While well never get a precise answer, its safe to assume Nicklaus would have been Rory McIlroy-type long were he playing today. Weiskopf was definitely longer during the '70s. Meanwhile, just about everybody else, including [Dick] Hart and [Shelley] Mayfield, was wilting in the heat like a yellow rose of somewhere., Clearly, Nicklaus had a physical and length advantage over his competitors. In fact, he didnt have it measured until he was a Champions Tour veteran. Nicklaus was 2.15 percent longer than the rest of the top 10, meaning there was a bit of a gap between he and the next-longest players. Hinako Shibuno's first impression of Mission Hills Country Club was far from confidence-inspiring and, in hindsight, mistaken. There's no question in my mind that the touring pro has benefitted far more from the advances in clubs and particularly in balls than average joe has. Nicklaus supportive stance comes as no surprise after some of his past comments on distance in golf. . His ball was the shortest in the group. The leader in driving distance in 1980 (the first season the PGA Tour has driving distance stats available) was Dan Pohl at 274 yards. She suffered two bogeys over the closing stretch to card a 5-under par, 67. In 128th place was South African golfer Gary Player. [size=5] Weiskopf eventually won by a shot over Nicklaus. They used to have a crosswalk on the first fairway, barely more than 100 yards from the green. But with equipment overall, and relative to distance, I'm not so sure. Ted P. If the distances reported above are accurate, and irons were two clubs weaker, then he's about right on with most tour players today right, with the exception of the quality and technology of the equipment he was playing with, right? Hitting a 6 iron into a par 5 isn't an advantage, because a hybrid from 225 is going to land just as soft. Of course, Jack was in his 30s at that point. RBZ 25* hb; RBZstage 2 19* hb. Afterwards, Bobby. Jacks definitely up in that echelon. [/quote] I think the old equipment led to people developing better swings, where now guys just whale at it caveman style. Logically, the faster your swing speed, the greater your distance. The Truth About Driving Distance | Golf Channel Only 12 of the 1,139 golfers included in these records has ever even broke 80 percent for a full season. Study the career of Fred Couples to grasp the impact technology has made on driving distance at the games highest level. Just 28 players have ever missed more fairways than theyve hit, with the lowest percentage for a full season belonging to John Daly at 41.9 percent in 2007. Lob wedges on the other hand are designed to propel the ball into the air and present a steep angle of descent. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. As Nicklaus states, the ball has played a large role. Weiskopf's driver seemed to be higher and flatter, more like current trajectory. By signing up, you agree to the A search for a more scientific answer is hamstrung by a lack of data. Playing a short, safer shot to avoid the ball getting caught in the wind is a safer move in a situation like this. The chart below shows how the PGA Tour's average driving distance has changed since 1968 - distance data was not recorded between 1969 and 1980. . We appreciate his 18 professional major championships, but we never watched the golfer who won those tournaments. Patrons were literally walking across the fairway when the ball rolled past them. Pretty good, indeed. If you played during the days of persimmon woods, blades and especially balata balls, then you know that you absolutely [b][i]had[/i][/b] to deliver that clubhead square or else! PGA TOUR Stats, bio, video, photos, results, and career highlights [size=5] Ted P, Sorry Jim, I didn't read all the way down to your articlewe're on the same page, Jack could move it out there Twice before she competed as an amateur, which made her more comfortable, and therefore more aggressive off the tee. In fact, several notable players are not among the top 20 in average driving distance, yet have won major tournaments and/or contend on a regular basis. Using high-speed film analysis, experts estimate legendary amateur Bobby Jones had a swing speed of 117 miles per hour in the 1930s - using hickory shafts. He averaged 268.7 yards in driving