All golfers should know the average club distances by handicap because it is a reference point for an average amateur golfer. The difference between an average golfer with a mid-high handicap and an advanced golfer is the understanding of their golf club distances.
In this blog, we will share the data of 1000 golfers in a golf club distance chart and help you understand the average golf club distances based on handicap level.
Data Sources: pgatour.com, lpga.com, trackman.com, golfwrx.com
If you match the golf club distances of your respective handicap range. If not, you should consider improving your game.
We will share tips about increasing average distances for amateur golfers.
Average Swing Speeds Based on Handicaps
Before we move on to the charts of average golf club distances by handicap, it’s important to understand the swing speed. Each type of golfer has a different swing speed. The average swing speed also fluctuates for different age brackets.
Average Driver Swing Speed for Different Handicaps
Driver is the primary golf club for measuring the swing speed. More often than not, how far and accurately you hit the driver determines your ability for other golf clubs.
Following is the chart of the average driving distance.
Average Golfer Swing Speed for Different Ages
Along with handicaps, the swing speed also differs for age brackets. Juniors and young golfers have the lowest club head speed, whereas adult male golfers and female golfers have the highest club head speed.
Data about Average Club Distances by Handicap
In this section, we will discuss the average club distances by handicap of men, women, and senior golfers. We will include the average distance of all golf clubs.
This includes the distance of the Driver, Fairway Woods, Hybrids, Irons, and Wedges.
Average Club Distances by Handicap for Men Golfers
The following chart shows the golf club distance for men. These average distances are nearest to the most accurate average.
Golf Club Distance for High Handicap
Golf Club Distance for Mid Handicap
Golf Club Distance for Low Handicap
Most golfers hit the ball to the club distance mentioned above. However, the average distance might differ by +/- 5 to 7 yards in carry distance or total distance.
Average Club Distances by Handicap for Women Golfers
The following chart shows the golf club distance for women golfers. These average distances are the most accurate. If you fall in the right category, that’s good. if not, hover over the tips section to attain more distance with increased club speed and ball speed.
High Handicap Golf Club Distance
Mid Handicap Golf Club Distance
Low Handicap Golf Club Distance
In the charts above, you can see that the difference in the yardage of 7-iron for a high handicapper and a scratch golfer is 80 yards. This makes a huge difference on the golf course.
Average Club Distances by Handicap for Senior Golfers
The following chart is for mid-high handicappers. There is only a small number of professional senior golfers. The vast majority of the senior golfers are high-handicappers and recreational golfers who play for fun.
If you are a senior golfer with a similar distance, you are hitting your golf ball quite nicely. Well done!
Average Club Head Speed by Handicap
Club head speed refers to the velocity of the golf club head in the impact zone during the swing. It directly influences the distance the ball travels. Higher club head speed typically results in longer shots, provided accuracy is maintained.
It is measured in miles per hour or kilometers per hour.
According to Trakman, 93.4 mph is the average club head speed of most golfers.
Following is the data based on handicaps.
Average Ball Speed by Handicap
Ball speed is a key factor in determining the distance of the shot. Ball speed in golf is the velocity at which the golf ball travels after impact with the club face. More ball speed results in longer shots and lower speed results in shorter shots.
It is also measured in miles per hour or kilometers per hour.
Average Smash Factor by Handicap
The smash factor in golf is the ratio of ball speed to club head speed, providing insight into the efficiency of a golfer’s impact. Calculated by dividing ball speed by club head speed, a higher smash factor indicates better energy transfer and more effective use of power, resulting in longer and more efficient shots.
The highest smash factor could be 1.50.
Consider the following examples,
- High Handicapper
Ball Speed: 120 mph
Club Head Speed: 90 mph
Smash Factor: 1.33 (Ball Speed / Club Head Speed)
- Mid Handicapper
Ball Speed: 140 mph
Club Head Speed: 105 mph
Smash Factor: 1.33
- Low Handicapper
Ball Speed: 160 mph
Club Head Speed: 120 mph
Smash Factor: 1.33
How to Measure Golf Club Distances?
We highly recommend that your should measure your average golf club distances irrespective of your golf handicap. We know golf game is all about the feel. However, data-oriented shots are much better than vague guesses.
You should be well informed about your clubhead speed, ball speed, smash factor, driver distance, and how much energy you put into the shots.
Indoor Sessions
Find a driving range equipped with launch monitors. A good launch monitor will record all of the essential metrics of your golf game. Hit each club multiple times to find an average golf club distance.
Launch monitors such as Rapsodo MLM 2 Pro are worth the investment. It can record up to 15 metrics. The amazing thing is that you can carry it anywhere. Be it indoor sessions, the driving range, or the golf course, it works like a charm.
Record how far you hit the ball with your golf clubs.
Outdoor Sessions
Move outdoors on the driving range and hit the ball. This will factor in weather conditions. However, these distances might have an error because of the golf range balls. They are scuffed and offer lesser distance. You might notice the ball speed divided for the same reason.
