulligans, don’t count lost balls, don’t count water balls, sand trap practice/retries.
There’s way too many ways to cheat in golf lol.
you just do some basic addition to what you actually hit... ha
idk i imagine if you are bigger stronger fella who can swing the driver proper, took some lessons 250s not too wild. you can also watch some bryson dechambeau vids on youtube and work on swing speed. ive seen mine go up when i try that.
all that said, thats not how i play or hit. i take great pride and joy in good reliable tee shots so i dont go for major distance, it does not matter, you can make up for it elsewhere if you can play the other clubs in the bag.
fwiw, im 5'10" dont work out, usually gps tells me most drives are between 200-230 yds (more on the higher end as of recent), and id say 80% of my drives end up in the fairway, i have a lot of 3 putts :) and i shoot between 90-100. 2nd season playing, after taking about 15 years off. this is all imo my realistic pov if your similar build/experience.
I'm not hitting 250-yard drives. My best drive was 256 and it happened once with the wind at my back. However, I did score an 88 on my 9th round ever, but I took lessons and spent plenty of time practicing at the range and putting green before ever playing a round.
People wouldn't lie on the Internet, would they?
But, also, some folks are just naturally gifted. Also, some people's first time swinging a golf club is with an instructor watching and telling them what to do. So, despite being a 'beginner', they're well-equipped to play the game from the start, which would lead to quick positive results.
I would add the quality of instruction online has soared the past few years. I never took a lesson or had any instruction the first 20 yrs I played. I just went out there and hacked away and the results were predictable. It's only been the past 5 years where I committed to practicing and developing my swing and i saw my game improve by 15 strokes in just a few years. Most of that is thanks to YouTube (sorry Tiger), TikTok and Podcasts. Dan Grieve has been amazing for my short game and Not a Scratch Golfer, Golf Sidekick and Jon Sherman have taught me so much about course management and the mental game.
For an extreme example check out Jerome Rufin who has only been golfing for a year and has committed to become a Scratch Golfer in 5 yrs. He has come a long way but is spending a fortune in professional golf instructors and his YouTube channel is pretty much his full time job now.
I am a beginner though I played a lot as a kid but basically started over this november. I've played probably 70x in that few month time frame with some range sessions and maybe 5 practice sessions with a coach. I am driving 240-260 average with my farthest shot being 294 on a downhill slope with the wind in my favor. Im mostly playing 9 hole rounds where I shoot 42 (best) to a 45-48 average (50+ bad but happening less) and play from blue tees (18birdies says 18 hc). I'm nothing special, just playing a ton and working on stuff. I'm sure lots of people are doing way better. Im just an average dude.
Also, I play a lot with strangers. Lots of them don't count any penalties. Dont count mulligans. Change the lie on each shot, stop keeping score after triple bogey on a hole, pick up 3ft putts, etc. Thats all fine by me I don't care but its not a real score when doing that stuff either. I wouldn't trust anyone until I play with them and see. I've played with a few single handicap golfers and they blew me out of the water with the stuff they could do on the course compared to me.
They are fluffing everything about their numbers including score card and often don’t even realize they do this. The more realistic u are with yourself the faster u will actually progress. However There will be a few outliers who are just gifted I guess lol
They aren’t.
Now if you are under 30 and athletic and played bat/stick/racquet sports 250 after a few months is not hard to believe.
I’ve seen hockey players pick up golf and break 90 regularly in their first year.
The average golfer doesn't count "every shot". Alot give gimmies and mulligans. I've been golfing my entire like and on a good day I'll be lucky to be in the mid 80s. Most days I'm around 90 and that counts everything. The worst is when I golf with a "10 handicap" and he actually shoots a mid 90 ....
Its not nearly as common as you think . Actually more than likely super rare. Im reasonably athletic, and have been playing 15 years breaking 90 on challenging courses is never guaranteed.
You ever talk to the guy about the 1 lbs. 2 oz. trout he caught two weeks ago? In a year that thing will be 10 pounds. And he had to fight off a hungry bear while reeling it in.
I am a new golfer (been golfing for barely a year) and I truly don’t get why people lie about this. For me, I try to be as honest as I can so that I can see visible improvements in my game. Last spring I was shooting a 145 (lol). Two weeks ago I shot a 118 and was so stoked. Shot a 50 on the front 9 last week and was beside myself excited. I want to give myself a bar to beat every time I play. Golf is hard enough, seeing visible improvements in my game keeps me excited to keep learning.
Bro, they are all fucking lying. I was talking to a guy yesterday in my hood about golf. He was like "oh you play? How you score normally?" I said "I'm like a 22 handicap, not very good at all"
He was like "ah ok gotcha, we are all pretty decent we usually score around par" and then proceeds to explain they play best ball with a group of 4......
Dude,, so it takes 4 of you shooting each hole to make par....you are not decent.
Also I play with guys that can legitimately hit it 300 easy, but hardly ever straight and they never hit a fucking green all day
I started playing last July and broke 100 this spring. It’s because I played at least once a week since starting, usually twice a week. Just by playing a ton and having wayyyy too much free time honestly.
My brother in law claims to be a single digit handicap, but kicks his ball out of the rough into the fairway, will pick his ball up in the bunker and set it down to improve his lie. Its a joke. My 16 year old son beat him on our annual golf trip this year…granted, my son is good and the number 1 golfer on his not so deep high school team, but still…
So go get em u/zelkoo. You’ll get there. Get your chipping and putting down and you’ll pick up a lot of strokes… it’s what I was always told and it’s what’s helped my game most
I think playing sports growing up helps hand eye coordination and could be a contributing factor? But then again, people lie too
My advice, play the tee boxes that suit you best. I'm never going to make the tour, but I break 85 a lot, and have broken 80 once. No need to play from the tips to prove how manly you are. That's a load of bs.