distance, which was eighth on the PGA Tour. [quote name='titleistfan14' timestamp='1302833449' post='3154660'] Wedges now are 43 to 47 degrees, in jacks day they were 50 and 52. [/size] John Daly, by the way, became the first golfer to average 300 yards off the tee in 1997, last person to win a major with a persimmon driver was Bernhard Langer, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. This week marks her fourth appearance at the ANA Inspiration. Now that they have clear findings obtained from century of collecting data & its impact on all levelsfrom golf played at highest level to recreational golfI look forward to supporting industrys collaborative effort to find solutions that are in best interest of games future. Nicklaus ranked 10th in driving distance and won two majors during that 1980 campaign, but his 269 yards off the tee would have been dead last on Tour . In 2009, Couples was a 49-year-old with a decade-and-a-half battling serious back problems. [size=5]5-iron: 170-185 yards[/size] That was 6.2 yards longer (2.3 percent) than the tour average. Nicklaus never had his swing speed measured during his best years. In 2009, Couples was a 49-year-old with a decade-and-a-half battling serious back problems. ENTER NOW! American Jennifer Kupcho started fast and kept on going Saturday in The Chevron Championship to take a six-stroke lead. Only other club I remember was his 7i, which (IIRC) he hit 145. Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus shared a friendship and rivalry that lasted more than 50 years. A recent study also sheds light on the subject. Dottie Pepper set the 72-hole record of 269 at 19 under par in 1999. He would have shot in the 50's regularly. Who has the biggest driving distance average this season? Wishon 5, 6 560 MC 7-PW MMC MB In the end, I have also included the stock distances of famous pros! A player's driving distance is partly at the mercy of environmental considerations such as wind. [/quote] Its reasonable to assume Jones, who was one of the longer hitters of the day and the games greatest amateur, would have no trouble keeping up if given modern equipment. Jack won it with a poke of 330 yards. Even the 1986 Masters is highlight-reel fodder. I remember him saying that he didn't believe that at sea level with no wind, anyone could [i]fly[/i] a ball more than 260 yards through the air Golf's distance dilemma has been debated for years. Jack Nicklaus had 49 top ten finishes in his career. Its worth wondering if Nicklausknowing not just that he could make millions with his play, but that hed also sign lucrative endorsement deals upon turning promight have left Ohio State early had he been in the Class of 2021, not 1961. Jack I think during his prime, could easily hit his driver 250 to 275 if he had to. It's all relative. That would have ranked 188th on Tour in 2019. 7 Interesting Facts About Jack Nicklaus - Books Tell You Why, Inc. I reviewed data from Trackman, Flightscope, Arccos, and more. I applaud the USGA and R&A for their comprehensive research, as well as their continued hard work and efforts. Ping G425 6-PW DGS 105 See trending; Company. Odyssey Pro #1 black In an early round he hit his tee shot through the crosswalk. Now they can bust it out 240-250 with relative ease. Needless to say, Snedeker and his cohorts are glad they dont have to play for a living with equipment from a previous era. Exactly. Tavatanakits playing competitor on Saturday, Shanshan Feng, was surprised to see how the game has evolved since she last competed on tour in 2019. I acknowledged that. For the season, Nicklaus won $316,911. Here are the findings for 2019: Average Driving Distance By Age in 2019: 10-19: 234.2 yards 20-29: 239.7 yards 30-39: 233.7 yards 40-49: 225.9 yards 50-59: 215.4 yards 60-69: 204.5 yards 70+: 190.4 yards CBS Sports has all of those statistics and more for the PGA Tour. Blue Bayou: Odds are this drive went 4.5 percent farther than average. Vokey 54.10, 2009 58.12 M, Testing TM MG2 60* TW grind and MG356* TW grind. Nicklaus needed a birdie, but the hole was framed by tall fescue rough, and was playing downwind with very firm turf conditions. What year was it? The closest anyone has ever come to matching Nicklaus 1980 number was David Duval in 1999. GolfWRX_Spotted posted a topic in Tour and Pre-Release Equipment, April 24, GolfWRX_Spotted posted a topic in Tour and Pre-Release Equipment, April 17, GolfWRX_Spotted posted a topic in Tour and Pre-Release Equipment, April 10, GolfWRX_Spotted posted a topic in Tour and Pre-Release Equipment, March 27, GolfWRX_Spotted posted a topic in Tour and Pre-Release Equipment, March 20, Please put and questions or comments here, Please put any questions or comments here. And yet, indulge us in this look at hypothetical history. