Distance gapping session

Setup

1. One hitting line with a clear gap between stations; nobody walks forward of the line until the coach says the range is clear.
2. Pair up: one player hits, the partner stands behind and to the side, well out of the swing, and records.
3. Use a launch monitor if one is available. Without one, use range flags and distance markers and watch where each ball lands. Note whether the range balls are limited-flight, as they fly shorter than course balls.
4. Warm up fully before the first recorded ball.

How it runs

1. Start with the shortest wedge and work up through the bag, one club at a time.
2. Hit five to seven balls with each club using a normal, comfortable swing (not the hardest possible swing).
3. Record the carry for each ball: where it lands, not where it stops. Leave out clear mishits.
4. Write down a typical carry for each club from the good strikes, plus how far the short and long ones went.
5. Look at the gaps: clubs should step up in fairly even steps. Two clubs that carry about the same, or a big jump between two clubs, is worth discussing with the coach or a club fitter.
6. Swap roles. Finish by adding wedge partial swings (half and three-quarter) to the card if time allows.

Coaching points

• Carry is what matters for clearing bunkers and water; total distance changes with how firm the ground is.
• Use the swing played on the course, not a range-only swing.
• Every player records their own numbers. Someone else's distances are no guide.
• Re-check the card a few times a season and after any change of clubs.

Common mistakes

• Recording the best shot as the club's distance.
• Rushing through the bag and getting tired by the long clubs.
• Mixing carry and total distance on the same card.
• Ignoring wind on the day; note it on the card.