We all want to hit the golf ball further.
Many golfers want to compare their driver distance with the following:
- Golfers their age
- Golfers who have a similar handicap
- Golfers who play on the PGA Tour
Many of us want to know if we are hitting it “far enough” and if there is “more distance” to gain.
Let’s first start with looking at the average driving distance by age and then handicap.
Average Driving Distance By Age
The average driving distance for all age golfers is 220 yards. Golfers in their 20s typically hit the ball the longest at an average of 239.7. There is a decrease every year once a golfer reaches the age of 30. However, this decrease can be reversed with the right speed training protocols.
Here is a chart built of 26 million shots collected by Arccos
| Age Range (10 Year Gaps) | Driver Distance Average |
| 10-19 | 234.2 |
| 20-29 | 239.7 |
| 30-39 | 233.7 |
| 40-49 | 225.9 |
| 50-59 | 215.4 |
| 60-69 | 204.5 |
| 70 | 190.4 |
| Total Average | 220.54 |
Of course when looking at this data, there are always outliers, which is why it is an average. I golf regularly with a 59 year old who hits the ball 250 plus. I also golf with a 66 year old who only hits the ball around 185.
The biggest factors influencing driver distance are swing speed, ball speed, spin rate, angle of attack, temperature and course conditions.
My Journey: My current swing speed is between 105-110 mph with a ball speed just below 160mph on average and I carry the ball between 260-270. My current age is 41.
Where are you at on the chart?
Average Driving Distance By Handicap
The average driving distance will decrease as the handicap level increases. There is a 50 yard difference between a scratch golfer (251 yards) and a golfer with handicap between 21-25 (201.9 yards).
| Handicap Range | Median Driver Distance Average |
| PGA Tour Professional | 275 Carry |
| Scratch | 251 |
| 0-5 | 244.6 |
| 6-10 | 231.3 |
| 11-15 | 220.4 |
| 16-20 | 210.3 |
| 21-25 | 201.9 |
| Total Average of 0-25 | 221 |
A golfer with a lower handicap is going to hit the center of the face more frequently, maximizing the swing speed they are able to produce. Chances are their overall swing and the ability to hit center contact, control angle of attack, spin rate and play the best clubs and golf balls for their game will help them maximize their swing speed, producing the best distance possible.
The average driving distance of a scratch golfer is 251 yards. Here is the recipe (key stats) to become a scratch golfer.
Why Does Average Driving Distance Matter?
The golfer will have shorter approach shots, leaving shorter putts. Here is the logic:
- The further you hit your driver, the shorter the approach shot you have left.
- The shorter the approach shot, the closer your proximity to the pin will be.
- The closer you are to the hole, the higher probability of you making the putt.
When you multiple this over 18 holes, a golfer will have more makeable putts.
Here is a quick chart to show you the make percentage on the PGA Tour from various distances:
| Putt Length | Make Percentage |
| 8 Feet | 50% |
| 15-20 Feet | 18.3% |
| 25+ Feet | 5.45% |
Source: PGA Tour
When you take your average amateur, these numbers are going to be even less. The chances of making putts from 25 feet because you are hitting approach shots from 175 yards all day is pretty low. Now, if a golfer can gain 20-25 yards and is hitting approach shots inside of 125 yards, they might hit several inside of 20 feet and have a legitimate chance at making the putt.
How to make more putts: 5 Tips!
When I grew up, it was, ‘driver for show and putt for dough. These guys grew up after Strokes Gained and Mark Broadie came on the scene and showed the importance of driving distance and approach play.
Arron Oberholster – Golf Channel Analyst
How To Increase Average Driving Distance
The golfer will want to first focus on increasing their swing speed. Even the most ideal launch conditions, perfect club and golf ball and the perfect spin rate won’t produce enough distance if you swing speed isn’t where it can be.
The good news for golfers is that there are plenty of speed training systems on the market. I have tested and highly recommend SuperSpeed Golf (visit their website). Golfers can experience a 5-7 mph increase in their swing speed as early as the first training session. This can become more permanent after 30 days of training.
Many of the PGA Tour golfers can be seen using this training system on the driving range of PGA Tour events. Many of the big names carry and understand the need for an increase average driving distance.
My Journey: I started using SuperSpeed Golf in November of 2019. I have experienced a 10 mph increase (98-108 mph) as I am now pushing 270-280 carry distance. It was worth the investment.
Check out current SuperSpeed Products here and a potential discount
Here is a chart I have created based on golfers I have helped with SuperSpeed Golf:
| Original Swing Speed | After 4-6 Weeks | New Carry Distance | Total Distance |
| 95 | 102 | 245 | 265 |
| 100 | 108 | 259 | 279 |
| 105 | 113 | 271 | 291 |
| 110 | 118 | 283 | 303 |
Final Steps: Average Driving Distance – Keep the Ball in Play!
Don’t forget about the importance of keeping the ball in play and between the trees. Notice I didn’t say to keep it in the fairway. Why? Because the driver hit 270 yards just in the rough is better than the 240 yard driver in the fairway, as long as the 270 yard driver has a clear shot.
270 in the rough is a clear shot is BETTER than 240 in the fairway!
However, we have to keep the ball in play!
Here are 3 shots I currently use with my driver
- The Standard Shot: This is my regular stock driver that I swing at around 106 mph, it will fly around 260-270 and roll out depending on the conditions.
- The “Bunt”: A less than stock driver swing that I swing around 101 mph, it will fly around 245 yards and roll out depending on the conditions.
- The “Blast”: A more than regular stock driver that I swing at 111mph, if I catch it in the center it will fly around 280 yards and roll out depending on the conditions.
- I use the standard shot the majority of the time.
- I use the “bunt” shot when there is a really tight hole or out of bounds really close.
- I use the “blast” shot when the hole is wide open and distance will be a game changer.