Stupid Golf Question
What is total distance?
The screen gives you a bigger total number and you want to use it for every shot
Plain answer first
The plain answer
Total distance is how far the ball travels from impact to where it finishes, including its carry, bounce, and roll.
The NPG answer
It is carry distance after the ground gets involved in the group project.
When it matters
It matters for tee shots and running approaches, but the result changes with turf firmness, slope, wind, and simulator settings.
What to do next
Compare carry and total across several shots so you can see how much of the final number depends on estimated roll.
Do this next
What is carry distance?
Carry distance is how far the ball travels through the air before it first lands.
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