As a very short hitter, I don't think distance is that important as long as you are "long enough". What I mean is that for me a good drive is 220 or so, but often in the fairway. The problem is, even on a short to mid length par 4 say 380 or so, that leaves me 160 plus to hit a GIR. Since I am a short hitter anyway, that means I'm looking at around a 5 iron for my approach. If I can increase my distance by say 10%, that means I'm driving 240'ish, leaving around 130 for the approach, and down to something closer to an 8 iron, a much more controllable shot for me. So I don't think you need to be able to bomb it to score, but if you hit as short as I do your mid and long iron and short game better be deadly, or you won't be able to post great scores. This helps explain my 22ish handicap, short with only a fair iron game and decent but not great short game.