pga tour average 6 iron distance

Trackman Tour Averages

At Trackman, we're dedicated to providing the most accurate and up-to-date data to enhance your golfing experience. That's why we're excited to announce the release of our new Tour Averages, reflecting the latest insights from leading professional golf tours.

How We Gathered the Data

Our team has been hard at work collecting data from a wide range of pro players, utilizing Trackman technology to capture every swing and shot with precision.

Explore the New Tour Averages

Discover the latest numbers for both PGA and LPGA Tours, now presented in a redesigned format for easy reference. To see how the game has progressed over time, check out this link to see what’s changed compared to the last Tour Averages.

What's Changed Since Last Time

Since Trackman last revealed the Tour Averages, certain areas of the game have changed. When driving, for instance, players are now hitting further, with greater ball speed and less spin rate. See how your figures compare to the pros.

The Impact of Trackman

Trackman's role in driving performance gains cannot be understated. From influencing club manufacture to revolutionizing training methods and making data more accessible, Trackman continues to shape the future of golf. Additionally, integrating Trackman technology with advanced golf simulators offers players an immersive experience, allowing them to practice and improve their skills in a virtual environment.

Stay Informed

Whether you're a seasoned pro or a weekend warrior, Trackman is here to help you reach new heights on the course. So stay tuned for more updates and insights from Trackman as we continue to push the boundaries of golf technology.

Get the New Tour Assets

The updated Tour Averages data is available for download here in various formats (incl. in meters or yards), whether you're a coaching professional or simply want them handy on your phone when you're on the range.

Key Insights:

Male data is captured across 40+ different events and 200+ different players.

Data is captured at both PGA TOUR and DP World Tour events with majority coming from PGA TOUR events.

Female data is captured across 30+ different events and 150+ different players.

Data is captured at both LPGA and LET events with majority coming from LPGA events.

Averages are based on data from competition as well as on the range.

There are multiple processes in place to eliminate shots hit with a non-driver during competition.

There could be a small number of non-driver shots in the dataset (less than 0.5 percent).

Official stat holes are picked going in opposite directions to reduce any effects from wind.

How Far Do Pro Golfers Hit Each Club? A 2022 Guide

Written by Graeme Hay | Last Updated: 21/05/2024

When you watch the PGA Tour or any major championship on TV it is hard not to notice how far pro golfers hit the ball.

Their drives seem to always go miles and I don’t know about you but I’m always checking myself to think whether I indeed heard the commentator correctly that they are actually hitting that high an iron for that 200+ yard approach shot.

So just to confirm what we are indeed up against we took a detailed look at just how far the top pros are hitting their clubs.

On average pros drive the ball a total of 296.6 yards (yds) according to official PGA Shotlink data. They hit a 3-wood an average carry distance of 249 yds, a 5-wood 235 yds and 3-hybrids 230 yds. 3-irons average 217 yds, 4-irons 208 yds, 5-irons 199 yds, 6-irons 188 yds, 7-irons 177 yds, 8-irons 164 yds and 9-irons 153 yds.

These high-level numbers of course don’t always tell the whole story as the pros like us are faced with an infinite variety of golf shots which don’t always mean they are hitting each club as far as they possibly can for every shot.

But if you take the averages over a season you are going to get more than a good idea of how far the pros are hitting each club.

What is fascinating also though as you dig more into the figures is the distance control options the best players in the world have with almost every club in their bag!

How Far Do Pros Hit Their Driver and Woods?

When it comes to talking about distance in golf the easiest and most obvious place to start is of course always with the longest club in the golf bag – the driver.

And as it is highly unlikely even the best pros in the world never want to hit their driver as far as they can so it is clearly the club we are going to get the best idea of the maximum distance they hit the ball.

So how far do pros drive?

PGA Tour players hit their driver a ‘total’ of 296.6 yards on average with a ‘carry’ distance of 284.3 yards according to official 2022 Shotlink data. The longest player hits it 320 yards on average and the longest recorded drive in 2022 is 460 yards. On the LPGA Tour the top pros hit their driver an average of 257.7 yards.

When it comes to how far the pros hit a 3 wood and the other longer clubs in the bag including their hybrids the distance analysis gets a bit more complicated because clearly the pros are starting to use these clubs for a wider variety type of shots than they do for their driver.

The pros, like the rest of us, will be hitting a driver as far as they can 99% of the time but when it comes to their 3-wood, 5-wood and hybrids they can be using those clubs off the tee and for approach shots and will not always be aiming for their maximum yardage with those clubs.

The best distance comparison we have for those clubs is therefore the ‘carry distance’. In other words the distance from where they hit the ball to the point of impact on the ground.

On average PGA Tour pros hit a 3-wood a ‘carry’ distance of 249 yards. By comparison a 5-wood carries 235 yards and hit a 3 hybrid, which measures from 19º to 21º, an average carry distance of 230 yards. On the LPGA Tour the top women pros carry a 3-wood 195 yards, a 5-wood 185 yards and a 7-wood 174 yards on average.

For those of you interested in how these averages compare to individual pros we have listed in the table below the average ‘stock’ carry yardages for a selection of the top pros when it comes to how far they hit their driver.

In the following table the list shows how far a selection of PGA and LPGA Tour pros hit their 3-wood, 5-wood and hybrid clubs.

[Note – If you are interested in what drivers and fairway woods the top 100 PGA Tour players are using check out the in-depth analysis we have done here .]

How Far Do Pros Hit Their Irons? Remember to Take Stock

Looking at how far pros hit their irons is a much easier task these days due to all the tracking technology that exists however it still does not make it an exact science.

And that is for the simple reason that pros will hit all manner of a variety of different shots with their irons, especially for their approach shots, and as such, they will hit the same iron a variety of different distances.

A look at Brooks Koepka’s yardage book below gives us a great insight into this and highlights how many types of shots pros can play with their irons.

For example for a 170 yard shot into the green a quick glance at his iron yardages shows he could decide to play either a three-quarter 8-iron or try to hit a 9-iron as far as he can – his ‘max’ distance for that club.

When you account for factors such as wind, elevation, ground conditions and also the context in which the shot is being played Koepka, like all the pros, has a number of options for each iron shot which makes the question of how far he hits each iron a bit more complex than at first you may think.

However the pros have what is called a ‘stock’ yardage for their irons, which equates essentially to the average distance they will hit a full shot with each iron swinging normally.

When we compare these ‘stock yardages’ for irons between the pros we get a consistent view of yardage which we can accurately compare across the players.

On average PGA pros hit a 3-iron a ‘carry’ distance – the distance from strike to point of ground impact – of 217 yards. They hit 4-irons 208 yards and 5-irons 199 yards on average. For 6-irons the average is 188 yards, for 7-irons it is 177 yards and 8-irons, 9-irons and pitching wedges go 164, 153 and 141 yards respectively.

Different pros however clearly hit their irons different distances but in the table below we have listed the ‘stock yardages’ of some of the top pros, including Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson, Justin Thomas and Bryson DeChambeau, to let you see how they compare against the average.

And when it comes to how far Tiger Woods, arguably the greatest iron player of all time, hits his irons?

Tiger hits his 3-iron a ‘carry’ distance of 240 yards on average while his 4-iron goes 225 yards and 5-iron 210 yards. When it comes to his mid-irons he hits his 6-iron and 7-iron 195 and 180 yards. As for his short irons his 8-iron yardage is 165, he hits his 9-iron 150 yards and his pitching wedge 135 yards on average.

How Far Do Pros Hit Their Wedges

When it comes to looking at how far the pros hit their wedges the stock yardage they hit each club is again obviously only one of the multiple yardages they can hit the most versatile clubs in any player’s golf bag.

As we can again see from Brooks Koepka’s yardage book above he has 5 different yardages listed for each of his specialist wedges which highlights just how much distance control the best golfers in the world can exert with their wedges.

Another added complication when it comes to comparing the distances that the pros hit their wedges is the differing lofts each of them often carries for seemingly the same club.

For example while one pro’s ‘gap wedge’ may be 50º another may choose 53 or even 54º for that same ‘gap wedge’ club and with such a difference in lofts it becomes very difficult to compare with any meaning how far the pros hit the same-named wedge.

Assuming however the pros are hitting ‘standard’ lofted pitching, gap, sand and lob wedges we found the following stock distances for how far the pros hit them .

As a whole PGA pros hit their pitching wedge an average carry distance of 141 yards. They hit 52º gap wedges a stock carry distance of between 126 and 135 yards and carry 56º sand wedges an average distance of 119 to 124 yards. Standard 60º lob wedges meanwhile carry 95 to 105 yards on average.

While these yardages will give you a general guide as to how far pros hit their wedges it is important to remember how particular all the pros are about these clubs especially.

It is vital for them to know exactly how far they hit their wedges with a variety of different types of shots because feel is so important from those short distances, especially at the top level of the game, where a yard or two can make the difference between winning or losing a tournament.