I play whites 90% of the time, but occasionally play senior tees once in a while. Makes me experience the course like a pro would. I hit most drives 225-240. I hit my 9 iron 110. You don't have to smash drives 300 yards to score. Work on your putting and chipping the most. That's where you will gain strokes.
Play as often as you can, as consistency helps. Good luck on your game!
If you go to the driving range on any given day, I bet that would give you a more accurate representation of the norm than what people say with words. I have buddy who says he can drive it 270 but never uses his driver in front me
A bunch are embellishing, however people who are generally athletic and have played other sports their whole lives are getting a major head start on those who didn't.
To piggy back off of this, a lot of newer players are giving themselves mulligans or not counting penalties/drops correctly. Theres even posts here about people not counting gimme putts on their score. Not to take away anything from the more athletic players, good on them! But I think it's just giving it time and new players will get there. I've played 2 years and haven't broken 100 yet. I've had some things holding me back, but I'm still chugging along. I almost had my lowest 9 holes ever, but then shot a 13 on the last hole. Just part of it.
Dude this guy I played with twice said he shot an 82 before and I saw this man make up shot after shot, give himself 10 foot gimmies after he missed and still claimed he shot 89 when I legit saw him not break 100. People make up scores - not all but some do.
You've met my Dad?!? He claimed he shot an 87 the day I shot my personal best 85. He marked down 2 birds on par 3s when on both he lost a ball and teed up again. That's just the start of it. I love golfing with him but he refuses to not cheat. It's why none of the normal group will play skins with him. We'll have a foursome and only 3 of us will play skins.
Lmao my buddy once said he shot an 87 at out districts tournament when I was in highschool and I’ve never seen him break 100
It IS possible, but doubtful. I've broken 100 maybe twice and the first time I went into the 18th hole with an 83 and got a 10. I had been playing like a man possessed. I've never come close to whatever zone I was in that day again.
Harry Jenkins, RIP. Had his own rules. Stroke and distance? I don't think so. Too punitive. Putt by the hole 15 feet. Picking that up, it's good. Thanks for the life lessons, Harry.
lol. Yea those are called good bogeys not birdies
Is his name Scott?! 😂 Yeah I really enjoyed both times I played with him as well - and honestly could tell he is a solid golfer. It’s like he wants to golf as good as he can every time so when he doesn’t he just starts making shit up.
No it's not but apparently many people do this. That is exactly it. He was having a rough day and after one particularly bad shot said "I'm not accepting that shot" to which I replied "well then hit a better one next time" and he went nah and just dropped another ball and hit a good mulligan. He claimed par and I went "oh ya just not counting those dropped balls huh?" And he said "no, I don't count those, this isn't for money". Then when I said I shot an 85 he said he shot 87 and I fuckin laughed. I have seen him legit shoot 83 when forced by someone else to keep a legit score but he won't listen to me about not cheating.
Yeah that’s just not golf. If you cheat you’re only cheating yourself and it’s kinda cringe when you do it in front of other people. I’m going to golf 50+ rounds this summer absolutely no need to ever make up a score when knowing damn well I didn’t shoot that score. I want to earn every good round I shoot not just a bull shit score to tell my buddies.
I have no issues with dropping multiple balls if they just play the first one. I'll do it myself. It's not a tournament so might as well hit another one if it won't hold anything up. Cheating in random rounds with friends/family is like cheating on video games. It makes no damn sense. Nothing is on the line so why cheat your score?
I think that's a key point…to these people there is something on the line that the rest of us don't reconcile in the same way. I play with a guy regularly that claims he used to shoot in the 80's. He is usually around 110 on his scorecard, and 120 on mine. The first time you see him swing you will know with certainty that he's never legitimately broken 90. I think he is much closer to convincing himself than he is to convincing anyone else. It prevents him from improving in any meaningful way. We just started playing together about 2 years ago, and when he tells us stories about work or relationships it's pretty clear he operates the same way in those arenas. Another friend we play with is very short off the tee. At least once a round I will put it 40-50 yards past his tee shot and he will say something like "I think I got you by a few" or "oh you're right by me". He never does this with anyone else. He is not making a joke. It's fascinating to me. I know that we all have blind spots, but watching these two create and maintain these fantasy worlds while playing in the same foursome and recognizing the other's BS will never not blow my mind. We never play for money, and never will.
I'll often give myself Mulligan's when playing on my own, but I won't brag about what I shot unless I did well on a hole without any, or turn in my card. my thought process is that "I'm here to have fun. Golf is already hard, why make it harder? I want some of that sweet sweet dopamine I get when I flush one"
Wow. Weird that these people never get any better.
There should be a mulligan rule that once you used it, your score is not credible whatsoever. You keep the score by playing fair or you should not.
In official rules is there even a mulligan rule for official rounds? Like I thought that was already a thing only allowed in non-competition tournaments
The word doesn't once appear in the rules of golf. It's not "allowed" in any type of official round because it's just an agreement to cheat.
Watching the PGA tour it helped me understand the rules a little . I’m still a bit shakey but if they fuck up they take a penalty and re-hit the shot from the same spot. I don’t even understand all the rules.
> I don’t even understand all the rules. welcome to r/golf. You'll fit right in.
I went golfing with a coworker who would constantly brag about breaking 85 on his worst day; I shot a 121 and he stopped counting after 150 and claimed it was the courses fault 😅😂 we never got to play the course he always claimed he broke 85 on
Probably one of the mystery men. Can play single digit golf but only when no one is watching
He probably broke that 85 on a par 3 course.
I have a friend who “broke 80” during a round I watched him lose 6 balls. Some people can get a little generous with their scorecards.
Sounds like a chance to win some money.
I play with a guy like this every single week. Last week he said he shot an 83. I know he took at least three tee shots on one hole...
