Carry
Carry is the pure flight distance of the ball from the strike to first landing — without any roll.
Carry is the most important distance figure for the shot to the green. It describes how far the ball carries through the air before it lands. What happens afterwards is roll and depends on the ground, the weather and the landing angle. The total distance of a shot is therefore carry plus roll. On a drive over firm summer ground the roll can account for 20 to 30 meters; with a wedge onto a soft green almost zero. Anyone who only knows their total distances plans approaches systematically wrong.
On the course, carry decides over hazards. An example: in front of the green lies a pond, the flag is at 140 meters, the front edge of the green begins at 135. Your 7 iron carries 138 meters — too tight. You take the 6 iron with 145 meters of carry and play safely over the water hazard. You work the same way with bunkers in front of the green or a tee shot over a hollow: first the distance to be flown over, then the club that manages it in carry.
Typical mistake is measuring the wrong number. On the range, with range balls on hard ground, the total distance looks good, but the share of rolling is enormous. Anyone who then plays with that value onto a well-kept green on the course regularly comes up short. Determine your carry distances per club, note them down and plan with them. Modern rangefinders and launch monitors show the value directly, but honestly observing the landing spots on the fairway will do too.
FAQ
Why do I hit it shorter on the course than on the driving range?
Because on the range you often measure the total distance including roll, while on the course only the pure flight counts. Range balls on hard ground roll a long way; your ball onto a soft green hardly at all. Anyone reading their club distances off the range systematically plays approaches too short — determine the carry values per club instead.
How do I plan a shot over a water hazard in front of the green?
First measure the distance to the front edge of the green, then choose the club whose carry exceeds that number with a reserve. If your 7 iron only just reaches the edge, take the 6 iron and play to the middle of the green. The safe way over the water hazard almost always beats the hero attempt at the flag.
How do I determine my carry distances without expensive technology?
By observing landing spots instead of end points. On the range or during a quiet round, hit several balls with the same club and note mentally where they land, not where they come to rest. Note down the typical value per club from several sessions — this honest table is worth more on the fairway than any estimate.