That is why you will find some pros’ wedges measured up to 0.5º or even 0.25º when listed and it is also likely that some of the actual strengths of the wedge lofts they use may in reality be stronger (i.e. a lower loft) or a touch weaker (i.e. a higher loft) than the actual degree loft number shown on their club.

To help however answer the question as well as we can the table below shows the varying distances some of the top pros, including Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and Dustin Johnson, are hitting their wedges, together with the degrees of loft their clubs are listed at.

Before you go …

While it is great to find out how far the top players are hitting the ball it is even better to know the reasons why they achieve the huge distances they get.

Is it simply down to the fact that they have access to the latest and best equipment or is it something else?

Read our next article to discover the real reasons the pros hit the ball as far as they do, and how you can potentially add 20 to 30 yards to your drives!

How Do Pros Hit the Ball So Far?

Other top articles related to this topic:

• How Far Should You Hit a Driver? FULL GUIDE By Age, Handicap etc.
• How Far Does a 3 Wood vs 5 Wood Go? Tee and Approach Shots!
• How Far Should I Hit My Hybrids? 2 vs 3 vs 4 Hybrid Distances
• Hybrids vs. Fairway Woods – FULL Distance and Comparison Guide
• How Far Should I Hit My Irons? By Handicap, Age & Swingspeed
• How Far Should You Hit Your Wedges? Be Sure to Fill the Gaps!
• Why Don’t Your Drives Go Far? Slow and Steady Loses the Race
• How Far Should Your Driver Swingspeed Go? 60 to 120 mph Guide
• Average Driver Swingspeeds? COMPLETE GUIDE by Age, Handicap etc.
• Ideal Spin Rate and Launch Angle for Driver? That’s Personal!
• How Far Should Your Ball Speed Go? 100mph All the Way to 210mph!
• The PGA Tour’s Rising Driver Ball Speeds Mean One Thing – $$
• What Should Your Driver Attack Angle Be? Try Not to Be Negative
• How Much Does Driver Loft Affect Distance? Loft is Dynamic Too!
• 10 Ways to Get More Distance off The Tee With & Without Speed!
• What Determines Driver Distance? Skill Triumphs Over All!
• Are Driving Range Distances Accurate? Golf Balls are a Problem
• Do All Golf Balls Go the Same Distance? Physics First
• What Affects Golf Ball Distance? Beware ALL the Uncontrollables!
• Do Certain Golf Balls Go Further? Brand and Cost Considerations
• Do Distance Balls Go Further? Marketing Matters

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How Far PGA Tour Players Hit Every Club In The Bag

The latest Trackman data has revealed the average distances and speeds from shots hit on the PGA Tour

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In this age of ultra-long hitters and ever-increasing technology among the golf-equipment sector, the distances and speeds in the professional game continue to go one way - up.

It is not quite the same among the amateur population , however, with Arccos data via the USGA and R&A in March 2022 revealing that the average male golfer - with a handicap - hits their total drive around 215 yards , a number that has remained relatively consistent over the past five years. Meanwhile, in the women's game, the average total-driving distance for players of all abilities is just shy of 148 yards.

But the latest numbers released by Trackman show that PGA Tour professionals are sending it a long way past that, as you would expect. The average carry distance for a PGA Tour pro with a driver in hand during 2023 was 282 yards.

Their club speed was usually around 115mph with a driver and the resulting ball speed averages 171mph, reaching a max height of just 35 yards off the ground.

Despite a 33-yard drop-off between driver and 3-wood, in regard to carry, PGA Tour players are still averaging 249 yards carry with the latter and bettering the average distance your leading amateur can manage with the big dog.

Rory McIlroy is the longest average driver on the PGA Tour and is known for his high ball-flight

From 3-wood down, between 5-13 yards of carry was lost as you move through the bag. PGA Tour players typically hit a 5-wood 236 yards in 2023, while - surprisingly - the number dropped to just 231 with a hybrid.

The numbers between the two aforementioned clubs are particularly interesting to take a closer look at, with players generating 106mph club speed with a 5-wood and 102mph with a hybrid. The angle of attack was almost identical, and the smash factor for both clubs was exactly the same at 1.47 out of 1.5.

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Ball speed differed by 7mph (156mph - 5w/149mph Hy) but the spin rate difference was much more noticeable at 4322rpm for the 5-wood and 4587rpm for the hybrid. Ultimately, though, the total carry resulted in just a five yard drop off for the shorter club.

Moving into the irons, PGA Tour players averaged 218 yards carry with a 3-iron (100mph CHS/145mph BS) and 199 yards with a 5-iron (96mph CHS/135mph BS), and as the club becomes shorter - predictably - so do the numbers.

When looking at the 7-iron, the total carry distance on the PGA Tour was 176 yards thanks to 92mph club speed and 123mph ball speed. PGA Tour players struck their shortest club - the pitching wedge - around 142 yards (carry) in 2023, according to the Trackman data.

Updated PGA Tour Averages released by @TrackManGolf It’s been a while since they have released updated CHS, distances, AOA, launch angles etcBookmark for future reference and see how you compare 👊🏼 pic.twitter.com/iyySMw41xZ May 2, 2024

HOW FAR DO PGA TOUR PLAYERS HIT EVERY CLUB IN THE BAG?

Data: Trackman, 2024

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Golf Club Distances w/ Chart | Averages for Am & Pro Players

Last Updated on July 25, 2021

Distance is critical in golf. As golfers, we're always striving for more distance off the tee and consistent yardage gaps between the rest of our clubs.

In this guide, we'll break down how far amateur golfers of various skill levels and swing speeds hit each of their clubs to give you an idea of how you stack up. We've also included PGA and LPGA carry distance averages to see how you compare with the pros.

After that, we'll cover what factors affect your golf club distances and explain how to find out how far you hit each club.

Golf Club Distances Table

The table below shows how far golfers of various skill levels and swing speeds hit each club. 

We've included PGA and LPGA carry distance averages of professional golfers that TrackMan gathered . 

For amateur male golfers, we've split them into groups of "short," "mid," and "long" hitters. All distances refer to carry distance (distance until the ball first hits the ground) rather than total distance (carry and roll).

While TrackMan gathered extremely accurate data for LPGA and PGA carry distance averages, good data for amateurs is harder to come by. 

There's a massive gap in skill-level and swing speeds among amateur golfers. Golfers of various handicaps also achieve their handicaps in a variety of ways. A 5-handicap golfer could be a super fast swinger in their athletic prime or a senior golfer who has lost distance over the years.

For our amateur short, mid, and long hitting male amateur distances, we relied on the limited available large sample data and what we've seen personally from loads of amateur golfers.

Because these yardages are for golfers of all ages, junior, middle-aged, and especially senior golfers may find themselves with distances closer to the "Short Hitting Male Amateurs" column. Most young adult to middle-aged male golfers should carry the ball to at least the "Mid-Length Male Amateurs" distances, while faster swingers of these ages can reach the distances in the "Long Male Amateurs" column.

Lastly, aside from LPGA professionals, we didn't include other female golfers in our distance table. There's even less data available for amateur female golfers than for male amateurs. We've also found a more considerable disparity in how far female recreational players hit the ball. Basically, we weren't confident we could provide any accurate/valuable information for female amateurs' distances.

What Affects Distance in Golf

There are a lot of factors that influence your golf club distances.

Club speed is the most significant factor in determining distance .

To illustrate this, look at the correlation of club head speed vs carry distance for PGA Tour players in the scatter plot below:

Assuming all other things are equal, more swing speed means more energy that can be transferred from the club to the golf ball, resulting in higher ball speed. Higher ball speed means the ball will travel a further distance.

Factors like impact location on the club face, club path, spin rate, and launch angle also play a large part in how far a ball travels.

Impact Location Golf Iron and Driver Sweet Spot

An impact out of the "sweet spot" of your irons or woods will lead to a higher smash factor than strikes that are too low, too high, off the toe, or off the heel.

Smash factor is a calculation of how well you converted club speed into ball speed (Smash Factor = Ball Speed / Club Speed).

In particular, strikes out of the heel and low strikes can kill distance with the driver.

If you struggle to consistently hit the ball with or near the sweet spot of your club face, you'll have issues with the consistency of your yardages.

Spin Rate and Club Path

Spin rate plays a large role in how far you'll hit the ball and the shapes of your shots.

A lot of golfers put too much spin on the ball with their driver either because of too much club loft, poor strikes (bad impact location), or poor club face control (the direction the club face is aimed relative to your swing path).

If you feel you're hitting the ball well but should be getting a few more yards, work with a club-fitter to see if your driver has too much loft. The ideal spin rate depends on your club speed , but too much spin will cost you yards.

Slices and hooks are caused by the club face being aimed too open ( slice ) or too closed ( hook ) relative to the club path. This can lead to both too much spin and the ball's spin axis being too strongly left-to-right or right-to-left.

If your club face is open (aimed right) relative to your club path, this can both cause too much spin and will cause the ball to spin too left-to-right on its spin axis . You'll lose a lot of yards from a slice as the ball travels left-to-right rather than straight.

