What is the Average Distance for Each Golf Club?

Even if you’re a casual golfer, getting the most out of your game still feels great. If you want to take your game up a notch so you can continue to improve, we’ve got you covered. Understanding how far you should be hitting with each club is the first step to improving your golf game. In this guide, we’ll explain why distance is so important, what factors affect distance, and what the average distance is for each golf club.

Why Is It Important to Know the Average Distance of Each Club?

Knowing the capabilities and limits of each golf club will help you navigate the course much more effectively by choosing the right club for each shot. Knowing the average distance of each club also helps you manage distance gaps between your clubs, so you can more quickly and accurately select the right club for each shot, and the right swing speed/shape for each club.

Distance Vs. Accuracy

Before we get into average distances, we want to weigh in on the distance versus accuracy debate. While there is no doubt that accuracy is important, and you should be working on that, maximizing your distance (with some degree of accuracy) can help lower your scores in the long run. After all, getting closer to the hole is the ultimate goal. So unless you’re wildly hooking or slicing your shots, working on increasing the distance of your drive can improve your game.

Factors That Influence Distance

Several factors influence how much distance you can hit with each club. Some factors are controllable, but some factors–like the weather–are not. We’ll touch on factors that you as a player can control.

Swing Speed

The primary factor in determining the distance you hit each shot is your swing speed - or how fast you’re swinging the club. In general, the faster the swing speed, the greater the distance, but depending on the equipment you choose, that power can either be maximized or seriously minimized. Club characteristics like shaft length, shaft flex, and loft degree all influence how well your swing speed is translated into power.

Shaft Flex

Likewise, golf club flex also impacts distance. Choosing the right flex allows you to make contact with the ball with the perfect amount of power. If you have a faster than average swing speed (95 mph and faster), a stiff flex golf club will convert that power into maximum distance. If you’ve got an average swing speed (between 80-95 mph), a regular flex will give you the results you’re looking for. A swing speed of 80 mph or less will benefit from an active flex.

Learn more: Stiff Vs. Regular Flex: Which Golf Shaft Is Right For You?

Loft Degree

Each club face has a specific degree of loft. The lower the loft degree, the farther the ball will travel. No two golf club manufacturers use the same degree of loft, however; most clubs are manufactured within a specific loft range. Take the pitching wedge, for example. Most pitching wedges have a loft of 45-48 degrees, the lowest loft range of all the wedge types. If you want a pitching wedge that can give you maximum distance, go for a 45-degree loft type. In general, the higher a ball is hit, the less distance it will travel.

Learn more: Ultimate Guide to Golf Wedge Degrees

Average Distances of Each Golf Club

The average male golfer has a swing speed of around 90 mph, while the average junior, senior, or female golfer has a swing speed of around 65 mph. That isn’t to say you have to have the same swing speed if you fall within those categories. The average distances (below) are approximations based on swing speed, regardless of age or gender. And remember, if you’re consistently hitting within a couple of yards over or under the averages, you’re doing great.

Average Driver Distance

Average Woods Distance

Average Hybrid Distance

Average Iron Distance

Average Wedge Distance

Tips for Improving Distance with Each Club

If you’re not seeing the distance you’ve been hoping for with your clubs, there are ways to improve. Read below for our tips on how to get that distance you’ve been reaching for.

Increase Your Swing Speed

By now, you should understand that swing speed is one of the most important factors that influence distance. If you’re frustrated with a slower swing speed and want to improve, there are ways! By using a lighter club, you can slowly get used to a stronger, faster swing and work your way up to the club you’d like to use regularly.

Exercise

The stronger you are, the more power you can generate with your swing. Building your core strength especially can improve your balance and give you just enough power to hit the ball a few extra yards. Sit-ups, planks, and yoga are great ways to build core strength and improve your game–and it’s just plain good for you!

Find the Right Golf Ball

The right golf ball can also help increase your yardage on each swing. By choosing either a hard or soft golf ball, you can see improvement in both distance and accuracy. Average golfers and those with swing speeds under 100 MPH tend to benefit from soft golf balls, while golfers who swing 100 MPH and above benefit from hard golf balls.

Learn more: Soft Vs. Hard Golf Balls: What Golf Ball Should You Use?

Use Forgiving Clubs

A forgiving golf club set can do wonders for improving your golf game. Forgiving clubs can help the ball travel straighter and faster on less-than-perfect swings and give you that confidence boost you’ve been looking for. At Stix, we’ve designed sleek, modern clubs exactly for this purpose. Our clubs improve your performance without breaking the bank.

Shop Stix golf club sets →

Go the Distance

Fill in those distance gaps in your bag by understanding the average distances for each club. You’ll see your score start to improve and you might even start beating your buddies. You’re welcome.

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• 5 Best Low Spin Golf Balls
• The Best Golf Clubs For Women
• Golf Club Length: Which Size is Right For You?
• What is a 460cc Driver? (Golfers Guide to Drivers)