Stupid Golf Question
What is carry distance?
The simulator shows carry and total and you are not sure which number picks the club
Plain answer first
The plain answer
Carry distance is the distance from where you hit the ball to where it first touches the ground. It does not include bounce or roll.
The NPG answer
It is the useful number before the ground starts adding bonus yards.
When it matters
It matters when choosing a club to clear water, sand, a bunker lip, or the front edge of a green.
What to do next
Track the normal carry for each club across several solid shots instead of saving only your longest one.
Do this next
What is total distance?
Total distance is carry distance plus the bounce and roll after the ball lands.
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