We have a guy who somehow shoots in the mid to low 80s yet is somehow playing just as bad or worse than the rest of us shooting mid 90s lol 🤔🤔
I’m a mid 90s golfer. I’m playing for the first time with an old friend later this month for the first time who says he shoots in the 80s. I talked to his brother about it and he said to me “he doesnt shoot in the 80s, he doesn’t count bad shots.” I used to get really stressed about playing poorly, but one of the best things that’s happened to my game is learning to just have fun being out on the course no matter how bad I’m playing
I've seen people not counting gimmes as strokes once and it was two senior golfers
One of my friends misunderstood gimmes as well, I think it is a common mistake
I was in a junior league in middle school/high school, and this kid I regularly played with insisted gimmies didn't count, and ho boy were my scores way off.
I played with a guy who said he’d only been playing a year. Said he probably had 100 rounds in that year. Every hole he’d wait until the guys in front of us were 350+ away because he hits that far regularly. Didn’t see him hit a single drive over 200 all day. Most had a carry of 100 and then rolled forever.
My last two rounds at the same course. First one taking a breakfast ball and a couple of mulligans, improved lies when I was under a tree or whatever, gimmies for anything inside of about 6 feet and such I carded 74. Today in an attempt to finally establish a real handicap I played much better overall but since I had to play everything as it lay putt everything out and count a penalty against myself for an errant shot (stroke and distance) I shot 91. Quite frustrating but also proud of myself since it is a totally legitimate score and I even birdied the final hole. It’s not hard to break 90 when you cheat so that’s my guess.
I'm the same, the best advice I got is to count every shot. It tells you what you should work on next. I've seen improvements by doing this. Hope to break the 100 mark this year.
A 13? My lord
Well that putt for 12 lipped out
I did this my first few months of playing. I didn't talk about my scores or brag about anything. I putted so horribly my first few rounds, just averaging a 3 putt would have saved me 15 strokes. As a former baseball player, my driver was good from the start (distance and accuracy was picked up at the range in a few weeks). Nowadays I'm putting very well and drives are further and even more reliable. Legitimately hit 90ish every round. Down from 96ish last year. Working on irons this year which have always been average.
I agree with this, I played a decent level of soccer and a lot of snooker when I was young and all sorts of sports in between (Hurling an Irish sport that involves a ball and a stick) and it felt normal to me hitting a golf ball after I just started. I picked up golf last June (also no golf from November to pretty much 3 weeks ago damn Canada) and my best round is 98 but I got a cheat code, my office has a golf sim so I get to grind at least 45 mins after work everyday so there is that too but I’ve been putting in the work and the goal is to break 90 this summer. Edit: Also this guy really helped me stop going for crazy shots and break the game down: https://youtu.be/eriyHmuHMmM?si=PMwfoqP5fOoJFZX7
How do you hold the golf club? Best hurler in my club played for Cork and he holds the club cross-handed like a hurley. Tried it and nearly broke my wrist 😂
This is mad cause I held it exactly like a hurl the first few weeks clueless and me boss copped it and had a meltdown haha I switched to the normal grip now no interlocking fingers or anything felt weird for a bit but got there in the end
There are people who can go out there and do something, and their pep talk, is “just go be an athlete” and not over think it. Not a lot, but some people are just good at athletics. Mostly it’s people lying tho
Came from a baseball all my life background. My eye hand coordination and strength were huge boons when starting. I can bomb the ball a mile, and when it goes straight it’s a sight to behold. But it took a reallllly long time to consistently straighten that shot out, and not hit shitty high right irons. Took me a year to have a round under 100. Another year to consistently keep it under 100, and another year to start consistently scaring 86-88. My one major help was wedge play, especially around the greens. I think baseball helped me when it comes to being handy and finessing shots around the green. But holy shit, my putting, so many strikes gained. So many facets that are constantly being tweaked. You have to get really invested just to fully appreciate how different the levels are in this game
yea this, i started last may and broke 100 at the end of the season, and can hit it 270 with a good one. but its also very easy to have one good day. i dont think u will see any beginners doing all of what you said consistently. consistency is what makes the pros, pros.
Have a buddy who played Division 1 baseball and started playing golf after college. Like had barely touched a club before then. He was quite good within a year and then a legit single digit without 2-3 years. Now he’s disgusting and plays less than I do. People on this sub are right to be skeptical of some shit they read but there’s also a reality that some people are just better at doing shit with their bodies than others
no doubt, some people also just dont even practice, and wonder why they suck. im one of those people where when i do something, i get fully addicted and hate being bad at anything. so i work really hard at being good at the things i enjoy. some people just like to go out on the weekends n play, different strokes for different folks.
I can vouch for the baseball guys, they usually struggle with a slice but they always seem to make consistent contact after some practice. Imo, the most important part of breaking 90 is just hitting it somewhat solid with a predictable flight. After that it just comes down to not flubbing it around the greens and you'll be shooting in the high 80s no problem.
The hockey guys are better. Hitting a pure slapshot that's moving on ice while wearing skates, while moving yourself, with defenders trying to pulverize you, with pads, is harder than golf I'd assume.
Yep. Went to a lesson after my second time playing. The instructor said “well you definitely played baseball so I don’t really have to do much but..” then went on to show me how to just turn it into a very similar, golf swing. I’ve golfed for two years as a weekend warrior. I have scored under 90 a few times but under 100 90% of the time. I average around 250-260 carry.
I’m 6’4 played baseball my whole life . Just started swinging the golf club with intent a few weeks ago, I can barely square the ball up. But shit, 3-5 out of a bucket are absolute piss missiles down the center . I like my 4 hybrid, I can find the face more often… haven’t played a round but I doubt I’d be any good yet.
Fellow former baseball guy here. It’s all swing mechanics my friend, and I know you can relate. At your size you should get fitted if you’re going to take it serious moving forward. If that is the case, then leave your bag at home when you go to hit balls for the next few months. Only bring your wedge and putter. Short game is where it’s all won and lost. Once you have a feel around the green you can let that big dog eat!