Launch Angle

For each club, there is an optimal amount of spin and an optimal launch angle. Launch angle is the angle of a golf ball's initial ascent relative to the ground.

Launching the ball too high or too low will cost you distance.

While launch angle problems could be due to your swing, they can also be caused by playing the wrong clubs for your swing. If you feel like you're hitting the ball too high or too low, work with a club-fitter to dial in your clubs.

Factors Out of Your Control

There are also factors out of your control that can affect distance, like temperature and altitude.

Every 10 degrees that the temperature rises can easily lead to a couple of yards of additional ball flight with a driver.

If you drive the ball 240 yards at sea level, you will carry it around 255 yards in Denver's mile high altitude.

How to Find Your Distances

If you're looking to better understand how far you hit each club, we'd recommend purchasing a launch monitor or finding a range with a launch monitor.

To get accurate distances, you'll also want to make sure that you're hitting the same golf balls you normally play on the course.

Many golf ranges have cheap, inconsistent, or even balls purposefully made not to fly as far as normal golf balls.

Your typical range ball can easily cost you 10+ yards with the driver, while a limited flight range ball can lose you 30+ yards of distance with driver compared to a premium golf ball.

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Golf Club Distance Charts By Age, Gender And Skill Level

Last Updated on January 9, 2024 by Matt Greene

How far should you hit the ball?

How do you compare to others?

It's always good to know that age, gender, and skillset are the biggest differentiators so you don't make unrealistic comparisons.

I did so much research on this article to bring you the most up to date information to help you quickly skim the tables and charts about golf distance.

My golf distance charts show the key elements that influence how far you can hit each golf club: 

• Swing speed
• Smash factor
• Quality and optimization of equipment

These factors are all heavily influenced by your physiology, skill, age and strength or flexibility levels. Very often, you can optimize each area, with some training or coaching or both.

Golf Club Distance Chart by Swing Speed

Swing speed is a major determining factor the golf club distances. It is not the only factor but if 100 people strike the ball the same, the fastest swings will carry the ball further.

• Most golfers are around 90 mph driver swing speed. 
• The average swing speed on the PGA Tour is around 114 mph. 
• 150 mph is the top range and only long drive competitors will be swinging toward this range.

NOTE: The swing speed at the top of each column is driver swing speed. We use this as a general gauge to estimate the distance of each club thereafter.

How do I swing the club faster?

You've compared yourself to the numbers in the chart but you want to hit it longer. Almost everyone does and there are 3 ways to swing the club faster:

• Get lessons on proper mechanics with a professional swing coach. They will utilize all your physiological elements and limitations to the maximum, as well as help you hit the ball in the center of the club face. You can add as much as 10 mph to your driver swing speed with correct technique.
• Get stronger and more mobile in the gym. Strength training plus mobility work with a trainer will increase your swing speed guaranteed. You will have a wider range of motion in your muscles and your strength will 100% translate into more speed. You can add 10-20mph to your swing depending on how advanced your strength and mobility currently is.
• Get lighter golf equipment fitted to your swing. Lighter shafts can help increase your swing speed 2-5 mph.

These are the only ways to improve swing speed but the MOST important factor is the coaching and practice so that you can HIT THE SWEET SPOT of the golf club. 

The center strike means you send as much energy into the ball as possible and we measure how well you hit the ball using the Smash Factor.

What is  Smash Factor ?

Smash Factor is ball speed divided by club speed.

For example: 150 mph ball speed / 100 mph swing speed = 1.50 Smash Factor

The number calculated gives a ratio to show how much energy is moved from the club head to the golf ball at impact.

Low Smash Factor numbers mean less energy is transferred, while higher Smash Factor numbers mean you send more energy from your golf club into the golf ball.

The optimum Smash Factor number for excellent ball striking with the driver is 1.50 Smash Factor.

Ideal Smash Factor for every club

The PGA Tour golfers are the best in the world so we can use their averages to assume the best smash factors in the world. If you can attain these smash factor numbers as stated by Trackman , you are striking the ball as good as you possibly can.

Note how the smash factor decreases as the loft increases.

Skill level affects smash factor 

Distance is affected by the swing speed but MAINLY the quality of the strike related to that swing speed.

In other words, how close to the center of the club face you hit the ball will determine how your swing speed power is transferred into the golf ball.

If you employ a swing coach, they will assist you in hitting the ball in the middle of the face, or closer to the middle.

That will take your existing swing speed and optimize it by being more efficient with where you hit the ball on the club. 

The measurement we use for the quality of your strike is called Smash Factor.

Equipment affects swing speed and smash factor

The pros on tour have optimized equipment to their specific technique and skill level as well as body shape and strength.

The same swing speed in a PGA Tour pro will send the ball much further than an amateur golfer of higher handicap who has a similar swing speed.

The PGA Tour players technique is perfect so if you and a Tour pro hit the ball the same, the pro would still hit the ball further because their equipment has been customized to their exact swing.  

A fitting can help to optimize your strength and swing for more distance.

Average Golf Club Distance For Male Golfers By Skill Level

From 'Good Golfer' onward, the 2 iron down to 5 iron should improve as confidence and technique improve, thus bringing more swing speed. 

Beginner Golfer:  New to the game - first 6-12 months.

Average Golfer:  15-24 handicap .

Good Golfer:  6-14 handicap.

Excellent Golfer:  Below 6 handicap.

Swing speed charts by age and gender

Swing speed is a vital factor in determining the distance you hit the ball.

The swing speed, with a strike near the middle of the club face makes the ball go further.

A poor strike with high swing speed will go less distance. 

A pro golfer swinging at the same speed as an amateur gets wildly different distance numbers because they hit the ball in the center of the face often. 

Therefore, if you want to improve your distance with the same swing speed, you can work on improving your strike closer to the middle of the face.

Average swing speed by age and gender chart

In this chart we show the 50th percentile driver swing speed for each gender and age range according to the research done by TPI .

Driver Swing Speed Chart by Golf Skill Level

Confidence and skill make a big difference when hitting the driver efficiently and out the sweet spot.

Beginners with a driver  will be more tentative and have less effective mechanics.

Mid handicappers will be more adept at the driver  because of experience or lessons.

Advanced golfers swing with confidence from hitting a lot of golf balls and taking lessons with a pro.

PGA Tour golfers have optimized every aspect of the game with the driver and are the very tip of the spear. 

Is a 250 yard drive good?

Yes it is very good.  According to Arccos  and Shotscope , between 15% and 31% of golfers hit 250 yards or more.

Here is a video of me breaking it down.

Ball Speed To Club Head Speed Chart for Driver

The ball speed off the driver face is dependent on the strike.

If your strike or Smash Factor is good, you will hit the ball further with your swing speed than the same speed with a bad strike.

Below, we take the club head speed and use a Smash Factor of around 1.42 which is 0.08 away from a perfect strike.

What swing speed hits 250 yard drives?

A swing speed of around 105 mph with the driver, and ball speed of around 150 mph  will produce a 250 yard drive.

Ball Speed To Club Head Speed for 7 iron

A 7 iron optimal smash factor is 1.33. That is the PGA Tour average.  Remember for the driver it is 1.50

The ball speed off the 7 iron is determined by the swing speed and smash factor.

As the clubs get shorter, the ideal smash factor actually changes.

What distance will you get from a 7 iron at every speed of swing?

What swing speed hits the 7 iron 150 yards?

A swing speed of around 76 mph with the 7 iron, ball speed of around 105 mph and dynamic loft of 21°  will produce a 150 yard carry shot.

Golf Club Distance Charts Other Important Factors

Every club has a different loft and more loft goes less distance, while less loft goes longer distance in combination with longer golf shafts. 

Driver usually goes furthest while the lob wedge around 60 degrees goes the shortest. 

The golf clubs of today go a lot further since the manufacturers started creating cavity back golf clubs in combination with lower lofts for the same clubs. 

Every club is between 2 and 5 degrees lower in loft in the current day, which automatically increases distance by up to 15 yards per iron compared to prior times. Driver lofts cannot get much lower as people will not be able to hit them. In order to hit a driver with a loft below 9 degrees, your swing speed needs to be incredibly fast. 

An important factor to note for slower swing speeds, is that a higher lofted fairway wood or higher lofted driver can actually GAIN you distance because low lofted clubs are harder to launch at slower swings. Most golfers should be playing fairway woods with a loft that does not go below 16 or 17 degrees . 

The club heads are bigger for all golf clubs in modern times with much larger sweet spots. With the addition of lighter shafts in both the irons and the woods, the ball speeds and swing speeds are higher as well. Check out our article on the flex of shafts in the current game. 

Golf Club Distance Charts of PGA Tour Golfers

Why are modern golfers longer than prior generations, physical fitness.

Most modern pros are in the gym multiple times per week and in the physio offices often. In prior generations during the Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus days, the pros were regular people who even used to enjoy a smoke and a drink on the course. 

