Game Caddie 6.2 offers two ways to measure Average Driving Distance. It will automatically calculate the Average Driving Distance for all non-Par 3 holes, and you can also select two holes to make a separate calculation. The PGA reports both stats, yet to my knowledge the LPGA only reports the stat that accounts for all par 4 and 5 holes.
On the Game Caddie Scorecard tab, the method that captures all par 4’s and 5’s is referred to as “Driving Distance – All Drives (Yards),” and the method that uses two drives is simply called “Driving Distance (Yards).” If you visit the PGA web site, you will find these two category titles as stat options you can review.
Using the Game Caddie’s two-hole driving distance measurement tool is optional. The PGA offers some guidance on how they select the two holes. “Care is taken to select two holes which face in opposite directions to counteract the effect of wind. Drives are measured to the point at which they come to rest regardless of whether they are in the fairway or not.”
In a 4-round tournament, the “Driving Distance- All Drives” stat will typically be based on 56 drives (4 rounds x 14 holes) non-Par 3 holes, while the “Driving Distance” stat will be based on 8 drives (4 x 2).
Clearly in any given tournament, the“Driving Distance” stat will be more variable due to a smaller sample size and will typically be a bit longer than the “Driving Distance – All Drives” stat that captures tee shots (with FW woods or long irons) hit shorter on purpose on some holes to avoid hazards or to gain a better angle for the next shot.
You can use whatever method you want to pick the two holes for measuring “Driving Distance.” When I select these holes, I try to adhere to the following guidelines in order to more closely match PGA results:
- Orient the holes in opposite directions to offset any wind effects.
- Select holes with flat landing areas and those with non-elevated tees to avoid course-related carry and rolls effects.
- Choose holes that are open enough to use a driver