St. Johns May 2019 Newsletter P2_STM79572 May Newsletter | Page 5

NOTE FROM THE TEACHING PROFESSIONAL
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From the Lesson Tee: Is Clubhead Speed the Determining Factor in Distance?
Throughout the history of Golf, the consensus has been that speed equals distance and
if you are not the fastest you could not be the longest. As access to launch monitors
increase, a new set of data has been created that illustrates unique ways to create distance
without attempting to increase speed (yet). Today’s equipment provides new avenues for
a player and a golf instructor to tailor a club to achieve optimal launch angle, spin rate,
and ball speed which ultimately translates into an increase in overall distance. Modern golf
equipment and the modern player have been obsessed with the concept of creating a high
launch angle while reducing spin, Justin Thomas is a prime example of creating distance
through launch conditions versus pure clubhead speed. Thomas has some of the most
misleading numbers on tour, while being ranked 36th in clubhead speed and 30th in ball
speed, he ranks 9th in overall driving distance.
A deeper dive into Thomas’ Angle of Attack tells the whole story on how he creates so
much distance relative to his club head speed. Angle of Attack is a measurement that
assesses how much the golfer is hitting up or down on the golf ball at impact. When a
golfer creates a negative angle of attack or a downward strike, the ball will spin too much
and launch too low for optimal distance. Conversely, with positive Angle of Attack, spin
is reduced while launch is increased, creating a more desirable ball flight. This is how
Thomas positions himself as one of the longest players on tour, with the average Angle of
Attack on tour at –1.3 and Thomas averaging +4.8. Simply put, Thomas is hitting up 6 more
degrees than his competition which launches that ball on an incredibly high trajectory
with very little spin. As golfers, we all recognize the value of hitting the ball further, and
improved launch conditions provide the quickest option to realize an increase in driving
distance. While speed will always be an asset in golf; launch angle, spin rate, and angle of
attack will determine the efficiency of the swing.
Play Well,
John Mousley
PGA, TPI
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