Marioh: Thanks for responding. It doesn't seem to be any particular hole. Also, I almost always use the Pitch setting, just for consistency. But it doesn't seem to matter how much or how little "Distance" I give.
Termides: I haven't tried a different driver, but I've read several Forum posts that complain that the upgraded drivers don't allow much more distance. My suggestion, on that point, is that the distances for the beginners are unrealistically low. I would argue that a solid hit by a decent amateur ought to surpass the 250-yard mark. It shouldn't be assumed that amateurs or beginners can't hit the ball a decent distance when they do make solid contact. The real difference in overall skill levels -- and scoring over many rounds -- lies in being able to hit good, accurate shots consistently. I'm not a great golfer on a real course, but when I do connect I can get 280 yards or more, and I don't mean hitting downhill with a strong tail wind. My bigger problem, on a real course, is that I don't hit nearly enough of those pure shots. If this game could come closer to that reality, I'd love it.