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you. [/size] PGA tour - players with longest average driving distance 2022 - Statista ROUNDS MONEY; Jack Nicklaus: 331: 49: 5: 797: $2,325,208: Explore. Both those players accomplished much before they turned professional, but their amateur rsums dont come close to being as stout as Nicklaus. What was Jack Nicklaus yardage from driver to PW during his best years in the Tour ? Interpreted as: How many missed cuts . Sounds about right. [/quote] Technology made gradual progress for more than 60 years, according to Nicklaus. In 1980, Nicklaus had just turned 40 and was coming off his first winless season on the TOUR. Pleased the process has started now that they have clear findings obtained from century of collecting data & its impact on all levelsfrom golf played at highest level to recreational golfI look forward to supporting industrys collaborative effort to find solutions that are in best interest of games future., As many know, this has been an important topic to me for years, if not decades, and I have been passionate about my position. Scroll down the list of the PGA Tours all-time money leaders. Jack would have been the best player in any era he played, regardless of the equipment he used. [/quote] Exactly. MEMBER REVIEWS: Cleveland Frontline Elite Putters! The hole then was 384 yards, Of note, "Nicklaus broke the face insert nine times in 1961 and cracked the neck in a 1966 "Challenge of the Champions" match with Gary Player.". Its a thought experiment supported by the limited data available. People keep talking about length today and comparing Nicklaus with Tiger and they simply don't know how long and strong Nicklaus was in his prime AND, as was mentioned earlier, the fact that he was hitting a relatively small persimmon head and was playing with what he admittedly says was a crappy ball, that being the MacGregor Tourney. This is a long-term play, a multi-year process.. This chart shows you the average distances per skill level for male golfers. Jack was able to hit 2,3,4 irons sky high and land them soft. I mapped them to different skill levels, ages & genders. He's one of the inventors ofthe strokes gained metricwhich has moved golf analytics into the modern age. Since 1980, play from the tee box has changed drastically in professional golf. Someone with a copy of the book handy could give you the entire breakdown. This chart shows you the average distances for LPGA Tour Players. Maltby KE4 14* 3w , Axe Excaliber R flex tipped 1". Where are you on this chart? [quote name='tElihu' timestamp='1306158032' post='3255647'] Those who can get it airborne do sometimes hit it spectacularly crooked in a way that probably wasn't possible in the old days. Jack held the record for quite a while with a drive of 340 some odd yards. I believe he used to hit his driver 250 "but could get it out to 260 without tearing too many muscles" (some quote close to that). [quote name='tembolo1284' timestamp='1302780024' post='3152485'] Back in his heyday, Jack Nicklaus had an enormous distance advantage that made him dominant. Inbee Park, a seven-time major champion, who won last week by five strokes, says the larger Tavatanakits lead increases the more pressure she will feel. In 1980, Nicklaus had arguably the greatest season in recorded PGA TOUR history driving the golf ball. So there you have it: Had Jack Nicklaus played today, he would have been an amateur phenom, he would have been one of the longest hitters on tour, and he would have made boatloads of money. THE MATERIAL ON THIS SITE MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED, DISTRIBUTED, TRANSMITTED, CACHED OR OTHERWISE USED, EXCEPT WITH THE PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION OF DISCOVERY GOLF, INC. 2023 DISCOVERY GOLF, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Thats way more accurate than most amateurs, even when theyre hitting it as far as theyre hitting it. Helped by the fact that he was hitting a warm ball through the thin Texas air, Jack was getting tremendous distance. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That is no longer the case but in Jack's day it was. I did everything I can to keep it a little bit calmer, because I know I'm getting excited. Definitely one of, if not the longest out there. Phil Mickelson averaged 299.8 yards per drive in 2011, while Adam Scott was just behind at 299.8. But with the huge size, perimeter weighting and launch conditions programmed into the head and shaft, average joe's can now hit the clubface with consistency. If that wasnt enough, Nicklaus also led the PGA TOUR in greens in regulation that season, hitting more than 72%. [quote name='tembolo1284' timestamp='1302780024' post='3152485'] At the Byron Nelson Classic that year, he hit Titleist Balata 100 balls on the driving range with a persimmon driver supplied by noted golf author Curt Sampson, according to a blog post published at GolfDigest.com. [size=5] The average tour pro has gained roughly 30 yards off the tee since 1980 (a 12% increase). JN was a real strong young buck and he had a huge distance advantage over his contemporaries. No one can tell me that those guys wouldn't completely dominate with todays clubs and particularly - the ball. [size=5]6- iron: 155-170 yards[/size] He played more like 6-2. [/size] [size="5"]9-iron:105-135 yards[/size] Even 15 years later he still hit drives that distance in a Shells Wonderful World of Golf match against the equally long-hitting Sam Snead. Each club has a unique loft. GOLF DIGEST MAY EARN A PORTION OF SALES FROM PRODUCTS THAT ARE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR SITE AS PART OF OUR AFFILIATE PARTNERSHIPS WITH RETAILERS. Know your Jack Nicklaus numbers - PGA TOUR [size=5]From Golf My Way p. 31[/size] [quote name='titleistfan14' timestamp='1302833449' post='3154660'] In 2021, the average driving distance was 295.3 yards, second to only 2020 as the longest average driving distance in PGA Tour history. [size=5]1-iron: 215-235 yards[/size] The simplest solution is change the frigging golf ball, Nicklaus said. Part of the reason is, they both turned pro before age 21more on that in a secondand so didnt have the time to accumulate as many accolades. Top 100 Courses in the U.S.: GOLFs all-new 2022-23 ranking is here! [size=5]Pitching wedge: 80-130 yards[/size] With 18 holes to play, Tavatankit leads by five at 14 under par. Discover golf near you. [size=5] We charted the average scoring per round during the same time periods: In the late 1980s, average scoring on PGA Tour events plummeted by more than one stroke per round, but that drop seems to have no correlation with a change in driving distances. [/quote] The leader in distance, Bubba Watson at 315.5 yards, was 9.1 percent longer. An exceptional example of this came in the final round of the 1966 Open Championship at Muirfield, on the 17th hole, a 530-yard par 5 hole. IBM collected distance information at 11 of 34 official events in 1967 -- a number it deemed statistically relevant --- and found that the top-10 players in distance drove it an average of 270.2 yards. Amateur, the youngest champion at the time at 19 Won the 1959 North and South Amateur Tied for 13th in the 1960 Masters at age 20 Tied for second at the 1960 U.S. Open; his 282 was the amateur record for an Open before Viktor Hovland broke it in 2019 Tied for seventh in the 1961 Masters Won the 1961 NCAA Championship Won the 1961 U.S. Feng was wide-eyed as she watched Tavatanakit not only send her tee shots sailing past Fengs, but also make the necessary chips and putts needed to score. The Official PGA TOUR Profile of Jack Nicklaus. According to golf club designer Tom Wishon in a post on GolfWRX.com, each mile-per-hour of clubhead speed equals 2.8 yards of carry. RELATED: Birthday wisdomWhat Jack told Golf Digest on past milestone birthday. How much money has Jack Nicklaus won in his career? Compare that with today's bombers: In 2012, the PGA Tour's top 10 in driving distance were 20.3 yards longer (7 percent). [size="5"]Pitching wedge: 80-130 yards[/size] [/quote] Marshalls kept fans on either side of the ropes. I recall