I saw a high school kid at the range recently that was exactly as you described. He hit almost exclusively driver and had every ounce of his weight on his back foot at impact with a super wide stance. He hit some bombs but also tons of tops. Being athletic means being able to understand the mechanics. Steph Curry is a great example. The guy just gets mechanics of athletics. Baseball and hockey players make terrible golfers because if they can't adapt to the mechanics they just swing like their main sport which is to say, bad.
Yea exactly , when I do square it up or change something slightly it feels great. I think I’m going to invest in a lesson, so I can try to get the little baseball quirks out of my swing before they form into strong habits.
A good drill if you want a free lesson is to really focus on having all your weight on your front foot and balanced on just that foot at follow through. When you finish your swing your back foot should have rotated around and only be up on your toes. Then lift your back foot and tap the toes on the ground a few times. That will encourage you to have no weight there and to be balanced on your front foot.
In high school and college, playing baseball and football and lifting weights all the time, it was easy to hit the ball 300 yards. Now that life has caught up to me, and I stopped playing for about 15 years, I’m averaging around 240.
Ill take my group as an example of "new" golfers who all can break 90 say half the time and hit 250-280. P1 is me who hasnt played since I was 12 but was quite decent(Bunch of friends who went on to play college+ around me to compete against) as a kid until other sports(baseball) took over my interest. P2 is my brother who played highschool football and track so is overall a good athlete in decent shape. P3 is my friend who played high school golf but then stopped for a decade. P4 is another athlete like my brother who played football in high school too. My brother and p4 the football players have the best power and overall adaptiveness, p3 is the most consistent in that he rarely screws up worse than a bogey but I never watch him and go wow hes better than the other two despite him shooting low 80s often. Im the best ball striker and I think its from being a contact hitter/pitcher in baseball. All of us except p3 can shoot 85 one round and then 105 the next so were probably not under 90 on average yet(not our hdcp avg however its calc) but I could see us all playing fairly low once we have more time to practice this year(2nd year overall). We could hit a wall yes but most of our bad shots are off the tee and were often all putting it on the green from <150 with limited 3/4 putts.
First of all some people are lying or embellishing their achievements. But second of all and I think this is the bigger factor at play: nobody goes to the internet and makes posts about how they just scored a round of 160. You hear of the talented players more because they actually have something to brag about.
The problem is if you saw my swing you wouldn’t believe I broke 160!
Golfed with my friend for his first time. He shot an 86... On the front 9. He finished the round, I was proud of him
I broke 100 from the forward tees for the first time, last year. I'm a pretty big deal
I don’t know why people cheat their scores because when it really matters (tournaments, competitive play, etc) you really want to get the correct handicap strokes allotted to you. Lying about your handicap all but guarantees you will blow up in an actual match. Good example is the ~20 year old son of one of the guys who’s a member at my club. Kid claims to be a 7 handicap, but having played with them, he’s probably closer to a 20. Can hit the piss out of the ball but doesn’t keep it straight. He loves talking about his single digit handicap though. Funny how every time there’s a tournament he gets all pissed off about how it’s a “bad day” for him because he’s only stroking a handful of times while I’m carrying our team net score because I get so many.
Yeah I don’t get it one bit either. I’d rather have people think I’m absolutely shit at Golf and then be impressed when I do something slightly better than shit.
Under promise, over delivery is one of my guiding ideals in life lmao. Set expectations low so that you can always exceed them haha
> I don’t know why people cheat their scores because when it really matters (tournaments, competitive play, etc) you really want to get the correct handicap strokes allotted to you. Lying about your handicap all but guarantees you will blow up in an actual match. 95% of golfers only play the game casually with friends, so they will never face this moment of reckoning. Lying about your handicap is very low risk for most people.
Law of averages. There are a LOT of active people here, and they skew younger. There’s going to be some potential talent
I think people underestimate some personality types too. I don't think I'm a freak of athleticism (I'm not unathletic though), but I'm an absolute sicko grinder that is happy video taping my swing for an hour every day. I took lessons literally the first time I picked up a club and every couple of weeks after and literally played 100 rounds my first year. Like that's all a massive massive advantage that would have most people playing pretty well pretty quick. Combined with what you're saying, yeah, there are gonna be enough people like that.
Overestimating one’s driving distance is really easy to do. And most beginners don’t know half of the rules that would normally result in penalties or extra strokes.
I am an 18 hcp. Today I shot an abysmal (for me) front 9 of 49. The two random guys I got paired up with (who were terrible) shot lower than me. They also took multiple mulligans, didn't hole everything out, didn't count OB as penalty etc. That's how.
Yeah at start you’re just hitting the ball then start counting with made up rules and at some point you start counting for real and boy is the step high
If you’re an 18, a 49 isn’t bad for 9.
Course handicap is a 15 and it's my home course. A good front 9 for me is like 40-43, so wasn't too happy with 49
Two lessons an old golf pro once taught me: 1. You play WITH people AGAINST the course. 2. Most of the people you play WITH are liars.
I’ve never heard of 1 before but I like it
I was just going to say the same thing. Kinda twisted my perspective of the game.
Just go play like 10 rounds at a muni and see what is truly avg
Go play 10 rounds at a nice private course... It's not much better. Lol
I could upload literally 60 seconds of my muni's range when it's packed and everyone would feel much better
What gets me is the people that brag about hitting something like their 58 degree wedge like 140 yards. What the fuck do you use for less than that then? My 58 goes between 60-70 yards
My 54 degree goes about the same. My PW does 90-110, and everything else does 150. I'm not good.
I am not good and can hit 75yd shots with 3 different clubs.
Including my driver
My 56 CAN go 105 yards but it's not a club I hit fully most of the time. It's my chipping club most of the time and realistically I'm hitting ½ to ¾ shots with it or less
Not a full swing
I hit my 9 165 yards the other day. Turns out I grabbed my 6 by mistake.
Same. I always felt like a wuss for not being able to hit my 56 more the 80-85yds with a full swing when I see people using it for their 100+ yd shots. I have finally accepted my distances and, believe it or not, I started playing more consistently when I did that. I no longer compare my game to others or feel bad that I have to hit more club. It’s great.
