Judging distance by sight alone?
Is it possible to play a round of golf without any distance measuring device? I know it's obviously possible but can you perform well. I find I have an ability to judge distance very accurately by sight alone and rarely use my GPS device. Other than the odd glance about for a 150 marker my eyes seem pretty good. I often arrive at my ball, look up to the green or lay up position I want to be in and I seem to know which club to use and how hard/soft to hit it. Is it just me or do other players do this too?
Reply : Sun 15th Jan 2012 22:27
I've played for 42 years without one, and had one for the last two years. I play most of my rounds without switching the GPS on and get on ok. I've even estimated distances then checked the GPS for comfirmation and usually been within a few yards. However, I do gain some benefit from it on the odd hole when playing a strange course.
Reply : Sun 15th Jan 2012 23:19
I am an out and out sight only man, always have and always will be. An important part of the satisfaction in playing this wonderful game.
I have never played by yardages and I am not going to start now.
Reply : Mon 16th Jan 2012 16:45
John, how do you mean by 'I have never played by yardages'?
Reply : Mon 16th Jan 2012 17:16
If I had the choice and the time I would probably prefer a yardage book. I have become too reliant on my GPS system now to the point that I wouldn't be without it.
Reply : Mon 16th Jan 2012 17:33
I dont own one and for the time being dont plan on buying one.
The only time I think it would come in Handy is when playing a new course that dont have yardage books (or course markers)
Reply : Mon 16th Jan 2012 18:45
Liam, I just play what is in front of me. I never check to see the length of the hole even. My eyesight tells me whether or not I can reach a green.
Reply : Mon 16th Jan 2012 20:34
The good experienced player will look at a shot and 'see' what club he needs. If he is unsure then he may turn to a yardage marker or book.
When playing a 'Home' course I will never look at yardage because i know the place, but if I was playing a new course or an unfamiliar track then I will want some yardages at some stage.
TheLyth
Reply : Tue 17th Jan 2012 00:23
hi ive just got back to playing in the last couple of months, added a gps app on my phone (but battery runs out quick) , so had a look on google earth and wrote down some distances in a book, ie from trees,bunkers etc to center of green/ from tee! (mainly for me to get some kind of idea on how far i am hitting certain clubs, as ive found it a lot different from what i hit on the range to when i am playing) does any1 else use google earth, for the same reasons or something diff all together?
Last edit : Tue 17th Jan 2012 00:25
Reply : Tue 17th Jan 2012 08:21
Hi Darren, welcome to the site.
Your post got me thinking after a recent trip to the range. What sort of quality are the balls at your range do you think these are similar to proper balls ?
I've also created another post on driving ranges and distance of markers and ball quality:
http://www.golfshake.com/forums/view/9850/Driving_ranges_good_or_bad.html
Reply : Tue 17th Jan 2012 20:14
I have always believed that part of good course design is to trick your brain with what your eyes see.
large run off areas at the front of greens, bunkers infront by unusual distances, elevated tees or greens etc.
all of these are rendered pointless to the detriment of the game by gps devices.
I am by no means a complete traditionalist in terms off tecnology improving golf, but GPS devices are definately a huge step too far for me.
Reply : Tue 17th Jan 2012 21:09
"I have always believed that part of good course design is to trick your brain with what your eyes see."
I think you are smack on with that Tim. There are two holes (2 and 14) on the Cherington course at my club. Both are shortish par 4's (around 310 yards) that due to their shape mean going for the green is possible but trouble lies in wait so a lay up is the usual shot. The result is a shot over rough and hillocks then high faced and staggered bunkers. The shot is 100-120 yards but it always looks like 80-100 yards. I've played these holes loads of times but 9 times out of 10 I still come up short. Drives me mad!!!
Good course design means that courses do not have to be 7,000 yards+ to be a challenge and can play tricks on the eye that catch even the best golfers