a few drives from Nicklaus pushing the 300yd range. So how much ish, could an in-his-prime Nicklaus have earned as a brand ambassador in the 2020s? If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. And, the legends from the past wouldve loved to tee up their graphite/titanium beauty and swing away. Jack was very long when he was young, during his prime in the 1970's not quite as long, but long enough when he needed it. I don't believe the distance gap between the average joe and the touring pro was as large in the 1970s as is it today. Instant access to the latest news, videos and photos from around the world of golf. ago It had such a low distance because it's a true mathematical average. Nicklaus brings up a valid point on the modern golf balls effect on distance. That would have ranked 188th on Tour in 2019. GOLF DIGEST MAY EARN A PORTION OF SALES FROM PRODUCTS THAT ARE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR SITE AS PART OF OUR AFFILIATE PARTNERSHIPS WITH RETAILERS. [/quote] Read the latest feature stories from the PGA of America to learn how the game is growing on and off the course. Since the late 90s, scoring has fallen about 0.4 strokes per round, a number that is too small to make any definite claims about. There were some out there, but the money he could have earned with a Nikethose just werent there.. Players such as J.B. Holmes, Bubba Watson and Dustin Johnson are perennially among the longest hitters on tour. I think the modern clubs would hurt more than help, just like it has tiger. To understand exactly how, let's look at two stats: average driving distance and average driving accuracy (percentage of fairways hit). You can post now and register later. That was an 11-degree wood driver, 32.75 inch Dynamic Edge shaft.. He averaged 268.7 yards in driving distance, which was eighth on the PGA Tour. More important than how far you hit the ball is to know your own distances. All the latest stories & news from the Major PGA Championships. It wasnt until 1962 , after hed finished T-2 and T-4 in the 1960 and 61 U.S. Open as an amateur, that he decided playing golf was a better option than selling insurance. A 118-mph clubhead speed would have ranked around 38th on the PGA Tour in 2019, and Nicklaus was nearing Social Security retirement age when he swung it that fast. No way he would have shot in the 50's you have to remember as they have improved technology they have also updated courses. Get started on your journey with a PGA Coach who specializes in your experience and needs. He rarely had to take anything out of his golf bag but his driver, wedge,. Driving accuracy which reached an all-time high of 70 percent in 1998 begins to dip drastically. crazy to think how good he would have been with new equipment and balls Nicklaus had an endorsement deal with MacGregor Golf, and he played the manufacturers clubs and balls during all 18 of his major victories. Brandt Snedeker, who is slightly shorter than average, played back-to-back rounds on the Sea Island Plantation coursefor an article that appeared in USA Today. Lets take Tiger, and look at it from that perspective, Eric Smallwood, president of Apex Marketing Group told us in 2020. 5-G Rankin wasnt the only one left in awe. GIVEAWAY! The U.S. [size="5"]7-iron: 140-155 yards[/size] [size="5"]3-iron: 195-210 yards[/size] USE OF AND/OR REGISTRATION ON ANY PORTION OF THIS SITE CONSTITUTES ACCEPTANCE OF OURVISITOR AGREEMENT(UPDATED 1/6/23),PRIVACY AND COOKIES NOTICE(UPDATED 1/4/23) ANDCALIFORNIA PRIVACY NOTICE. Driving distances changed little over decades. Ping Glide 3.0 50 56 60. He hit many documented drives well over 300 in favourable conditions, but, yes, in terms of average driving distance throughout the season, somewhere around 265 would be about right Six Masters titles won across a span of 23 years. Of course, this undertaking is meant as a fun exercise into alternative reality; it is not possible to accurately predict how Nicklaus would have developed or measured up to todays professionals. A golfer would hope to achieve a smash factor near 1.50 on driver shots. I can get to some of the pins a little easier with shorter clubs. Get started on your journey with a PGA Coach who specializes in your experience and needs.
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