What to hit from 170yds out...

[Started2k3]

On the idea of "distance claims" can we come up with a question that will give a more reasonable picture of distance. Let's try the following:

Which club would you use if you had 170yds to the pin?

Just because I know there will be questions:
- no elevation change between you and the pin
- pin is in the middle of the green
- no big risks around the pin (ie no bunkers, no water, no jars of peanut butter)
- green will give you your normal amount of spin (ie not too soft and not too hard)
- no wind
- at Ottawa's elevation
- 20°C and sunny - (or if you prefer not too hot and not too cold)
- no rain, no hail, no sleet, no snow, no dragons attacking from the sky
- no golf cart girl around to impress
- no dew on the green
- having a good round and playing to your handicap

If I missed any specific condition just add it in your own mind and choose the most neutral condition.

EDIT: Please read the discussion, IMO it really takes off in page 3.

[Big Johnny69]

One more question: Are you looking for carry or total of 170? I'm sure not all of us try to carry it to the flag. I'm sure some like to run the ball up to the green. Sorry, just had to.

[Started2k3]

One more question: Are you looking for carry or total of 170? I'm sure not all of us try to carry it to the flag. I'm sure some like to run the ball up to the green. Sorry, just had to.

As expected.

I think I win the first ever, "the first reply is made before the thread is finished" contest. I hit the final OK and I already had a reply. that is just funny.

[jonf]

5 iron, 8000 feet in the air, hits and sticks 4 fett from the pin...no roll, no spin, probably plugs in its own ballmark.

[Big Johnny69]

Still no answer, but for me I'd be between a hard seven and a soft 6. But I'd probably opt for the 7, I feel more comfortable swinging harder than softer. And that's carry. Only time I run a ball up on a green is with a fwy wd going for two on a par 5, or I hit my approach a little thin....or possibly fat.

[Nat Williams]

Nice smooth 7 for me.

In the old days I would have tried to push an 8 lol but I know better now ( most of the time anyways )

[spackler]

I hit a 6 iron and am pretty consistent with it at that yardage. just over 180 for my 5, about 130 for my 4 iron, 125 for the three iron....

[Big Johnny69]

Nice smooth 7 for me.

In the old days I would have tried to push an 8 lol but I know better now ( most of the time anyways )

You've been working out? I don't remember you being a club longer than me. But I do remember you always making solid contact. I'm sure that would have something to do with it.

[Started2k3]

Still no answer, but for me I'd be between a hard seven and a soft 6. But I'd probably opt for the 7, I feel more comfortable swinging harder than softer. And that's carry. Only time I run a ball up on a green is with a fwy wd going for two on a par 5, or I hit my approach a little thin....or possibly fat.

I didn't answer because it is in effect covered by the "normal amount of spin" condition. So if you want to roll out to 170 or spin it back 10yds to 170, it doesn't matter you still want to be pin high at 170yds.

[Ginker]

I would go with the 6 metal

[Chieflongtee]

Which loft. Standard or modern?

[Big Johnny69]

I didn't answer because it is in effect covered by the "normal amount of spin" condition. So if you want to roll out to 170 or spin it back 10yds to 170, it doesn't matter you still want to be pin high at 170yds.

Fair enough. I only asked because take for instance someone with a slower swingspeed who would normally take a say a 7 wd and run it up. But if you are looking for carry yardage, they'd have to adjust their choice accordingly. Not a big deal, was just curious what you were looking for.

[jeffc]

shirt on or off?

just kidding. A smooth 6 for this cowboy

[Nat Williams]

Which loft. Standard or modern?

Good point.

I'm using some pretty aggressive lofts. My 7i comes in @ 33*

PW 45
9 41
8 37
7 33
6 29
5 26
4 23
3 20
2 18

[MusicMan]

knock down 6 or a full 7... usually would hit the 7, hit it straighter then the 6,, more loft

[Chieflongtee]

Good point.

I'm using some pretty aggressive lofts. My 7i comes in @ 33*

PW 45
9 41
8 37
7 33
6 29
5 26
4 23
3 20
2 18

At one point pw's were 49*

[Started2k3]

Which loft. Standard or modern?

Your choice.

[Chieflongtee]

Your choice.

In one set it is a 6. In the other it is a 7.

[Hank Hill]

Rather embarrassingly a smooth 7 wood for me, or a 24 degree hybrid depending on how well I am swinging that day.

[ironmaster15213]

Nice full swing with a 6 iron, more of a chance to go long rather than short but I wouldn't get a 7 iron there.

[Started2k3]

Fair enough. I only asked because take for instance someone with a slower swingspeed who would normally take a say a 7 wd and run it up. But if you are looking for carry yardage, they'd have to adjust their choice accordingly. Not a big deal, was just curious what you were looking for.

One of my playing partners (77 yrs old - one hip and one knee replaced) would require two shots to get it on the green. He would probably use "driver" (145yds) followed by "putter" (and would probably hole it), but I decided not to allow multiple selections.

[Chieflongtee]

Nice full swing with a 6 iron, more of a chance to go long rather than short but I wouldn't get a 7 iron there.

Wise choice and most probably much better balance and tempo.

[Hank Hill]

I don't seem to be able to click on the poll results and see who voted for what, has that function been disabled Dan?

[Started2k3]

In one set it is a 6. In the other it is a 7.

Choose the set that you are likely to sell to Geoff last.

[Started2k3]

I don't seem to be able to click on the poll results and see who voted for what, has that function been disabled Dan?

I chose not to use that option when setting up the poll, in hopes that people will be more honest and not have to worry about bragging rights.

[Chieflongtee]

I am speaking on behalf of Richard. 2 iron for Richard.

[Started2k3]

I am speaking on behalf of Richard. 2 iron for Richard.

With all his new found muscles, I would have thought he would be using a putter.

[MusicMan]

i was gonna say a 21* hybrid... give the guy some credit haha

[Hank Hill]

I chose not to use that option when setting up the poll, in hopes that people will be more honest and not have to worry about bragging rights.

Ah okay cheers, just wanted to see who the other weaklings on the forum were

[Started2k3]

Ah okay cheers, just wanted to see who the other weaklings on the forum were

I now want to see who picked 8 iron ... gorilla!