Average Distance for Golf Clubs
Every golfer wants more distance from their driver and irons, but getting those much-desired gains takes a mixture of the right equipment and more clubhead speed.
But before chasing those extra yards, we should understand the average distance for golf clubs and how we stand against those numbers.
Distance correlates to handicap, so the longer you hit the ball, the better your scoring average, so we’re all incentivized to grip it and rip it on the links.
In this article, we’ll provide the average distance data for all handicaps, swing speeds, and what the average male amateur golfer should look to improve when boosting their distance.
Understanding Golf Club Distance
When talking about golf club distances, we are looking at how swing speed translates into length.
There are two types of golf club distances that players care about, carry distance and total distance.
Carry distance is the total length achieved in the air after ball contact. Once the ball hits the ground, then it has rollout, otherwise known as the length the ball rolls from the point of impact to the turf.
Not all clubs have the same spin rates, so their rollout creates different distances. An 8-iron, for example, has far more back spin than a driver, so their rollout distance will look remarkably different.
A sand wedge is built to produce consistent average distances with a backspin, while a driver can exceed previous maximums due to course conditions and other factors, such as wind helping boost rollout.
Average Distances for Golfers
The average distances for men and women golfers over every golf club in the bag from driver to pitching wedge.
Since men swing the club faster than women on average, their swing produces ball speed that powers the ball farther down the fairway than their female counterparts.
To get your own average distance for each club, we recommend golfers hit at least ten golf balls on the driving range.
The men’s distances below are based upon the male amateur’s average swing speed of 93 mph with the driver, while the women’s distances rely on a driver swing speed average of 78 mph.
Men’s Average Distances
Driver: 235 yards
3-Wood: 195 yards
5-Wood: 185 yards
Hybrid: 181 yards
3-iron: 170 yards
4-iron: 163 yards
5-iron: 156 yards
6-iron: 147 yards
7-iron: 138 yards
8-iron: 129 yards
9-iron: 119 yards
Pitching Wedge: 109 yards
Women’s Average Distances
Driver: 209 yards
3-Wood: 174 yards
5-Wood: 164 yards
Hybrid: 161 yards
3-iron: 151 yards
4-iron: 145 yards
5-iron: 139 yards
6-iron: 131 yards
7-iron: 123 yards
8-iron: 114 yards
9-iron: 106 yards
Pitching Wedge: 97 yards
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When trying to maximize the average golf club distance, there are several mistakes most golfers should try to avoid.
Here are the top three mistakes and what you should do to make sure you get more speed out of your swing.
Poor Ball Position
An easy way to lose distance is by mispositioning the golf ball at address. If you move steeply into the ball, you’ll struggle to hit the center of the club face, costing you length and accuracy.
While it might not affect your average swing speed or club head speed, you won’t be able to control your golf balls on the golf course.
Different Clubs Need Different Swings
Another mistake that can cost distance achieved is trying to swing each club the same.
For example, a pitching wedge needs a more upright takeaway than a 7-iron. A driver needs a more rounded takeaway to achieve maximum swing speed for your golf game.
Neglect Your Physical Fitness
One of the easiest ways to watch your golf club distances drop is by neglecting your physical fitness. You can’t swing the golf club quickly with poor physical health.
By including some cardio and strength training just a few times per week, you can swing with more energy and hit balls to your maximum distance.
Tracking and Improving Distance
Tracking Distances
One of the biggest pieces of advice we give our students is to track their average distances over several range sessions.
While it is always nice to get your data in a controlled environment like a golf simulator, hitting shots outside when dealing with several factors such as wind speed and weather conditions can also help to see how your distance is affected by your typical shot shape.
Today, there are dozens of wonderful smartphone apps that help you track your handicap, plus a host of other important statistics, such as average golf club distances.
Improving Distances
One of the best ways to improve driver distance is by simply taking a wider stance at address. The extra length helps increase a longer, more powerful downswing to the ball.
Another great way to add length is by making sure to make a full turn away from the ball.
One of the biggest ways casual golfers rob yardage from their bottom line is by restricting their body movement on the backswing.
Especially with a longer club, like a 4-iron or 5-wood, you need a full turn that brings the lead shoulder to under the chin. By lengthening the swing, you create more swinging speed to help you get the maximum yardage.
Finally, the best way to get the most length possible is by improving the consistency of your contact. By hitting the sweet spot with more regularity, you can produce the most yardage your body can generate.
Average Distance for Golf Clubs: FAQs
How far does the average man hit each golf club?
Average male golfers hit their driver roughly 235 yards with a 93 mph club head speed. With that club speed, the carry yardage achieved covers 221 yards, so at this speed, the driver has 14 yards of rollout.
After the driver, the average man hits their 3-wood 195 yards.
Once you hit the irons, male golfers start at 180 yards for the 3 iron and drop roughly 8 yards between each descending club. The pitching wedge goes 107 yards for the average male golfer.
Since skill level correlates with driver distances, the average PGA Tour golfer hits their driver 293 yards.
With longer golf courses, these skilled golfers need more distance. They are helped in large part due to their elevated swing speeds.
How far should a 60 year old man hit a 7 iron?
A 60-year old man averages roughly 125 yards with their 7-iron based upon an 80mph swing speed. While some 60-year old men hit the ball much further, the average ball travels 125 yards.
The average male swings their driver around 93 mph, but with age, club distance begins to fall as golfers reach their 40s.
What club for 160 yards?
For men with average golf club swing speeds, a 5-iron covers 160 yards. For PGA Tour level golfers, a 9-iron covers 160 yards with precision, accuracy, and plenty of spin to stop shots cold on the green.
For casual female golfers, a 3-wood covers 160 yards, while for LPGA Tour pros, a 6-iron can reach 160 yards.
How far is the 3-wood on the PGA Tour?
A 3-wood on the PGA Tour travels around 250 yards on average, but the golfers on the tour with the highest swing velocities, such as Rory McIlroy, routinely hit their fairway wood close to 300 yards.
Due to the shaft length, low profile of the club heads, and the low loft, golfers hit longer distances with these golf clubs than ever before.