Bryson Dechambeau is an example of someone who bulked up in order to hit it further and it made a big difference. The side effects of that can be disputed as he has slimmed down again.

Tiger Woods was one of the first modern day pros to begin working in the gym. His huge transformation to a big, strong guy inspired a whole new generation of golfers and now most up and coming pros are hitting the ball longer than even this generation of pros.

Club advancements

Lofts have changed and the lower lofts in irons will change how far the ball appears to go with the same 'number' iron.

A 7 iron from the 80s may have had 40° of loft while a current 7 iron can have as low as 28° of loft. That 12 degree difference makes a 20-30 yard difference in distance. 

The other important factor especially with the woods and drivers, is the materials of the clubs. The drivers now are lightweight titanium and carbon, with graphite shafts, optimized for huge distance.

That alone makes an astonishing difference when we compare to the old persimmon wooden clubs and heavy steel shafts.

The golf ball changed a lot with the release of the Pro V1. Golf balls just went further than ever before. 

They spin less, they go straighter and they have advanced to a point that the ruling authorities of golf want to make them go shorter to preserve the golf courses.

If the pros hit the ball too long, they need to extend the golf courses, and there is a lkmited amount fo land available. 

The balata golf ball is significantly shorter than the current urethane covered solid core golf balls they use today on the Tour. 

You can compare how you shape up against the average golfer, the senior golfer, the pro golfer and the advanced golfer. 

The key though is to understand your own game and your distances so you can more effectively plan your game and piece together a good golf score. When you fully understand and accept your distances that you hit the golf ball, you will score better.

For the pros and the advanced players, the distance they hit each club is not a matter of ego. It's a matter of 'which club gets the job done?' and they use that.

You can too, whichever distance you hit it.

PGA Tour player average distances: Driver, irons, wedges through the bag

The average PGA Tour player doesn't hit their driver as far as Rory McIlroy , Justin Thomas or Tony Finau . However, they still hit the ball farther than most of you, even the shortest knockers, including the guys who struggle to drive the ball 270 yards.

How far PGA Tour players hit the golf ball with each club in their bag isn't an exact science, however. Every player is different, with a different swing, a different angle of attack, different swing speeds and more. Every situation -- off the tee, from the fairway or rough -- is different. So, we wanted to give you an idea of how far is far and how short is short among PGA Tour players.

We'll take you through the bag to show you PGA Tour players' average distances with their driver, irons and wedges.

Remember, these are general numbers that don't account for special late-in-tournament situations where a player may be particularly jacked with adrenaline and hit it farther than normal.

There's also been times there's one week per year where PGA Tour players hit the ball outrageously far. At the WGC-Mexico Championship, played in Mexico City at an elevation of 7,500 feet above sea level, the golf ball flew much farther because of the elevation change . The ball went some 12.5-15 percent longer. When the PGA Tour has an event in Denver, the ball flies closer to 5 percent farther.

PGA Tour player average distances: Driver, irons, wedges

• Driver: 275-350 yards
• 3-wood: 230-310 yards
• 3-iron: 210-260 yards
• 4-iron: 200-250 yards
• 5-iron: 190-230 yards
• 6-iron: 180-220 yards
• 7-iron: 170-200 yards
• 8-iron: 155-185 yards
• 9-iron: 140-170 yards
• PW: 120-140 yards
• SW: 80-110 yards

About the author

Ryan Ballengee

Ryan Ballengee is founder and editor of Golf News Net. He has been writing and broadcasting about golf for nearly 20 years. Ballengee lives in the Washington, D.C. area with his family. He is currently a +2.6 USGA handicap, and he has covered dozens of major championships and professional golf tournaments. He likes writing about golf and making it more accessible by answering the complex questions fans have about the pro game or who want to understand how to play golf better.

Ryan talks about golf on various social platforms:

X or Twitter: https://twitter.com/ryanballengee Facebook: https://facebook.com/ryanballengeegolf Instagram: https://instagram.com/ryanballengee YouTube: https://youtube.com/@ryanballengeegolf

Ballengee can be reached by email at ryan[at]thegolfnewsnet.com

Ryan occasionally links to merchants of his choosing, and GNN may earn a commission from sales generated by those links. See more in GNN's affiliate disclosure.

Home » New Golf Equipment Reviews » Best Golf Clubs » 6 Iron Distance — How Far Should You Hit a 6 Iron?

6 Iron Distance — How Far Should You Hit a 6 Iron?

As the head golf instructor of Tell Me More Golf, I’ve received many questions regarding how far golfers should hit their mid-irons, and the 6 iron in particular . This, and much more, will be covered in this article . 

How Far Does The Average Person Hit a 6 Iron?

The average male golfer hits his 6 iron around 150 yards . For females, this number is slightly lower at an average of 120 yards. However, as with all golf clubs, the distance you will experience is very personal , as there are so many factors involved. 

6 Iron Distance Chart 

In this chart, you can see how far an average woman, male beginner, average man, advanced man, and professional golfer hits a 6 iron. These numbers are meant to give you an idea of the distance differences between skill and gender. But with that said, many high-level golfers hit a 6 iron significantly shorter , and vice versa.

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6 Iron Average Club Head Speed

Average male golfers swing a 6 iron at 75 mph .

Professional golfers on the PGA Tour are much faster at almost 100 mph.

As with all golf clubs, swing speed is very individual and differs significantly between golfers . 

Standard 6 Iron Length

The standard length of 6 iron is approximately 37.5 inches.

Tips on Hitting a 6 Iron for Distance

The most efficient way to improve your distances with any golf club is to increase your clubhead speed and strike the golf ball better. It’s also important to hit down on the ball to maximize distance, which many beginner and amateur golfers struggle with, especially when it comes to their longer irons. 

When Should I Use a 6 Iron?

There are many situations out on a golf course where a 6 iron comes in handy. A 6 iron will most often be used for approach shots into greens on par 4s and par 5s.

These are from the fairway, but a 6 iron can also be teed up for tee shots on par 3s. 

When teeing up a 6 iron, we recommend the tee height being just high enough so that your golf ball is at the sweet spot when the golf club is grounded. 

Another shot all golfers should have in the bag is a low punch shot , where you can go under a tree or under harsh winds. These shots are needed when you hit a poor tee shot, which all golfers will do from time to time. 

6 Iron Loft Degrees

The typical loft for a 6 iron is 30 degrees , but they can range from 27-30 degrees, depending on how strong your lofts are. This is quite a low loft , and it will produce a relatively low launch without a ton of spin. However, the launch you will see is once again very personal. 

TellMeMoreGolf.com – Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good 6 iron distance.

The average 6 iron distance for male golfers is 150 yards , so anything above that we would definitely consider good. However, this also depends on your handicap and what level of golf you’re playing. 

For example, professional golfers on tour playing the longest tees need much more distance than a beginner on an easy golf course. 

What is a 6 iron used for?

The 6 iron is one of the most frequently used mid-irons, and it can be used for many situations. Most commonly, it’s used for hitting into greens . This is true for both tee shots on par 3s and second or third shots on longer holes. 

A 6 iron is also excellent for hitting low-flighted punch shots under trees or the wind.

How far should you hit a six iron?

How far you should hit your clubs depends on many factors, but the average 6 iron distance for men is 150 yards , and it’s 120 yards for women. 

Why is 6 iron hard to hit?

Many golfers struggle with their 6 iron and other long or mid irons because of the low loft combined with a long shaft . When the loft on a club is lower, your swing faults become more noticeable and it’s harder to generate enough spin to keep the golf ball airborne. 

The longer shaft makes it more challenging to hit the center of the clubface, also known as the sweet spot , which is crucial on longer clubs. 

Is 6 iron good for beginners?

Many beginner golfers will struggle with hitting a 6 iron since the loft is quite low. However, if you can generate enough ball speed, the 6 iron is an excellent club you’ll want to use on the golf course. 

Conclusion:

The 6 iron is a golf club with plenty of versatility , but it’s not the easiest to hit since the loft is relatively low. The male average golfer hits a 6 iron around 150 yards , and women hit it around 120 yards. 

However, the yardages you will experience are very personal and depend on many factors , so don’t over-compare yourself. 

Patrick Corley

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How Far You Should Be Hitting a 6 Iron (Based on Skill)

Britt O has been playing golf since the age of 7. Almost 30 years later, she still loves the game, has played competitively on every level, and spent a good portion of her life as a Class A PGA Professional. Britt currently resides in Savannah, GA, with her husband and two young children. Current Handicap: 1

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The easiest way to break this down is to sort golfers by what their handicap is. Let’s look at how far you should be hitting a 6 iron based on your current handicap.

A beginner male golfer often hits a 6 iron around 140 yards . Once they get the hang of this club and how it works, the distance can increase to 150-155 yards. Beginner golfers will have trouble getting a high ball flight, so you have to watch out for the line drive shot.