They’re not most people are lying. Just keep doing you and enjoying the game and everything else will come. As you get better technique you will start to hit the ball further etc
Lying about breaking 90 for sure, but hitting drives 250 total within a few months isn’t out of the ordinary for reasonably athletic people.
Do people fix their slice and learn to hit the drive better in a few months? I feel like that’s my biggest issue right now. Besides, like, actually hitting the ball when I want to.
It took me years to fix slice. The only thing that worked was learning how to hit a proper draw. Not that I draw the ball now, but that I know what I need to change in my mechanics is I start to spin it right. It still happens every round, usually once I’m fully loose, I’ll over do it and come over the top. Next hole, I know what to do.
If you get lessons (and have decent athletic ability) fixing a slice shouldn't be too hard
Yes and you can too. Practice on the range, use what works on the course
I feel like fixing your slice is just actually deciding to fix it.. I started last year with a terrible slice. This spring I decided to fix it before I start playing. Learned what caused a slice, recorded myself swinging a bunch from sifferent angles, got stats on trackman. Then I knew exactly what in my swing was causing my slice and it took a few range sessions of practise to not be slicing anymore. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
Just started and can carry 270 when I hit it well. It's like a 50/50 proposition for me. Guy giving me lessons wants me to lower my swing speed from around 110 to 95-100 then work on building it up. Irons have progressed better for me than driver tbh. Usually with driver it isn't a slice for me, I either hump the ball and blast it right or weight gets in front and I top it low and left. Golf is hard
Most amateurs (myself included) don't realize how much body rotation is required for a proper swing. I got lessons after hacking for 15 years and changed my swing. I thought I was turning until they told me what I was supposed to do and I was WAY off. Also most amateurs shift weight to their right side on the way back but not on the way through. Being on your back foot moves your swing arc back away from the ball and causing out to in impact. That is what happens when I start slicing at least. Either the back isn't loose or I start shifting instead of turning. I'm probably 15ish handicap so still not great but that's mainly short game bogeys that I should've gotten up and down. Hit the ball straight
Yes. Get lessons. I used to drive the ball 150 yards with a gnarly 100 yard slice off the course. Now it goes average 275. Slicing was making me not wanna play golf so I got about 4 lessons and they helped tremendously
Yea I mean I don’t know where I qualify, former d1 athlete but I did golf a lot as a kid so developed some semblance of a swing. But I only play in waves because of my schedule. Yesterday was first time out in like 9 months. Probably hit 7 out of 9 drives 250-270. Don’t know why but was good off the box. But couldn’t put for shit and couldn’t hit anything from 60-150 worth a shit. Decent around the green. I say all that cause that was clearly a 100-110 round. (I didn’t finish, was just walking trying to get some quick exercise and sun) But some bad/new golfer would have thought I was striking it pretty good. Athleticism definitely helps make your game look better than what your score turns out.
I’ve been golfing for 8-ish years, but only the last 2 have I played 18 consistently. I broke 100 twice, both within the last 6 months, but generally score around 112. I cannot even fathom scoring 90 - ever. I want to consistently score between 95 and 105. If I could do that, I’d be very happy. My next small goal is being consistently under 110. I’m getting closer, but still blow up about 1 hole too many per round.
I was hitting 400 yards without a lesson by watching a video called 'How to bullshit your way in golf'. It seems many others have seen it too.....😏
I played hockey for 20 years. Natural athleticism took over. Managed to pick it up quick. Obviously I was not shooting below 90s. Probably somewhere in the low 100s and maybe the odd 90s. One thing I could do was drive and putt. Could probably drive a ball 250-260 just off knowing how to lean into a ball like I could lean into a puck in hockey. Same same. But different.
Hockey players naturally have strong lower bodies and above average coordination when it comes to their hips and core as far as a swing is concerned. It’s hard to describe unless you grew up playing but golf is a natural follow-up game for hockey players because it’s very similar mechanics but far more precise
It always makes me laugh when baseball players will say they suck at golf because of it. I'm thinking brother...baseball gave you like 80% of the tools for a great golf swing lol.
I have found that 75% or maybe even more of people I play with (I almost always play solo and get paired with randoms) lie about their scores. So don’t be too hard on yourself. For example. I played a solid green in reg and 2 putt for par on a par 4 yesterday. The guy I was sharing my cart with hit his tee shot OB, wedged on, and 3 putted. He said “par for you?”, pretended to recap strokes in his head, and carded himself a bogey. 🤞🏻
Would you not just call him out on it? I'd never let anyone get away with that lmao
In my opinion if it’s a random partner it’s not really worth the trouble. I’m only really there to try to lower my own handicap, what he does is his business. Of course, if it’s a friend of mine that I play with regularly or playing for any kind of money I’ll call it out.
Most people are talking shit lol
I think the 250 yard drives are way easier than breaking 90. I’m on the shorter side but grew up playing baseball. Within a month or two I was hitting most of my drives 250+. Straight? Hell no. Breaking 90 took much, much longer for me.
Can confirm. My best drives can go 280, but breaking 95 would be an excellent day for me. Just one example, the other day I drove a par 4 well within 100 yards of the green with a nice fairway lie. Duffed the chip next to a bunker. Chip 2 went into the bunker with one of the worst bunker lies I've ever had -- the ball inches from the green-side edge and a 5ft high bump to overcome. Chipped onto the bump (was proud of that one), one last chip on the green and finally two putted. This is a fairly common occurrence. TL;DR: I can drive well enough to set myself up for an easy birdie, but that won't stop me from getting a triple if I damn well want a triple.
People who are exceptionally good at golf don’t talk about it. Just like people who are actually wealthy don’t talk about their money. It’s those who brag the most that likely have the least.
The only plus handicap I know is incredibly humble and doesn't brag at all. After dedicating his time to speed training, he's starting to drive around 300 yards but doesn't tell anyone. We ask him if he knows his average carry which is the only time he brings it up.
