Why distance isn't everything in golf and what amateurs really need to improve

Hit it farther and farther! That's exactly what many amateur golfers hear. But is an extra 20 meters with the driver really the key to better scores?

The truth: Distance is only part of the equation . The descent angle (the angle at which the ball lands) and your dispersion (the spread of your shots) are also crucial for your handicap. Modern data from launch monitors and millions of amateur shots show that those who focus solely on distance often lose more strokes than they gain.

Distance only helps if the ball remains playable

Of course, it's an advantage if you're closer to the green. USGA data (Strokes Gained) proves that longer drives tend to produce lower scores. But, and this is crucial , only if the ball stays in play .

  • Average distance men (Germany/Europe, 2025): approx. 222–225 yards

  • Average distance women: approx. 176–180 yards

Sounds like a small amount compared to the pros, right? But the key isn't "30 yards"; it's hitting more fairways and leaving the ball in a controllable position .

Descent Angle: Why your landing angle is more important than 10 meters more

The descent angle describes how steeply your ball lands on the green.

  • Irons & hybrids: 45–50° is optimal. This allows the ball to stay put instead of rolling across the green.

  • Driver: 34–38° is optimal. Too steep → ball stops too early, too flat → ball doesn't carry enough.

For example, you hit your 6-iron 150 meters, but the landing angle is only 40°. Result: The ball rolls off the back of the green. The player next to you hits it only 140 meters, but has a 47° landing angle and lands 4 meters from the flag. Who made the better shot?

Amateurs, in particular, often have too flat landing angles because they "push" long irons too hard. Better: use a hybrid or a higher iron. This provides height, spin, and control.

Dispersion: Your dispersion cone decides on pars and bogeys

Each shot creates a cone of dispersion left, right, short or long.

  • Tour pros: approx. 50–60 yards driver dispersion.

  • Good amateurs: about 65–70 yards .

So if you hit 250 yards but miss 25 yards more often, it's no good. Your goal isn't "the middle of the fairway," but rather to ensure your entire dispersion pin is safely in place.

Approaches: Proximity beats flag-hunting

ShotScope data 2025 shows:

  • From 100–150 m, the average amateur is on average ~15 meters away from the flag.

  • From 200 m+ even over 35 meters .

This means: It is better to get safely onto the green and secure a 2-putt – rather than going “all-in” on the flag and chasing the ball into the water.

Your roadmap for more consistency instead of just length

1. Measure instead of guessing

Go to a launch monitor (TrackMan, Foresight). Evaluate your landing angles , spin , and dispersion .

2. Cleverly adjust your club selection

If your long iron doesn't land at 45°+ → hybrid/FW wood.

If your driver lands too steeply (>40°) → adjust loft, tee height and swing.

3. Accept dispersion

Adjust your aim so that even your typical miss remains playable .

4. Develop a score mindset

Not “how far” but “how close to the hole do I stay on average”.

Conclusion: Control > raw power

Yes, length helps, but only with control . Your goal as an amateur golfer should be:

  • Driver landing angle 34–38°

  • Iron landing angle 45–50°

  • Keep an eye on dispersion (shot cone, not flag hunting)

This will help you achieve more consistency, fewer bogeys, and better scores – without having to “destroy” the ball.

Golftoolbox Tip: Work with our tools like the Target Towel to improve your accuracy and dispersion. More consistency = better rounds.