Most beginners should look for a 6 iron with a wide sole that helps improve and increase total launch in the shots they are hitting. As a beginner, if your set only comes with a 7 iron and lower, don’t worry about it; for now, you can add a 6 iron in later.

If you notice your 6 iron and 7 iron are going the same distance, this is common. As your clubhead speed increases, you should see total distance.

High Handicap

High handicap golfers often struggle with hitting the center of the clubface consistently. With the clubface being difficult to make contact with, many high handicappers struggle to get maximum distance from their shots.

With high handicappers, the 6 iron will probably travel about 145-150 yards on average. The issue with distance in this club has more to do with accuracy than with swing speed.

Many higher handicappers have high swing speed, but when it is not applied correctly, the results are unfavorable. If you find that you have more success with hybrid type clubs, don’t be afraid to take the 6 iron out of the bag and switch to something a bit more forgiving.

Mid Handicap

Mid-handicapped golfers tend to have average swing speeds and often hit their 6 iron in the 150-160 yard range . With a modern game improvement 6 iron, you can expect about 155 yards of distance on average.

One thing that can have a significant impact on the mid handicapper’s total distance is the loft of their irons. If your iron loft is a bit on the low side, you may see a longer carry distance.

With changes in the center of gravity positioning over the last few years, mid handicappers have seen more distance in their mid to long irons and a higher ball flight.

Low Handicap

One of the reasons golfers make it to the low handicap range is because they are able to hit the ball far. When you have excellent distance, it makes it easier to cover a long hole in a shorter number of strokes.

Low handicap golfers tend to have fast swing speeds that allow for yardages in the 170-180 yard range for a 6 iron. Low handicappers with slower swing speeds may be in the 160-169 range.

Most low-handicap players use a 6 iron, some mid to high handicappers look for alternatives, but most lower handicappers will go to at least a 4 iron in their set.

Professional

The PGA Tour average for a 6 iron is 180 yards . Some golfers can get it to go 190 and others closer to 178, but this is the general range for a 6 iron. For LPGA Professionals, the averages are slightly lower in the 160 to 170 range. Again this is related to swing speed.

Professional golfers also play with golf clubs that are more traditionally lofted; this means that they are hitting these longer distances with a club with even higher lofts than the one you are using.

If they switched to something like a game improvement iron, the distances they could hit the ball would be even higher!

When to Use Your 6 Iron

The 6 iron is a versatile club; in fact, it is one of my favorites when it comes to controlling ball flight. I don’t like the 6 iron for my short game, although I have seen some golfers learn how to do a bump-and-run shot with the 6. Here are the best ways to use your 6 iron and have better results on the golf course.

Approach Shot To The Green

The 6 iron is best used for a full swing approach shot to the green. You will find out the total yardage that you can hit the 6 and swing away to the center of the green. With the 6 iron being responsive, you can also fade or draw the ball.

When a 6 iron approach shot is struck correctly, expect a high ball flight, plenty of spin, and a generally controlled path or line.

Knock Down Shot

The knockdown shot keeps the ball flight lower so players can get the ball to fly under the wind. With a knockdown shot, you can expect a bit more roll when the ball does hit the green, but you can also get the distance in some of the most challenging conditions.

The loft of the 6-iron is perfect for a knockdown shot. It gives you just the right mix of forgiveness and control that is necessary to hit a shot like this.

Play around with a knockdown shot on the driving range, and you will be surprised at how much you can do with it on the golf course.

Controlled Shot From Tee Box

When standing on the tee box, it’s essential to learn how to control a golf shot. A par 3 is difficult in that you only get one shot to make it perfect. Some golfers can perfect a ¾ type swing with their 6 iron which results in some impressive overall accuracy and control.

I would highly recommend learning how to take a little off of your 6 iron (i.e., not a full swing) and keeping it as accurate as possible; it’s a shot you will continually use on the course.

Other Clubs That Could Replace a 6 Iron

If the 6 iron is not a good fit for your game, you are not alone. There are plenty of golfers that struggle with a 6 iron and the ability it has to get you from point A to point B. Some golfers don’t like the lower loft and the overall look of the club head, while others just don’t feel comfortable.

Here are a few alternatives if you need those exact yardages but don’t want to keep the 6 iron in the golf bag.

The 6 hybrid is a perfect option for golfers who are slightly leery of a 6 iron. The 6 hybrid is much easier to launch, has a deeper and lower center of gravity, and can help golfers get a more consistent distance.

What I like about the 6 hybrid is that it is much easier to hit out of the rough than the 6 iron. If you find that you are continually hitting your approach shots into the green from the rough, invest in the 6 hybrid.

Hitting a 6 hybrid and a 6 iron is not all that much different, but the 6 hybrid makes it a bit simpler for the higher handicap player.

Golfers that don’t like the iron or hybrid look can also consider adding in an additional fairway wood. From a loft perspective, the 13 wood will match the 6 iron, but it certainly has some different playability.

With the 13 wood, you will take more of a sweeping type golf swing and get a slightly more penetrating ball flight, as opposed to the high loft you may get with the hybrid.

The 13 wood is a bit longer than a 6 iron, so some golfers also notice a bit more distance.

Utility Club

There are a few   that may get you close in loft and yardage to a 6 iron. However, most companies will stop their utility club production at the 5 iron loft. When utility irons are used, you will sometimes notice a more precise turf interaction.

They tend to have a slightly wider sole and promote a higher launch than the 6 iron itself.

Tips for Hitting Your 6 Iron Further

If you want to get your 6 iron to fly further, you must make a clean strike. I have found that these are some of the best ways to ensure you get the most distance and the best overall results from your 6 iron.

• Always ensure the ball is in the center of your stance; a half-inch forward of the center works as well, but don’t play this off your front or back foot.
• The 6 iron requires plenty of acceleration through impact, don’t slow the swing down to try and increase accuracy; go after the ball.
• Make sure that you finish high, amateur golfers forget to transfer their weight through the ball, and it can cost you a few yards.
• Practice stability and balance off the course so that you can go after the ball a bit more when you are on the course.
• Remember that total distance only matters if you hit the ball straight, make sure your hands and body are working together to get high ball flight, accurate shots, and increased total distance.

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Brittany Olizarowicz

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6 Iron Distance (Complete Overview)

The average male golfer will hit their 6 iron around 163 yards.  A senior golfer will hit their 6 iron around 150 yards  The low handicap golfer will hit their 6 iron around 173 yards with the tour pro average is 183 yards.  There is a 20 yard difference between the average male ametur and the tour pro.

(See chart below for average distance on each club in the bag for seniors, average amateurs, low handicap golfers and tour pros)

6 Iron Distance

Let’s face it.  All golfers want to hit every club further.

If we could just hit our driver 20 yards further and have 20 yards less into a green, the game would be much easier.  We are right there with you!!  

We are on a journey to increase our swing speed and our ball speed.

For example, if a golfer could hit a 6 iron 185 yards vs only 155 yards, the advantage is for the longer hitter because it means he or she will be hitting an 8 or 9 iron from 155 instead of a 6 iron.

The golfer will have a better ball dispersion, which means more greens hit in regulation, leading to more birdie putt attempts and 2 putt par situations.

At the end of the day, speed is vital to the overall success of a golfer.  If you not hitting the ball around 250 yards with the driver, you are going to struggle to get under a 5 handicap unless you have a rather impressive short game!

How to hit a 6 iron (5 Keys and Tips)

Distance Chart Below

One of our three fundamentals to the game of golf is having enough speed to play the course.  If you are playing a longer course and can’t hit a par 4 with two quality shots, a golfer has three options:

• Train for more speed
• Move forwards a tee
• Accept the fact that you might not be able to hit some par 4s in regulation

We prefer to go to option one.

Train for Speed: OverSpeed Training with SuperSpeed Golf

I spent many years wondering how I can increase my swing speed.  When I was playing junior golf, we weren’t fortunate enough to have some of the training aids and knowledge that is now available.  Smart people have studied the golf swing and have created training aids and protocols to help all golfers increase their distance!

At around the same time, the statistics from the PGA Tour have become more clear and the importance of speed is acknowledged by many to be a key to being the best on the PGA Tour.

Within the past several years, there have been several products hit the market to make speed gains possible.  While many people for many years waited for the latest driver to come out to gain an additional 5-10 yards, you can now do this even with your current clubs.

Did you know that with the SuperSpeed Training System you can gain 5-8% increase in swing speed as early as the first training session?  This would allow you to gain somewhere between 10 and 30 yards depending on your current swing speed.

SuperSpeed Golf – Use Discount Code Golfjourney365 for some savings!

The SuperSpeed Training System is based on three different swing speed sticks all weighing at different weights.  There is a green club that is 10% lighter than the average driver, the blue club which is 5% lighter and the red club which is actually 5% heavier!

Following their prescribed protocols the golfer completes the training every other day.  The total time to complete most of their protocols is between 10-15 minutes.  Most people can find the time to make this happen.  The golfer will also need a swing radar to measure their progress. 