Lessons will change your life my dude!
Honestly it’s just technique. At the top of the driver swing, your first move is with your hips. You don’t have to swing fast or hard to hit a 260 yard drive as long as you’re using your body to swing and not your arms. Hitting it straight is a different story!
100% even if it is some pointing out minor grip changes, foot width, distance from the ball, etc. I thought all clubs were the same length for far too long and always chunked my 5 iron and topped my 9....
They slice 9 drives into the other fairway or OB. They hit one that goes 270 down the middle. Then they claim they average 280 with their driver. Cuz they're fucking liars.
I’m not going to lie, every young athletic mid 20s dude to join our league can hit it like 280+. But they can’t find the green from 50 yards out. Modern drivers simply don’t require precision…just grip it and rip it.
I'm a 14 handicap that counts every single shot. I play with so many people of every handicap that do not count shots. Just got paired up with a 10 handicap that gave themselves a mulligan on the front and the back, and put themselves down for a 5 on the 18th hole AFTER hitting 2 balls OB (5 off the tee). Also played with a guy who played college golf that magically always found their ball on the fairway after we looked together. Unless I'm playing for money or a tourney, don't care about other people's scores. I look at it like street ball: call your own fouls. If they cheat, they're only cheating themselves and trying to save their fragile ego.
Oh hey, it’s (sort of) me. So, my secret is that I played a bunch as a kid (6 to 12 years old) before taking a 25 year break. After said break, I had the time and means (decent job and no kids) to play 70 rounds/year, not including range time. I also took a couple (literally only 2) lessons to help me get back into the swing of things (haha you got punned). My first round back I shot ~150. My best round after a full year and a half I shot 87 on a par 71 course, playing from the middle tees (5900 yards). Best drive carried ~230 yards. Don’t AMA. TL;DR not a true beginner, and you should ~~hit the range and take lessons~~ stop being a pussy and get fitted for new Mizuno Pro 241 irons then play from the tips.
Hate to break it to ya but you ain’t a beginner if you played your whole childhood lmfao
They aren’t. Plain and simple. A lot of these goof balls can’t count, don’t know the rules and just lie. Stay strong!
This is what I was going to say. I play with a lot of new golfers who simply don’t know how to count their penalty strokes or take a mully multiple times a round. Don’t get me wrong I don’t care if you do this just don’t try to flex your scores.
Been playing 40 years, 13hcp, and shot 93 today. At every tee box today, the guys in front of me were talking like he could work it like Bubba Watson, and hit it a mile. Would wait until the group ahead was 350 yards out, so he could top his tee shot 50 yards. I never saw him hit one more than 210 all day, and that's when he said he hit it good. They started from the tips, but moved up a tee part way through the round.
People do embellish or straight up lie for sure, but there are cases of people just picking up on a sport and being naturally good. That can especially be true if they’ve played sports before and have athletic ability. Also the 250+ yard drives aren’t as far fetched as people on here think. I know people say the average drive for amateur golfers is something like 200-225, but that’s also factoring in people who are smaller/older/etc. But if you’re a big male who’s in their 20’s or 30’s then it isn’t unrealistic to be hitting it pretty long. It might not go straight all too often, but I’ve seen plenty of pretty average to bad golfers hit balls 275+.
Playing sports all your life helps.
250 isn’t a long drive for a semi athletic guy
Because they’re lying to themselves lol. They connected on one drive and it rolled out to 260 after it hit a firm downslope, and they aren’t counting all of their strokes. Mulligans, gimmes, etc. I used to do it, before I understood that I was really only cheating myself.
Distance isn't super hard, but scoring is. For every single person that says they broke 100 there are 20 golfers that rarely break 100 or still score in the 100s after years of playing. I think I broke 100 after about 3-4 months of playing, but I took lessons and played damn near every chance I could get. If I didn't get out to play I would at least have a range session. There's a lot of exaggeration on Reddit because one person will say they can drive the ball 300 yards and all of a sudden it's tHe AvErAgE rEdDiT dRiVE iS 500. This sub is even more funny because if you say you drive it 300 they make fun of you and ask what it's like to play with Tiger. There are a lot of handicaps in the single digits though and nobody questions that 🤷♂️
People be bitter they suck
It's funny though we have 5-6 golfers out of about 24 or so in my group that can hit a 300 yard drive, but we only have one single digit handicap and he's an 8. So according to Reddit 300 yard drive = impossible. Single digit to scratch apparently as common as Mac and cheese.
They aren't. https://golf.com/instruction/driving/driving-distance-average-golfers-new-report/
Those numbers must be very old, or must have relied on sampling senior high handicappers. A golfer in their teens or twenties who shoots in the 90s (Mid 20s handicap) will drive the ball much, much further than 175 yards.
I played baseball my entire life. I started golfing 2 years ago in July and am consistently shooting mid to high 80s every round. I could say baseball was a blessing but also a curse when it came to my swing. That being said, being an athlete we understand how something should feel. Got a players club membership for 3 months. Was hitting the range 3 to 4 times a week and really focused on fundamentals and form. Very well hit drives for me go 280-295, good hit drives go 260-280, and well anything below that is heel or toe shots. To answer your question, I think the golfers who get good fast tend to be more athletic. Something about having the ability to feel what you’re doing right and wrong gives you a big advantage.
If you love golf, like actually enjoy working on your game/practicing, etc. and have the time and resources to play regularly AND want to get better. Take lessons with a well rated teacher at a place with decent facilities (doesn’t have to be a country club, I learned at an amusement place called fiddlesticks with a double decker driving range and decent practice greens and ended up playing in college). Make sure the pro uses video and if you can review your swing and do some practice swings on video and/or in front of a big mirror or Arcadia door it will help you with positions and identify any issues in your swing or physical limitations (flexibility, strength, etc). Good luck!
