Which Watch

Is it a myth that women golfers hit straighter than men?

It seems like a myth. I mean you got a dozen pledges from the Omega Moos lined up on a driving range they may spray balls all over. I like watching LPGA but it is tough to see how they are hitting on television. This summer I am going to see them live at a tournament. Ahhh…Michelle Wie in the flesh. Maybe I’ll get her autograph.

2009 driving distance (LPGA)
1. Vicky Hurst 261.30
2. Paige Mackenzie 255.20
3. Hee Young Park 252.30
4. Na On Min 252.00
5. Grace Park 252.00

Top 5 ave. = 254.56

2009 Driving Accuracy (LPGA)
1. Song Yi Choi 92.90
2. Paula Creamer 90.50
3. Christina Kim 88.10
4. Eun-Hee Ji 88.10
5. Hee-Won Han 88.10

Top 5 ave. = 89.54

2009 Greens In Regulation (LPGA)
1. Angela Stanford 83.30
2. Paula Creamer 83.30
3. Na Yeon Choi 79.60
4. Lindsey Wright 79.60
5. Kyeong Bae 77.80

Top 5 ave. = 80.72

2009 Driving Distance (PGA)
1. Robert Garrigus 317.79
2. Nick Watney 316.22
3. Gary Woodland 313.95
4. Bubba Watson 313.41
5. Hunter Mahan 312.88

Top 5 ave. = 314.85

2009 Driving Accuracy (PGA)
1. Mark Brooks 81.80
2. Brian Gay 78.30
3. Billy Andrade 78.20
4. Tim Clark 77.40
5. Jason Gore 77.10

Top 5 ave. = 78.56

2009 Greens In Regulation (PGA)
1. Trevor Immelman 86.10
2. Davis Love III 80.60
3. John Huston 79.60
4. Boo Weekley 79.20
5. Vijay Singh 79.20

Top 5 ave. = 80.94

I’d say it isn’t a myth. Based on the top five leaders of each category for each Tour, the ladies do drive it shorter on average (254.56 vs. 314.85), but they are more accurate on average (89.54 vs. 78.56)… very big discrepancies between the categories.

The short game theory is a wash, since the Top 5 GIR averages are nearly similar (80.72 vs. 80.94).

But really, does it matter, other than for curiosities sake? Whichever Tour you watch, you’re definitely going to get quality golf. Unless it’s a Pro-Am.

Michelle at Women’s Leadership Forum