Accuracy, Schmaccuracy: Distance Is Dominating Again

In their 2002 Statement of Principles, the USGA and R&A said they drew the line on distance. In later actions, they drew the line on distance overwhelming the PGA Tour over those who were "accurate." Or at least, have proclaimed victory through the groove rule change.

Just a refresher from the 2002 statement:

The R&A and the USGA believe, however, that any further significant increases in hitting distances at the highest level are undesirable. Whether these increases in distance emanate from advancing equipment technology, greater athleticism of players, improved player coaching, golf course conditioning or a combination of these or other factors, they will have the impact of seriously reducing the challenge of the game. The consequential lengthening or toughening of courses would be costly or impossible and would have a negative effect on increasingly important environmental and ecological issues. Pace of play would be slowed and playing costs would increase.

In 2014, the statistics are saying that extreme distance is enjoying much more success over extreme accuracy. Alex Myers with a fascinating breakdown of the numbers so far after J.B. Holmes averaged 333.9 off the tee last week.

In 17 full-field, stroke-play events this year, Holmes is the fourth winner to also lead that week in driving distance, joining Bubba Watson at the Masters and Northern Trust Open and Jimmy Walker at the Sony Open. At three other tournaments, the longest hitter in the field for the week wound up finishing runner-up.

Compare that to 2013 in which the best finish for the entire year by a player leading the field in driving distance was a solo fourth by Bubba Watson at the Travelers Championship. A 2014 resurgence by Watson, who leads the tour in driving distance for the year at 315.4 yards per poke, has helped, but this goes beyond the biggest bombers.

The average rank in driving distance this year by winners in those 17 events is 16.7. The average rank for the first 17 events in 2013 was nearly double at 33.3.