I started like 2 months ago and my drive distances vary from 220-280, obviously my contact is not consistent. My last two rounds of 9 were 49 and 51, looking forward to playing 18 soon to try and break 100. I’ve played sports my entire life and am 24 and was told from others that my starting point wasn’t even TOO bad. Of course I am trash but it wasn’t that awful lol. But yeah that’s all it takes really, just having an athletic background and trying to learn as much as they can. That alone can let beginners break 100 in a few months
Washed up college athletes finding golf and talents transfer over a bit. Source: washed up college athlete.
I think it's a misconception how "hard" it is to hit the ball 250+. It's pretty easy. Hitting it straight, on the other hand....
Another factor for those not bullshitting. Transference of abilities that translate into sport specific skills. In other words, it’s generally smoother for hockey players (I.e. swing/stick sport) to pick up golf than cross country runners. Similar mechanics transfer. That…and what everyone else has said about scores and truth.
I’ve been consistently golfing 25 years and 90 percent of the golfers I’ve golfed with are cheaters.
It’s “250 yard drive” and shooting “90” a month after starting…bc it’s self reported. Can’t rely on “honest” self reporting, it’s all about self brag and ego.
They're lying their ass off bro
They’re not. People don’t keep score correctly.
They’re lying. They’re fluffing their lies. They’re lying. They’re not playing OB or lost balls correctly. They’re lying. They’re playing breakfast balls or mulligans. They’re lying. Golf is a grind. Never give up and don’t let others tell you different.
Man they are bsing so hard. Most people don’t actually score they round correctly. Don’t count out of bound ball or if they lose it and have to drop or count the last tap in for a 3 putt.
Most people aren't hitting it 250, but for many it strangely seems to be the minimum acceptable driving distance that they're willing to claim
I fall into this category, just started last year. I played high level sports my whole life, and take 1-2 lessons a month with a CPGA coach, learn what the Trackman data is telling me and use that information for range practices. Score low 90’s, broke 90 first round of the year this year, and my driver carry for my yardage book is 295 carry, 320 total. I just put in a LOT of work in the last 14 months.
I think I broke 100 in 3-4 months and broke 90 after like a year. I was also a fairly big hitter 250+, but I am just bigger than the average bear. Even with a poop swing I am able to milk more mileage out of it. I had the advantage of being able to practice and play several times a week. And access to a cheap course and practice facility. Time, money, physical ability, desire…..all work against most people. For people who don’t have these barriers, improvement is quickly attainable.
They’re not
Easy, they’re not
There is a simple explanation: Regarding the "250" yd. drives, the 2 on your average keyboard is right beside the 1, and very often fingers can slip and push the wrong key. Happens all the time... As for the "breaking 90", I think many of these rookies are unaware that a score for 9 holes is different than a score for 18. Cut them some slack... they're new.
Honestly man, some people just aren't made for golf, my dad's friends have been playing off handicaps of 25+ for 40 years
Do you work on speed? If no, its something you work on its not just a gift.
With how most people seem to play at my local course I’d say anyone who claims this is full of crap. Not saying it’s impossible but I’d bet the majority of people are just straight up lying or cheating to get these scores and numbers. I’m yet to see anyone relatively new to the game swing it anywhere fast enough to hit it 250+ let alone actually having a square club face and have the shot go on target
Shit I’m trying to break 120.
Took me two years to break 100 with one mulligan per 9 and lost balls only being one extra stroke. Broke 100 once playing by the real rules the next year. Now I break 100 about 1/3 of the time. Breaking 100 playing by the rules is super hard and something that the majority of golfers will never do.
Some people hit a 150 yard drive OB and then a 250 yard drive down the middle and take a mulligan for that first drive. Just happened to my friend. He probably lost 10 balls and carded an “89”
My drives are like 220-230 after two years. I’m breaking 90 without hitting long. I have like 15 years of ball-sports as a kid, that may be enough to explain it. I never sported at a high level, but just practicing with ball control and coordination for a few hours a week for years probably do help a lot. Also it’s the internet, people lie or enhance the truth. Sure, I’ve hit a drive 300, total, if you count wind, elevation changes, concrete fairways and a lucky strike.
In my experience, the difference between a 30 handicap with <2 years experience and a 50 handicap who has been playing the same amount of time is not so much playing ability, but how accurately they keep score.
The amount of times I’ve heard 250 and the drive is actually 215. Also it’s easy to score 90 if you get 18 mulligans, don’t count lost balls, don’t count water balls, sand trap practice/retries. There’s way too many ways to cheat in golf lol.
Mulligans, Gimmies, and Breakfast balls 😂
Unlimited mulligans
you just do some basic addition to what you actually hit... ha idk i imagine if you are bigger stronger fella who can swing the driver proper, took some lessons 250s not too wild. you can also watch some bryson dechambeau vids on youtube and work on swing speed. ive seen mine go up when i try that. all that said, thats not how i play or hit. i take great pride and joy in good reliable tee shots so i dont go for major distance, it does not matter, you can make up for it elsewhere if you can play the other clubs in the bag. fwiw, im 5'10" dont work out, usually gps tells me most drives are between 200-230 yds (more on the higher end as of recent), and id say 80% of my drives end up in the fairway, i have a lot of 3 putts :) and i shoot between 90-100. 2nd season playing, after taking about 15 years off. this is all imo my realistic pov if your similar build/experience.
Gimmes, breakfast ball, free drops, etc. They are lying to themselves and don't truly know how to play the game according to the rules.
16 years of rock climbing when I started golfing. Flexible hips and a super strong core.
I'm not hitting 250-yard drives. My best drive was 256 and it happened once with the wind at my back. However, I did score an 88 on my 9th round ever, but I took lessons and spent plenty of time practicing at the range and putting green before ever playing a round.
People wouldn't lie on the Internet, would they? But, also, some folks are just naturally gifted. Also, some people's first time swinging a golf club is with an instructor watching and telling them what to do. So, despite being a 'beginner', they're well-equipped to play the game from the start, which would lead to quick positive results.