The science behind the SuperSpeed Training System is based on overspeed training.  Overspeed training has been around for several decades now and has been used by olympic athletics in the sport of Track and Field.  

The science behind this overspeed training is based on the premise that your brain will only allow your body to move as fast as it feels it can stop safely!  So, you get to work and swing the clubs as fast as possible, retraining your brain to allow you to swing your driver faster.

For more permanent results, the golfer should continue these training protocols for several months.  The initial 5-8% is great and can become more permanent with the right length of training.  The golfer can expect to continue to break down barriers every several months at a 1-2% increase.

My own experience has been an increase of 7-10 miles per hour on average from between 98-101 all the way up to 106-109.  My goal is to hit the PGA Tour average of 113 mph in the coming months.  I will continue to train every other day and watch in amazement as I am hitting drivers longer now than ever before!

Phil Mickelson (a senior golfer now) has been known to increase his swing speed in the past year or so and is close to 120 miles per hour in his swing speed.  There are potential results for golfers of all ability levels and age!  

Check the current price on SuperSpeed Golf System, here!

Other Frequently Asked Questions Regarding 6 Irons

What is the loft of a 6 iron.

The average 6 iron will have around 29 degrees of loft.

This has changed over the years.  For example my Titliest DCI 981s had a 6 iron with 31 degrees of loft, while my Titeliest API 714s has a 6 iron with 29 degrees of loft.  Over the year, many manufacturers have reduced the amount of loft on every club to make the golfer believe they are hitting their clubs further.

5 Tips for hitting irons out of the rough!

What is a 6 iron used for?

The 6 iron will most frequently be used for shots between 140 and 200 yards for the majority of golfers.  It can be used off the tee on a par 3, from the fairway or rough and even a fairway bunker.  

The higher the swing speed, the further the ball will carry on average with a 6 iron.

Other uses include chipping on bump and run shots and punch out shots from the trees or difficult areas with thick rough or desert areas.

5 Keys to hitting your irons consistently!

Two Great Drills for the 6 Iron

Low point control drill.

• Take some yard paint and paint a 1-2 yard long line if you are in the grass area.
• Setup with 55% of your weight on your front side.
• Try to hit the target side of the line and see how many times out of 10 you can do this successfully!
• Repeat this drill every day for a month, tracking your progress and your ability to do this successfully in trials of ten.
• You may need to start with half swing and progress to full swings.

If you are struggling, put more weight forward and work on keeping your head still to help control the low point in the swing.

Stock Shot Drill

• Set up an alignment stick 6-8 yards down your target line in front of the ball.
• If you have one, set up a second alignment stick 2-4 feet right of that target line
• Go ahead and see how many swings out of 10 you can get the ball to start to the right of the first of the alignment stick.  The goal here is to progress to 7 out of 10.
• Practice this drill everytime you hit golf balls.

The key to golf is being able to control your contact and your start line with your 6 iron.  The golfer that can control the contact and start the ball on the proper start line while controlling the curve of the ball will be a great positions to shoot quality scores!

How to hit your irons higher (5 Tips)

My Secret To Golf Improvement

Let’s face it, in order to get really good at golf, we must practice frequently.  About three years ago, I made the leap and invested in a golf simulator build for my garage.  I went with a SkyTrak Launch Monitor and the TGC software and can now play over 100,000 courses including Augusta, Pebble Beach, Bethpage Black, Whistling Straits. St. Andrews and many other of the top 100 courses in the world.

This golf simulator setup, which is more affordable that you might imagine, has been a game changer.  I can now play golf everyday of the year regardless of rain, snow, cold weather or time of day.  I can practice or play rounds of golf.  I can stand in the 11th fairway at Augusta and with the auto-rewind feature I am able to practice my approach shots from various differences.

It is worth checking out through Rain or Shine Golf as they offer some incredible packages along with financing offers that are difficult to beat.

Some direct links to Rain or Shine Golf for pricing and financing:

• Rain or Shine Golf
• Rain or Shine Golf Financing Offers
• Rain or Shine Golf Packages

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:

• George Gankas
• Bobby Lopez
• Shawn Clement
• Mike Malaska
• Jim Venetos
• Monte Scheinblum

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:

• SuperSpeed Golf – Read our Full Review
• Gain 30-40 yards in 30 Days – Swing Man Golf

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.

• How to Break 100
• How to Break 90
• How to Break 80
• How to Break 70

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.

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Swing Speed and Distance Chart for Every Club

Find out exactly where your swings speeds with each club stack up

• DESCRIPTION Golf driving range with distances measured
• SOURCE Bildagentur Zoonar GmbH
• PERMISSION Shutterstock license

The more data we collect about our golf games, and the games of the best players out there, the more we realize how important distance is. No matter what the club manufacturers tell you, the best way to increase your distance is to increase your club head speed. Here’s a club head speed chart that shows you swing speeds for every club from every type of player, from PGA and LPGA tour players, to high-handicap amateur men and women.

Whether you are embarking on a swing speed mission, or you’re simply seeking some context to see how your swing speed with a certain club stacks up, this chart shows average club head speeds for each type of player.

Tour Player Swing Speed and Distance Chart

Here are the average swing speeds of PGA Tour and LPGA Tour players with each full-swing club, along with their average carry distances, in yards, for each club. This data comes directly from Trackman , which captures dozens of metrics from countless professional and amateur golfers every day.

What Is the Average Distance With Each Golf Club?

Amateur Golf Swing Speed Chart by Gender and Handicap

Trackman measures and publishes actual swing speed data for tour players with every full swing club. Additionally, Trackman has published driver swing speed data for amateur men and women by their handicap range. Given that the handicap index of the average male golfer is around 14.5, Trackman used that as one of its handicap benchmarks, in addition to a category that Trackman calls the “Bogey Golfer.”

Using Trackman’s measured swing speeds for amateur and professional golfers, we can estimate the average swing speed with each club for amateur golfers, both men and women, by handicap.

Combining Trackman’s measured data and these estimations, here is the club head speed chart for amateur golfers.

8 Clubhead Speed Drills to Help You Hit More Bombs

Male Amateur: Average Club Head Speed Chart

Over the years, we’ve collected a ton of data from professional and amateur golfers alike. With access to this data, we can match actual average distances with each club for each type of player with their swing speeds.

Here is the average club head speed chart, with actual and estimated swing speeds, paired with actual average distances from male amateur golfers, according to data provided by Shot Scope, an industry leader in on-course distance measuring devices and stat-tracking. Distances are in yards and are adjusted to remove outlier shots.

Bogey Golfer Official Handicap and Stats

Female Amateur: Average Club Head Speed Chart

While we don’t have big data on the average distance female amateur players hit each club, we can still give you solid estimates on how fast they swing each club. Here’s the swing speed chart for female amateur golfers, broken down by handicap.

Golf Club Distance Chart

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This golf club distance chart will help provide you with a guide to how far you should hit your golf clubs. You’ll also be able to tell what level you’re at compared to the pros and how increasing your swing speed will impact your yardage.

Table of Contents

Golf Club Distance Chart by Swing Speed

This table from Trackman shows the average distance for golf clubs based on the swing speed of a driver. Of course, your distances will vary based on how well you’re striking the ball, but this cheat sheet should give you a good idea of how far you can expect your clubs to go when hit well.

Note that these are carry numbers. So you might expect from 0-10 yards of extra distance depending on the club, how it’s struck, and where it lands.

Printable Golf Club Distance Chart

If you’d like to print this chart out, click on the image below or download this golf club distance chart pdf .

Average Swing Speed by Player Type

Here are the average swing speeds by type of player. These numbers vary widely, especially among amateurs, but they can give you an idea of where you stand among your peers.

Average Swing Speed by Handicap

The distance you can hit your clubs directly correlates with your potential handicap. Of course, your actual handicap number will vary based on all the factors of your game, but these are the expected averages for males and females.

Average Driver Distance by Age

The table below shows the average driving distance by age. Your actual numbers will vary based on your fitness and skill. As people age, they tend to lose fast twitch muscle fiber and flexibility unless they’re actively working to maintain them.

How to Find Your Driver Swing Speed

There are several ways to find your swing speed to place yourself on this chart.

The simplest way is to get the yardage for one of your clubs, such as the driver, and match that yardage to the chart. You should find one of the columns closely matches your yardages. Ensure you’re tracking average yardage and not your best drive to get accurate numbers.

Here are several other ways:

• Use a golf simulator to get an accurate swing speed number. A device like a Trackman or a Skytrak should be able to provide you with this data. If you don’t have a simulator, you may be able to find somewhere nearby where you can rent time in a simulator bay.
• Use a launch monitor like the PRGR (around $200), which accurately measures speed.

How to Make Your Own Club Distance Card

To make your own club distance card, you’ll need to start by measuring each club’s carry and/or total distance. There are several ways to get this data:

• A golf simulator (you can rent simulator time if you don’t have access)
• A launch monitor (such as the PRGR mentioned above)
• A golf tracker (such as the Arccos Caddie )
• A range finder and some time at the driving range (this approach is less precise and takes extra effort)

Choose which data is most helpful. For example, carry distances are useful for hitting a green or ensuring you can get over trouble, and the total distance helps you know your range. You can also track distances for partial swings (like a 1/4, 1/2, or 3/4 wedge).

