The Truth About Distance — Why Center Contact Beats Swing Speed

Key Points

• Clubhead Speed Helps, But It’s Not Everything

  • Swinging harder or faster can increase distance, but it comes with physical limitations—especially for junior players who may only weigh 60–100 pounds.
  • Parents often push longer drivers or "jumping" swings, but those are temporary solutions.

• Center Contact Is King

  • Long drive data and pro experience (with tools like FlightScope) confirm: there is no substitute for hitting the center of the clubface.
  • Center contact impacts power, accuracy, trajectory, distance control, and spin.
  • Elite players consistently hit the center, more so than elite juniors or amateurs.

• Build Fundamentals Before Chasing Distance

  • Distance should not be the first priority in development.
  • Start with solid fundamentals, especially face contact.
  • Physical size does play a role (a 6'2", 200 lb player will hit it farther than a 5'2", 120 lb one), but smart players maximize their own controllables.

• Distance Alone Doesn’t Win

  • Bryson DeChambeau hits it long and accurately, but still doesn’t win every week.
  • His proximity on wedge shots limits his performance.
  • What saves him is elite putting, which he worked tirelessly to develop.

• Takeaway for Juniors and Parents

  • Don’t fall into the trap of believing “hitting it far” is the answer
  • Develop complete skills: center contact, short game, putting, and mental control are just as important—if not more.