Golf swing speed is starting to dominate the game. Never before has the speed of the golf swing been more discussed. Recently, we have seen Bryson DeChambeau completely change his body composition, swing speed and overall power and the way he attacks the course.
Many amateur golfers often wonder how fast they swing their golf club. There are several different ways to determine your swing speed.
We have always had some long hitters, Tiger Woods hit the scene in 1996, but before that John Daly was already around. However, never before has distance been held in such high regard and have such a major impact on where a golfer finishes on the money list.
Before we get into how to determine swing speed, we must understand the importance of swing speed. Think about this for a second, would you rather have 80 yards left from the rough or 150 yards from the fairway. The analytics would show that the golfer is better off being 80 yards from the rough.
What if the average amateur golfer could add 20-30 yards and instead of hitting from 150, now have approach shots from around 120 yards. I can guarantee that most golfers would be so much better from 120 yards than 150. But is it possible to actually gain swing speed?
Yes, it really is! Even if you don’t want to hit the weights like Bryson there are some very good options for just about every amateur golfer.
How to determine golf swing speed?
With swing speed dominating the golf world, most amateurs want to know how fast they swing. There are several ways to determine your swing speed?
- Purchase a device to measure your swing speed. (See recommendation below)
- Purchase a Launch Monitor (See recommendation below)
- Utilize a formula to calculate swing speed based on distance (Least accurate method)
After we dive into these three approaches to measuring golf swing speed, we will leave you with a bonus tip on the best way to gain 20-30 yards in your golf game.
Swing speed can be a game changer and most golfers should train for speed gains or at least to ensure they don’t lose swing speed as they age.
Method 1: Purchase a device to measure your swing speed
Recently, you may have heard of SuperSpeed Golf. It is a system that can help you see 5-8% increase in swing speed as early as after the first training session (see more below in the bonus section on SuperSpeed Golf).
Along with this system, we would highly recommend the speed radar measuring device pictured below.
While the accuracy might not be the greatest, it does provide you within a range of your swing speed. I utilize this system when training with my SuperSpeed system in my journey to increase my swing speed!
Check current price on SuperSpeed Golf
If you are utilizing this tool, and you use it consistently, it will provide you will great feedback on whether you are increasing or decreasing speed. Some of the major benefits is that it is light and easy to fit in your bag.
You can utilize it on the course, at the range or with dry swings in your garage or backyard. It is versatile and can be a good measuring stick for the general speed of your swing.
Method 2: Purchase a Launch Monitor
Several years ago, I was fortunate enough to purchase a SkyTrak Launch Monitor. I setup my SkyTrak in my garage for a complete golf simulator build for under $7,000. I have now played over 700 rounds of golf and have hit shot after shot on my device.
To price out the SkyTrak and Simulator Package, visit Rain or Shine Golf!
With every swing, I get a ball speed and a swing speed.
This has helped me monitor my growth and receive feedback on how progress. When I first bought my SkyTrak I was swinging in the 98-101 range with my driver, after training with the SuperSpeed System and following the teaching of Mike Bender, I now live around the 104 miles per hour and have capped out at 109 miles per hour.
This increase can be seen on my golf simulator and this season I have hit some of my longest drivers in recent years at the age of 39.
The SkyTrak can be taken to the range and paired with your Ipad for instant feedback on the range or utilized in your home or garage as part of a golf simulator setup. When paired with The Golf Club Software it provides one incredible golf simulator experience.
One where you can play Augusta, Pebble Beach, Whistling Straits and many of the world’s top 100 courses all in your garage, basement or home. It is truly an incredible device.
The feedback after every shot on ball speed, swing speed, path and side curve can help you play better golf while having a ton of fun. No longer can the rain, snow, cold or dark stop you from enjoying the game that you love!
How to Build a Golf Simulator for under $7000
Method 3: Utilize a formula to calculate swing speed
The last and maybe most inaccurate way, but a way to measure your swing speed in general terms is to utilize a formula. On average, for every one mile per hour of swing speed, you can expect the ball to travel 2.4 yards. For a simple example, lets use 100 miles per hour and multiple 100 x 2.4, this would give us 240.
Where it becomes difficult to completely rely on this formula is that your yardage per 1 mile of swing speed varies depending on center contact, also known as smash factor. Another major factor in distance is the spin rate of a golf ball. If your spin rate is in the 2000-3000 range, you are maximizing your ball flight.
When it starts to get 3500 RPMs or higher, you are losing distance regardless of your swing speed. So if you swing 100 miles per hour and the ball only flies 225 yards, there is a good chance your spin rate was in the 4000’s. This formula can give you a general idea.
It may be best to calculate on a driver where you get no roll and can see where your ball actually hit the fairway. Take your distance laser and shoot back towards the tee. This will give you your carry distance. Then divide that number by 2.4 for a general idea of your swing speed, keeping in mind that spin rate plays a major role in total carry distance.
How to Increase Swing Speed?
Now that you may have measured your swing speed, how do you actually increase your swing speed? Years ago, it was difficult to scientifically know how to increase swing speed and there wasn’t the premium or importance placed on swing speed that we now have in today’s game. We would highly recommend two different options.
Check current price on SuperSpeed Golf
I am currently utilizing the SuperSpeed Golf system and believe in it. THe distance I have gained was worth the money and not only helped my swing speed, but I believed has helped improve my mechanics.
This overspeed system of training isn’t overly difficult on the body and doesn’t take a ton of time. It might take 10-15 minutes a day, but you only train every other day.
Nobody can deny the importance of distance on today’s game. There is a clear correlation between distance and money won on the PGA Tour. Learn to maximize your driver and get that swing speed up there. Winter is a wonderful time to train in many parts of the US, but you can train even during the regular golf season.
Be smart and make sure you are ready to hit some of the longest drives of your life. Have you wondered what Phil Mickelson has done to increase his swing speed as he became Champions Tour eligible as he reached 50?
He is a SuperSpeed Golf person along with many other PGA Tour Players, why not train like the best and see if this can help your game and your score? Be the longest driver amongst your group of friends and show off your distance!
Final Thoughts
Golf can be an amazing game, but even more amazing when you can start to see results. Here at golfjourney365, we embrace the daily journey to get better at the game. When we found the importance of speed and then SuperSpeed golf it made the journey that much more fun and exciting.
Below, we provide a recipe to help you get better!
Take Action – What You Can Do Today to Get Better
What does this mean for you? I believe in the following recipe to get better:
1 – Improve your motion in the golf swing by identifying a golf instructor. Here are some options:
Here is a list of golf instructors that we have reviewed:
2 – Train to swing faster and improve your swing speed. Here are some options:
Looking to gain more Speed and Distance in your swing. Two Options:
3 – Understand course strategy and work to break through your next barrier. Here is a series on breaking through:
We have provided guides on how to break 100, 90, 80 and 70. Check out more below, if interested.
4 – Practice Frequently
Did you know that I build a golf simulator in my garage and have played over 500 rounds of golf on my SkyTrak system? It has been a game changer and one worth checking out. Here are some of my other posts on golf simulators frequently asked questions:
- Is a Golf Simulator Worth It?
- How to Build a Golf Simulator?
- What is the Best Golf Simulator?
- Golf Simulator Accessories?
- How to Build a Golf Simulator for under $7000
- Top 11 Reasons to Buy a SkyTrak
- How to Build a Golf Simulator for Under $1000
- Why Build A Golf Simulator?
- What Space is Needed?
- Can A Golf Simulator Improve My Game?
- How Much Does A Golf Simulator Cost?
- Don’t Forget to Check out our 15 best golf swings of all time.