Keep on hitting your clubs and you will eventually factor in the margin of error in your shots. Record data for all of your shots.
This practice will separate you from other golfers.
What do These Average Distances Mean?
With the help of these indoor and outdoor sessions, you will find the right club for every shot without second thoughts of either over-cooking or under-cooking it.
Quite often, amateur golfers make the mistake of getting the wrong distances. They can easily hit the green in regulation but choose to lay up. With the recorded average distances, they will take on the challenges and go for the green.
- Precision in Shot Selection
- Optimizing Swing Strength
- Consistency in Performance
- Course Management
- Confidence Building
- Adjusting for Environmental Factors
- Improving Practice Sessions
- Enhancing Club Selection Skills
- Scoring Improvement
Key Factors that Affect the Average Golf Club Distances by Handicap
Many key factors affect the distance for each class of golfers based on their handicaps. Let’s decode it.
High Handicappers
- Limited Swing Speed: High handicappers often have a slower swing speed, impacting overall distance.
- Inconsistent Ball Striking: The struggle with consistent ball contact affects the effectiveness of shots.
- Less Control: Challenges in maintaining control over the club result in varied distances.
Mid Handicappers
- Developing Technique: Mid-handsappers may exhibit improvements in swing mechanics and ball striking.
- Moderate Swing Speed: A middle-ground swing speed allows for a balance between power and control.
- Advancing Accuracy: Work on shot consistency contributes to more predictable distances.
Low Handicappers
- Optimal Swing Speed: Low handicappers tend to have a higher and more controlled swing speed.
- Consistent Ball Striking: Precise contact with the ball leads to reliable and repeatable distances.
- Enhanced Control: Superior control over the club allows for strategic shot shaping and distance control.
Tips to Improve Average Golf Club Distances
Following are the 5 most common and effective tips to improve the average golf club distances by handicap.
Tips for High Handicappers
| Tips | Description |
|---|---|
| Focus on Fundamentals | Work on foundational aspects such as grip, stance, and posture to enhance overall swing mechanics and ball contact. |
| Develop Consistency | Prioritize practice that aims at improving the consistency of ball striking, reducing mishits, and increasing overall contact accuracy. |
| Build Core Strength | Incorporate exercises to enhance core strength, as it plays a crucial role in generating power and speed during the golf swing. |
| Choose Forgiving Clubs | Opt for clubs with a higher forgiveness factor, which can help compensate for off-center hits and contribute to more reliable distances. |
| Take Lessons | Invest in professional lessons to receive guidance on swing adjustments and gain personalized tips for maximizing distance within the constraints of the current skill level. |
Tips for Mid Handicappers
| Tips | Description |
|---|---|
| Refine Technique | Continue refining swing mechanics and addressing specific areas of improvement identified through practice and analysis. |
| Balance Power and Control | Fine-tune the balance between power and control by optimizing swing speed to generate more distance without sacrificing accuracy. |
| Strategic Course Management | Focus on smart course strategy, considering individual strengths and weaknesses, to optimize club selection for each shot. |
| Utilize Fitting Services | Take advantage of club fitting services to ensure that equipment matches your swing profile, enhancing overall performance and distance. |
| Regular Practice | Consistent and targeted practice sessions, including drills that address weaknesses, contribute to ongoing improvement and distance gains. |
Tips for Low Handicappers
| Tips | Description |
|---|---|
| Focus on Fundamentals | Work on foundational aspects such as grip, stance, and posture to enhance overall swing mechanics and ball contact. |
| Develop Consistency | Prioritize practice that aims at improving the consistency of ball striking, reducing mishits, and increasing overall contact accuracy. |
| Build Core Strength | Incorporate exercises to enhance core strength, as it plays a crucial role in generating power and speed during the golf swing. |
| Choose Forgiving Clubs | Opt for clubs with a higher forgiveness factor, which can help compensate for off-center hits and contribute to more reliable distances. |
| Take Lessons | Invest in professional lessons to receive guidance on swing adjustments and gain personalized tips for maximizing distance within the constraints of the current skill level. |
People Also Ask
How Many Golfers Can Drive 250 Yards?
Golfers with low handicaps (1-10) can consistently hit a 250-yard drive. Golfers with mid-high handicaps (10+) occasionally hit a 250-yard drive.
How Many Yards Should Each Club Hit?
Each golf club should add at least 10 yards to the preceding golf club. If your 7 iron covers 165 yards, your 8 iron should cover 155 yards.
How Far Should a 70-Year-Old Man Hit His Golf Clubs?
A 70-year-old golfer will hit 120-150 yards drive based on his skill level.
What is the Average Drive for a Man Golfer?
The average drive for most of the male golfers is 240-250 yards.
Final Words
We hope this article about the average golf club distances by handicap helps you in gauging your skill set and how can you improve your golf game.
Read More:
How to Calculate Golf Handicap?
