Radar Stats, Pros vs. Ams

Here’s some statistical data compiled from the great Miles of Golf shop in Michigan (www.milesofgolf.com)

http://www.milesofgolf.com/blog/senior-golf/michigan-senior-amateur-driver-data/


Player...Club…Ball…Smash…Launch…Spin…Carry…Total Dist
Super Sr…91………136……1.49………10.9……2926……203……232
Senior Am…98……144……1.47………10.3……2903……217……240
State Am……109…161….1.48…….9.9………2920……257……280
PGA Tour….112…165….1.49………11.2……2685….269……294

As you can see, not only do the PGA Tour players generate better club and ball speed numbers, but their other numbers are more optimal.

Let’s take a look at ‘carry efficiency’ (Carry Distance / Clubhead speed)

PGA Tour…………2.40
State Am…………2.35
Super Sr…………..2.23
Sr. Am……………..2.21

Let’s take a look at ‘total distance efficiency’ (Total Distance / Clubhead Speed)

PGA Tour………..2.63
State Am………..2.57
Super Sr………….2.54
Sr. Am…………….2.45

While the PGA Tour guys standout for their superior efficiency rankings, it’s neat to see that the Super Sr. players actually beat out the Sr. Am players.

For a ball speed of 135-145mph, the optimum launch angle is from 12.5-16 degrees and optimum spin is 2,100-2,600rpm. A player’s swing plus equipment determine an individual’s launch angle and spin, but the average senior launches too low with too much spin to achieve their maximum distance. – Chris Miles, Miles of Golf

Essentially, the faster you swing, the lower the launch angle can be for optimal performance. For PGA Tour players, the optimum launch angle is usually between 11-14*. I remember the player that dominated total distance and carry efficiencies in 2009 was Darron Stiles, who had a 108 clubhead speed and a launch angle of 15*. Nobody else that season was above 14.1* of launch.

Still, Miles is right. The guys in the amateurs here have drivers that are nowhere near fit for optimal performance.






3JACK