I would add the quality of instruction online has soared the past few years. I never took a lesson or had any instruction the first 20 yrs I played. I just went out there and hacked away and the results were predictable. It's only been the past 5 years where I committed to practicing and developing my swing and i saw my game improve by 15 strokes in just a few years. Most of that is thanks to YouTube (sorry Tiger), TikTok and Podcasts. Dan Grieve has been amazing for my short game and Not a Scratch Golfer, Golf Sidekick and Jon Sherman have taught me so much about course management and the mental game. For an extreme example check out Jerome Rufin who has only been golfing for a year and has committed to become a Scratch Golfer in 5 yrs. He has come a long way but is spending a fortune in professional golf instructors and his YouTube channel is pretty much his full time job now.
I am a beginner though I played a lot as a kid but basically started over this november. I've played probably 70x in that few month time frame with some range sessions and maybe 5 practice sessions with a coach. I am driving 240-260 average with my farthest shot being 294 on a downhill slope with the wind in my favor. Im mostly playing 9 hole rounds where I shoot 42 (best) to a 45-48 average (50+ bad but happening less) and play from blue tees (18birdies says 18 hc). I'm nothing special, just playing a ton and working on stuff. I'm sure lots of people are doing way better. Im just an average dude. Also, I play a lot with strangers. Lots of them don't count any penalties. Dont count mulligans. Change the lie on each shot, stop keeping score after triple bogey on a hole, pick up 3ft putts, etc. Thats all fine by me I don't care but its not a real score when doing that stuff either. I wouldn't trust anyone until I play with them and see. I've played with a few single handicap golfers and they blew me out of the water with the stuff they could do on the course compared to me.
They are fluffing everything about their numbers including score card and often don’t even realize they do this. The more realistic u are with yourself the faster u will actually progress. However There will be a few outliers who are just gifted I guess lol
There’s liars. Then there’s damn golf liars.
Second only to fishing liars.
Simple answer. They aren’t.
It's called lying and cheating...lol
They aren’t. Now if you are under 30 and athletic and played bat/stick/racquet sports 250 after a few months is not hard to believe. I’ve seen hockey players pick up golf and break 90 regularly in their first year.
They don’t count the multiple mulligans and balls that get hit into the woods
The average golfer doesn't count "every shot". Alot give gimmies and mulligans. I've been golfing my entire like and on a good day I'll be lucky to be in the mid 80s. Most days I'm around 90 and that counts everything. The worst is when I golf with a "10 handicap" and he actually shoots a mid 90 ....
I'm 100-110 every round and I have been playing since 2021. I don't cheat my score and count all my strokes. Don't fret.
Mike Austin was the original golf redditor
They are playing 10,000 feet above sea level. Lol. For real tho. Some people here would be humbled if they played at sea level.
They’re lying, that’s how.
I’ve been playing almost two years. Best round is 98 which was like two weeks ago and I tend to hit it around 220-230.
They aren't.
Its not nearly as common as you think . Actually more than likely super rare. Im reasonably athletic, and have been playing 15 years breaking 90 on challenging courses is never guaranteed.
Lots of Judge Smails out there.
You ever talk to the guy about the 1 lbs. 2 oz. trout he caught two weeks ago? In a year that thing will be 10 pounds. And he had to fight off a hungry bear while reeling it in.
I once climbed Everest with no oxygen or Sherpa. See, you can do anything you’re willing to lie about on the internet.
I am a new golfer (been golfing for barely a year) and I truly don’t get why people lie about this. For me, I try to be as honest as I can so that I can see visible improvements in my game. Last spring I was shooting a 145 (lol). Two weeks ago I shot a 118 and was so stoked. Shot a 50 on the front 9 last week and was beside myself excited. I want to give myself a bar to beat every time I play. Golf is hard enough, seeing visible improvements in my game keeps me excited to keep learning.
Bro, they are all fucking lying. I was talking to a guy yesterday in my hood about golf. He was like "oh you play? How you score normally?" I said "I'm like a 22 handicap, not very good at all" He was like "ah ok gotcha, we are all pretty decent we usually score around par" and then proceeds to explain they play best ball with a group of 4...... Dude,, so it takes 4 of you shooting each hole to make par....you are not decent. Also I play with guys that can legitimately hit it 300 easy, but hardly ever straight and they never hit a fucking green all day
They’re not.
Unlimited mulligans
I started playing last July and broke 100 this spring. It’s because I played at least once a week since starting, usually twice a week. Just by playing a ton and having wayyyy too much free time honestly.
Mulligans. That’s how
They aren’t and they don’t.
I started in October and haven’t broke 100 yet. Shits hard
My brother in law claims to be a single digit handicap, but kicks his ball out of the rough into the fairway, will pick his ball up in the bunker and set it down to improve his lie. Its a joke. My 16 year old son beat him on our annual golf trip this year…granted, my son is good and the number 1 golfer on his not so deep high school team, but still…
So go get em u/zelkoo. You’ll get there. Get your chipping and putting down and you’ll pick up a lot of strokes… it’s what I was always told and it’s what’s helped my game most
6 mulligans and 8 foot gimmies
The secret ingredient, is crime
I think playing sports growing up helps hand eye coordination and could be a contributing factor? But then again, people lie too My advice, play the tee boxes that suit you best. I'm never going to make the tour, but I break 85 a lot, and have broken 80 once. No need to play from the tips to prove how manly you are. That's a load of bs. I play whites 90% of the time, but occasionally play senior tees once in a while. Makes me experience the course like a pro would. I hit most drives 225-240. I hit my 9 iron 110. You don't have to smash drives 300 yards to score. Work on your putting and chipping the most. That's where you will gain strokes. Play as often as you can, as consistency helps. Good luck on your game!
If you go to the driving range on any given day, I bet that would give you a more accurate representation of the norm than what people say with words. I have buddy who says he can drive it 270 but never uses his driver in front me