Carry Distance
How far the ball travels through the air before it first touches the ground, not counting any roll after landing.
This is the number that matters for clearing a hazard or bunker, since roll can't help you there. Total distance (carry plus roll) is what most golfers picture, but carry alone is what launch monitors report and what actually decides a shot that has to fly over trouble.
See the related guide: How far should you hit each club?
A full explanation, in plain language.
More ball flight & shot shapes terms
Slice
A shot that starts near the target and curves hard to the right, usually losing distance.
Hook
A shot that starts near the target, then curves hard to the left, often diving into trouble.
Push
A straight shot (no curve) that starts and stays to the right of the target.
Pull
A straight shot (no curve) that starts and stays to the left of the target.
Draw
A gentle, intentional curve toward the left that still finishes on target, most golfers' idea of an ideal shot shape.
Fade
A gentle, intentional curve toward the right that still finishes on target, most golfers' idea of an ideal shot shape.