Is Distance or Accuracy More Important to Lower Scores in Golf?
Every golfer asks the same question at some point: Is it more important to hit the ball farther or to be more accurate? The answer isn’t just about personal preference—it’s grounded in research, shot data, and what leads to lower scores for golfers of all levels.
Read on to learn how distance and accuracy each influence your results, why one matters more in some situations, and how you can develop a practice plan to maximize your performance, whether you’re a power hitter or a precision player.
The Science Behind Distance and Accuracy
Golf has undergone significant changes over the last 20 years, particularly with the introduction of advanced statistics on the PGA Tour and among amateur players. Shot-tracking data now lets us see exactly which factors contribute most to lower scores.
Distance (how far you hit each club, especially the driver): Longer hitters tend to have shorter approach shots, which makes it easier to get on the green in regulation and set up more birdie opportunities.
Accuracy (how often you keep the ball in the fairway or avoid major trouble): Accurate players avoid penalties, lost balls, and tough lies, making it easier to stay out of trouble and keep scores low.
What the Data Shows
At the elite level, longer drivers tend to score better, even if they miss more fairways, because hitting wedges or short irons from the rough is often easier than hitting long irons from the fairway.
For most amateurs, wild misses (out of bounds, water, deep trouble) hurt scores more than being 10–15 yards off target in the rough.
However, high-handicap golfers benefit most from improving both moderate distance and avoiding major mistakes.
How Distance Lowers Scores
Shorter approach shots give you a better chance to hit the green and make birdies or easy pars.
Long drives can turn difficult par 4s into easier holes, and par 5s into birdie opportunities.
Gaining just 10–15 extra yards off the tee can lower average scores by 2–3 strokes per round for many golfers.
Key takeaway: If you can add distance without dramatically increasing wild misses, you will likely score better.
How Accuracy Lowers Scores
Keeping the ball in play avoids penalty strokes, lost balls, and recovery shots.
Hitting fairways and greens reduces pressure on your short game and puts you in a position for easier putts.
Consistent accuracy is especially valuable on tight or hazard-filled courses.
Key takeaway: Accuracy is your insurance policy—it keeps double and triple bogeys off your card.
What Should You Prioritize?
1. If You Often Lose Balls or Hit Into Trouble:
Focus on accuracy and controlling your misses. Learn to hit your safest club off the tee, and work on drills for fairway finding.
2. If You Rarely Miss Big But Lack Distance:
Train for increased speed and distance (see previous articles on strength and swing speed). Use launch monitors to track progress.
3. If You Want Balanced Improvement:
Work on both, but make “eliminating disaster shots” your first goal. Once you’re consistently in play, train to add safe distance.
Action Steps: How to Practice for Lower Scores
Track Your Misses: Keep stats for a few rounds—note how many strokes you lose to penalties, deep rough, or poor distance.
Driving Range Drills: Strike a Balance Between Accuracy and Power. Hit 5 drives aiming for max distance, then 5 for fairway targets. Repeat.
On-Course Strategy: On tight holes, choose clubs that guarantee you stay in play, even if it means sacrificing 20 yards.
Swing Training: Use strength, mobility, and overspeed drills to safely increase distance without losing control.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should beginners focus more on accuracy or distance?
A: Accuracy first. Staying in play and avoiding penalties helps beginners keep scores lower and build confidence.
Q: Can I train both at the same time?
A: Yes! Structured practice with focused drills can improve both distance and accuracy together.
Q: How do pros decide what to focus on?
A: Pros use data to see which misses cost them the most strokes, then tailor practice to fix those weaknesses.
Take Action: Build Your Own “Distance vs. Accuracy” Plan
Review your last five rounds. Are most lost shots from wild misses, or being too far from the green?
Pick one goal—either add 10 yards (using swing speed drills) or reduce penalty shots (using accuracy practice).
Practice with intent: dedicate 10 minutes per session to drills for your chosen focus.
Track progress each week and adjust as you improve.
Remember: Both distance and accuracy matter, but eliminating big misses and building consistent, safe power is the fastest route to lower golf scores. Start with the area that costs you the most shots—and watch your scores drop.