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Why Distance Control Matters More Than Direction on Approach Shots

Photo by Lo Sarno on Unsplash Statistical analysis of amateur golf performance consistently reveals a counterintuitive finding: distance control errors on approach shots cost recreational golfers more strokes than directional errors, even though most golfers practice and worry about direction far more. The Statistical Pattern Shot-tracking data from systems used across recreational and competitive golf shows that amateur golfers are typically far more likely to miss an approach shot short or long of their intended distance than they are to miss significantly left or right of their intended line. A shot that's 15 yards short or long frequently finds trouble — a bunker, water, or simply a much longer subsequent putt — in a way that a shot 10 yards left or right of the pin, but still on the green, does not. Why This Happens Directional misses are usually caused by face-to-path errors, covered in our ball flight laws article , which tend to be relatively consistent for an individual g...

The Rise of LIV Golf: What It Means for the Future of Professional Golf

man in black shirt and white shorts playing golf during daytime
Photo by Mick Haupt on Unsplash

LIV Golf has reshaped professional golf since 2022. Here is the context.

What Is LIV Golf

A Saudi PIF-funded league with 54-hole no-cut events, team scoring, and guaranteed contracts, distinct from traditional PGA Tour structure.

Key Defectors

Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Koepka (later returned), Cameron Smith, and others left the PGA Tour, accepting suspensions.

The Framework Agreement

A 2023 agreement between the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and PIF remains under ongoing negotiation as of 2026.

Effect on Majors

LIV players remain eligible for majors through existing exemptions, keeping championship fields at full strength regardless of tour affiliation.

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