A golf technique question, semi-OT...

[George Pazin]

Can someone explain to me what the pros do differently to hit a 5 iron off the tee that flies 200 and rolls 40-50, versus hitting a 5 iron on a par 3 that flies 200 and, even on a really firm green, rolls about 10 yards?

Is it technique or course setup? Is the green just enough softer to allow less roll?

Thanks for any answers.

[Garland Bayley]

draw vs. cut?

[Jason Thurman]

It's primarily based on course conditions. If these guys could've hit balls that stopped within 10 yards at The Open, they would have.

Any shot with a higher trajectory will land a bit softer, assuming all else is equal. So yeah, a cut will land a bit softer than a draw. Likewise, they might push the ball back in their stance just a touch to get a lower, running trajectory if they want it. But the dramatic difference you see at Muirfield vs. Muirfield Village is mostly due to course conditions.

[Nigel Islam]

I think that a lot of is playing the terrain. The Pros are so good they can hit irons into upslopes on the green and get bite. Then on their tee shots they just take a club into a flat area that bounces forever. I was at the practice round on Tuesday, and noticed this was happening.