Quail Hollow: A Bomber’s Paradise?
Quail Hollow is well-known as a lengthy golf course, measuring 7,626 yards, and is often referred to as one of the most friendly venues for long hitters on the professional golf scene. But is this observation valid? If so, why?
While total yardage and hitting power are generally connected, a golf course’s relationship with distance involves more nuances than just the overall yardage. For example, the additional 5-10 yards gained on certain holes has varying impacts on scoring, particularly on reachable par 5s and par 4s.
Shorter approaches significantly enhance scoring chances. For instance, a 225-yard shot is considerably easier than a 235-yard shot because hitting the green typically becomes more probable with better-angled, shorter iron shots. As players transition from longer approaches to shorter pitches, like from 25 yards down to 15 yards, the likelihood of achieving a close pin placement also drastically improves.
However, the gap between distances like 160 yards and 150 yards does not carry the same weight; players can consistently hit the green from both, making shorter shots marginally easier, but not significantly more advantageous at these specific ranges. DataGolf provides valuable insights into how distance impacts scoring across various yardages on Tour.
Interestingly, many of the longest hitters are also proficient long-iron players. If a player drives the ball far, they typically hit their irons longer too, giving them a notable edge. For instance, a long hitter might play a 5-iron from 220 yards while their rival uses a 4-iron, enhancing their advantage on par 4s and 5s.
At Quail Hollow, most holes favor powerful players. Its three par 5s, the shortest at 546 yards, can be reachable depending on conditions, while three par 3s exceed 200 yards. Even par 4s can be drivable, which amplifies the advantage for long hitters. Notably, the course’s wide fairways do not penalize driver misses, allowing players to swing for maximum yardage without much risk.
Ultimately, Quail Hollow is indeed a haven for long hitters, as evidenced by data and theoretical analysis. Although shorter hitters can still compete, as demonstrated by Kevin Kisner’s T-7 finish at the 2017 PGA Championship, long hitters will likely have the upper hand. Short hitters must excel around the greens to keep pace with their more powerful counterparts.
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