After you’ve gathered all the numbers, there are several ways you can use them to make your club choices easier on the course:

• Paper – the most basic way is to write them down on some note paper; you can use the templates below for an idea of what to write down.
• Phone – you can save these numbers as a note or document for reference if your phone is easily accessible during your golf round. Apps like the Arccos Caddie (mentioned above) will also track this for you.
• Print Out – we’ve included some sample templates below to give you ideas on how to design a card.

Once you have your distance card, you can laminate and carry it, put it in a scorecard holder, attach it to your bag with a bag tag holder , or tape it to your push cart.

You should expect to hit a 7-iron between 130 and 160 yards. Each iron should vary by about 8 to 10 yards (e.g., if your 7 goes 150, your 8 should go around 140). This will change depending on your swing speed, which is related to your technique, flexibility, fitness, and height.

An average male swings the driver at 94 mph, traveling around 240 yards. However, most amateurs don’t hit the ball perfectly, so this will often fall short of this potential yardage when mishit. A PGA Tour player hits the driver an average of 295 yards (some are much longer, like DeChambeau at 320 yds). An LPGA player drives the ball around 240 yards in total.

In 2021 Kyle Berkshire hit a ball speed of 233.4 mph with a swing speed of 153.3 mph. His swing speeds have been slightly higher, but ball speed ultimately factors most into the distance.

• https://blog.trackmangolf.com/club-speed/
• https://blog.trackmangolf.com/trackman-average-tour-stats/

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Kyle J. Larson

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JOHN T. HARTMANN

Last check, my golf swing speed has been around 98 to 100mph. So as a reference I hit my 7-Iron about 165yds on average, pitching wedge would be 130 to 140yds and driver 230 to 260yds depending upon contact and degree of flight. I can handle tee spots up to 6700 to 6800yds. However, my wife thinks I should “play-up” because my scores are “mid 90’s on challenging course, but my issues have always been the short game, not distance. What do you suggest?

Regarding John Hartmann’s comment….play the tees where you have the most fun. If all your buddies are playing from the same tees as you maybe you want to just keep playing those same tees with your friends. Most of us are just playing for fun. Play where you have the most fun but if I were you I’d at least give it a try moving up. 6800 yards is a lot of golf course for weekend golfers. Who knows, you might have more fun making lower scores from closer tees.

Yeah, play whichever tees you like, but like SS said 6800 is probably a lot if you’re not hitting a driver at least 260+… if you take a look at the par 3 distances, and shots you may have to hit into greens on a 2nd or third shot (after subtracting your avg driver distance) it’ll help you figure out what to play. I’m going to have a lot more fun hitting irons into a green and having some birdie chances then if I’m always trying to crank a fairway wood in and missing or having long putts.

I’m 80 years old and hit my driver pretty consistently 200-210. Since moving to the up tees I have had so much more fun. Now it’s driver and a medium iron rather than driver, fairway wood, pitching wedge. Having a chance to make some birdies makes all the difference in enjoyment for me.

Rardie Leahy

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Average Golf Club Distances: Amateurs vs PGA Players

The number one key to breaking 100 and golfing better is knowing the average golf club distances you can hit each of your clubs. In this guide, I’ll give a breakdown of average club distances for men and women, amateurs and PGA tour players.

I’ll also touch on other topics like:

• How does swing speed effect golf club distances ?
• How much does the golf ball impact distance?
• How can you increase your distances for each golf club today?

 Let’s start by going over the average golf club distances for each club first.

Pitching Wedge

Gap/approach wedge, average male golf club distances, average female golfer club distances, pga & lpga tour club distances, go to the driving range, use a golf gps app, use a launch monitor at home, practice makes perfect, swing speed, club head speed, smash factor, club sweet spot, wind and weather conditions, consistency, improve your swing technique, strengthen your golf muscles, upgrade your equipment, practice, practice, practice, video guides, conclusion/summary, average golf club distances by club type.

The average driving distance for an amateur is 220 yards off the tee . If you can hit further than that regularly and keep your ball in the fairway more often then not, congratulations!

A detailed breakdown on driver distance by golfer type and gender is as follows:

• Average Male: 235 yards
• Average Female: 180 yards
• PGA Golfer: 298 yards
• LPGA Golfer: 247 yards
• Average Range for Men: 200-270 yards
• Average Range for Women: 150-210 yards

The wide average range for both men and women is due to a number of factors, such as:

• Driver Swing Speed
• Driver Technology
• Golf Ball Speed
• Smash Factor / Quality of Strike
• Experience Level

I’ll break all of that down below. But first, I’ll show you the average distances for all of the other golf clubs in your bag.

The 3 wood is the second-longest club in your bag. It can be used off of the tee, fairway, or a propped up lie in the rough. Because of that, the overall average distance you can hit your 3-wood may range.

Golf’s averages are:

• Average Male: 215 yards
• Average Female: 155 yards
• Average PGA Golfer: 278 yards
• Average LPGA Golfer: 230 yards
• Average Range for Men: 180-240 yards
• Average Range for Women: 125-185 yards

The 5 wood has more loft compared to the 3 wood, which makes it easier to hit up into the air but lowers the distance you can get. Average distances for a 5 wood are:

• Average Male: 200 yards
• Average Female: 140 yards
• Average PGA Golfer: 255 yards
• Average LPGA Golfer: 205 yards
• Average Range for Men: 160-225 yards
• Average Range for Women: 110-175 yards

A lot of golf club sets include a 3 hybrid club instead of a 3 iron because it is much easier to hit. The club head on a hybrid is similar to a wood, promoting longer distance and less spin.

Average distances for a 3 hybrid are:

• Average Maler: 190 yards
• Average Female: 130 yards
• Average PGA Golfer: 235 yards
• Average LPGA Golfer: 195 yards
• Average Range for Men: 160-220 yards
• Average Range for Women: 100-170 yards

A 3 iron is used in similar situations as a hybrid, but you will not be able to hit it as far. Instead, you will see a slightly lower ball speed and more spin. A golf ball hit by a 3 iron will not roll as far after it lands.

Average distances for a 3 iron are:

• Average Male: 185 yards
• Average Female: 125 yards
• Average PGA Golfer: 230 yards
• Average LPGA Golfer: 190 yards
• Average Range for Men: 150-210 yards
• Average Range for Women: 100-160 yards

A 4 iron, like a 3 iron, can be tricky to hit because of its low loft and longer shaft length. However, it’s a key medium-to-long distance iron to hit your approach shots with. It’s a common club to use if you need to punch out of the trees or keep your ball flight low and it has a loft of 24 degrees.

The average golf distances for a 4 iron are:

• Average Male: 175 yards
• Average PGA Golfer: 225 yards
• Average LPGA Golfer: 185 yards
• Average Range for Men: 150-200 yards
• Average Range for Women: 90-160 yards

A 5 iron is a very good club that can be hit by pros and beginners alike. It’s often the lowest lofted iron in a beginner set of club.

The average distances for a 5 irons are:

• Average Male: 165 yards
• Average Female: 115 yards
• Average PGA Golfer: 215 yards
• Average LPGA Golfer: 175 yards
• Average Range for Men: 140-180 yards
• Average Range for Women: 80-140 yards

A 6 iron is when ball spin and stopping power become more important than distance. It has a loft of 31 degrees.

The average distances for a 6 iron are:

• Average Male: 155 yards
• Average Female: 105 yards
• Average PGA Golfer: 205 yards
• Average LPGA Golfer: 165 yards
• Average Range for Men: 130-170 yards
• Average Range for Women: 70-130 yards

For most people, a 7 iron is the club where you add enough spin to the golf ball to erase your natural slice or fade. It has a loft of 34 degrees and it’s average distances are:

• Average Male: 145 yards
• Average Female: 95 yards
• Average PGA Golfer: 195 yards
• Average LPGA Golfer: 155 yards
• Average Range for Men: 120-160 yards
• Average Range for Women: 60-120 yards

An 8 iron has about 37 degrees of loft. It is mostly used as a medium-to-short approach club that allows you to get the ball close to the green.

Average distances for an 8 iron are:

• Average Male: 135 yards
• Average Female: 85 yards
• Average PGA Golfer: 185 yards
• Average LPGA Golfer: 145 yards
• Average Range for Men: 110-150 yards
• Average Range for Women: 55-110 yards

A 9 iron is a versatile club that you can use from further away to stick the ball close to the green. It is also a popular chipping club for “bump-and-run” style shots around the green. The 9 iron has a standard loft of 42 degrees.

The average distance for a 9 iron is:

• Average Male: 120 yards
• Average Female: 70 yards
• Average PGA Golfer: 170 yards
• Average LPGA Golfer: 130 yards
• Average Range for Men: 100-140 yards
• Average Range for Women: 50-100 yards

A pitching wedge is used mainly to hit pitches and chip shots around the green. For amateur golfers, the pitching wedge is the highest lofted club that can be hit reliably from all distances. The rest of the wedges in this guide as used as more niche shots at certain distances only.

The average distances for a full swing pitching wedge are:

• Average Male: 110 yards
• Average Female: 65 yards
• Average PGA Golfer: 155 yards
• Average LPGA Golfer: 115 yards
• Average Range for Men: 80-130 yards
• Average Range for Women: 50-85 yards

A gap or approach wedge has more loft than a pitching wedge and is used for high shots with low bounce. The name comes because it is a “gap” club between the pitching wedge and the sand wedge.

The average distances for a full swing gap wedge are:

• Average Male: 90 yards
• Average Female: 55 yards
• Average PGA Golfer: 135 yards
• Average LPGA Golfer: 105 yards
• Average Range for Men: 70-115 yards
• Average Range for Women: 40-80 yards

A sand wedge is used to help you get out of any bunkers you find yourself in. It has about 56 degrees of loft, which is quite a bit. A lot of beginner golfers cannot hit a good sand wedge because the amount of error is so low.

The average distances of a full swing sand wedge is:

• Average Male: 80 yards
• Average Female: 50 yards
• Average PGA Golfer: 125 yards
• Average LPGA Golfer: 100 yards
• Average Range for Men: 60-110 yards
• Average Range for Women: 40-75 yards

A lob wedge is the highest lofted club in a golf bag at 60 degrees. This lob wedge is used to get a huge amount of height but low distance. When hit properly, a lob wedge will produce lots of backspin.

• Average Male: 70 yards
• Average Female: 40 yards
• Average PGA Golfer: 105 yards
• Average LPGA Golfer: 80 yards
• Average Range for Men: 50-90 yards
• Average Range for Women: 35-60 yards

Average Golf Distance Charts

If you want a quick reference guide, the chart below shows how far the average golfer hits the ball for each club.

Using this chart, you can see how your distance for each club matches up against the average golfer.

How Do You Know Your Average Golf Club Distances?

Knowing how far you can hit each golf club is key to both breaking 100 and becoming a scratch golfer. Without knowing how far you hit each club, you are more likely to sail a ball over the green or leave it short for your next shot. 

Here are some tips for figuring out your average golf club distances:

Driving ranges are the perfect spot to work on your swing and make everything more consistent. Ranges will have markers for major distance, allowing you to hit dozens of balls and really determine accurate distances for each club.

You don’t hit some irons in your bag that regularly, so the range is the perfect spot to figure out iron distances. 

 A golf GPS allows you to see the distance to every green and hazard on the golf course while you are playing your round. The good ones also have AutoShot detection, which track your distances on every shot. You can review your stats after the round is done and review average club distances too.

Click here to read about the Garmin Approach watches , which have AutoShot built into them. You can also read about the best golf GPS watches here.

A golf launch monitor tracks metrics about your swing, including:

• Overall distance
• Attack angle

It is the number one way to understand how you hit each golf club while at home. Pick up a launch monitor, such as the affordable FlightScope Mevo , and a golf hitting net , and you will be able to create your own golf club distance charts.

The ultimate way to know your average club distances is to practice. New golfers don’t hit consistent enough to truly understand how far they can hit each club. Working on your skill level first will allow you to get more accurate results.

PGA tour players know their distances because they practice day in and day out.

Click here to check out golf practice tools.

Factors That Impact Golf Club Distance

There are a lot of different components to your swing that affect the average distance you can hit each of your clubs. 

Your average swing speed will have a huge impact on how far the ball travels off of your club head. A slower swing speed won’t be able to hit as far as a faster one. The average PGA player can swing about 115 miles per hours, while the average for a casual golfer is only 90 miles per hour. This is a big reason for the difference in average distance at different skill levels.

How fast your club head is travelling at impact with the golf ball determines how far the ball travels. This is correlated to swing speed, but can also be affected by other factors such as:

• Club technology
• Angle of impact
• Wind conditions

Just like swing speed, average golfers have a tough time generating distance with a slow club head speed.

Smash Factor is the ratio between the speed of the ball when it is hit verses your swing speed. If you make direct contact with the golf ball (club head is exactly perpendicular to the ball), you will have a high smash factor and this has a huge impact on distance. If you your club is not direct to the ball, you will introduce side spin to it and you will hook or slice the ball.

It doesn’t matter how fast or hard you are swinging your club if you are not making contact with the club’s sweet spot. A normal iron will have a sweet spot on the bottom-center of the club, which is the ideal spot to make contact. Golf drivers have a bit higher sweet spot because you hit the ball off of a tee.

Making contact with the sweet spot will generate faster ball speed and that satisfying “pop” sound when you make contact.

Distance can be greatly impacted by the conditions on the course. Hitting into the wind will shorten the distance you can get. A side wind will add spin to your golf ball and steer it off path. You will increase your distance if you have a strong wind behind you. A humid day will shorten your shots because of the added air density.

Because of this, the average golf club distances you get are only a guideline. You need to take into account the conditions of the day in order to know the true distance for each shot.

Above everything else, consistency is key. You won’t be able to reliably know your exact distance unless you know that your swing is identical every time.

How Can You Increase Your Golf Club Distance?

If you want to hit the golf ball further, there are a number of things you can do.

Improving your swing technique is perhaps the most effective way to increase your golf club distance. Try these things to practice a more powerful and efficient swing:

• Maintain proper posture : Stand tall with your knees slightly bent and your weight evenly distributed between your feet.
• Grip the club correctly : Hold the club with a firm but relaxed grip, allowing your wrists to hinge during the swing.
• Rotate your body : Focus on rotating your hips, torso, and shoulders in sync, which will generate power and speed in your swing.
• Stay balanced: Keep your weight centered and avoid swaying during the swing.

Click here to read more tips on how to play golf better.

Increasing your strength, particularly in the muscles used during a golf swing, can have a significant impact on your club distance. Incorporate these exercises into your fitness routine:

• Core exercises : Planks, Russian twists, and medicine ball rotations.
• Lower body exercises : Squats, lunges, and deadlifts.
• Upper body exercises : Push-ups, pull-ups, and seated rows.

The right equipment can make a noticeable difference in your golf club distance. Consider upgrading to:

• Custom-fit clubs : Clubs tailored to your body measurements and swing can help you make better contact with the ball.
• Low-compression golf balls : These balls can provide more distance, especially for golfers with slower swing speeds.
• High-quality golf shoes : Shoes with proper support and traction can help you maintain balance and generate more power in your swing.

As with any skill, practice is essential to increasing your golf club distance. Spend time at the driving range working on your swing technique, and consider taking lessons from a golf professional to fine-tune your skills.

With dedication and persistence, you’ll start to see improvements in your distance and overall game.

Want to learn more? Here are some helpful videos on golf club distances that you can watch:

Above, I went over the average golf club distances for each gender and golfer type. This is a guideline to help you determine and compare your own results to. In order to pinpoint how far you can hit each wood, iron, and wedge, you need to practice a lot and work on your swing.

Going to the driving range or buying your own launch monitor is the best way to start to understand your own hitting. If you have any other method that has worked well for you in the past, comment down below and let us know today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Golf Ball Distances (FAQs)

What are the average golf club distances for male amateur golfers.

For male amateur golfers, the average golf club distances tend to vary based on the club used. For example, a driver can reach between 200-230 yards, a 3-wood about 180-210 yards, a 5-iron usually covers 140-160 yards, and a 9-iron approximately 100-120 yards. Remember, these distances can significantly fluctuate depending on factors such as technique, physical strength, and weather conditions.

What is the average golf club distance for a PGA professional male golfer?

PGA professional male golfers tend to achieve significantly longer distances due to their advanced skill level and physical conditioning. Typically, a driver for a PGA pro can reach distances of 280-320 yards, a 3-wood about 240-270 yards, a 5-iron roughly 200-220 yards, and a 9-iron around 150-170 yards. Keep in mind, though, that these distances can vary based on the individual player’s style and environmental factors.

Does golf club type impact the average hitting distance?

Yes, the type of golf club has a substantial impact on the average hitting distance. Each club is designed with a specific purpose and trajectory in mind. Longer clubs like drivers and woods are designed to hit the ball further, while shorter clubs like irons and wedges provide more control and are used for shorter distances. The loft, or angle of the clubface, also plays a crucial role in determining the distance a ball can travel.

How can I increase my average golf club distances?

Improving your average golf club distances requires a blend of factors including improved swing mechanics, increased physical fitness, and often, upgraded equipment. Golf technology is continually evolving, so using up-to-date clubs can also give you an edge.

Does weather affect golf club distances?

Yes, weather plays a significant role in golf club distances. In warmer conditions, the ball can travel further as the air is less dense. Wind direction can also drastically affect your shot distance and trajectory. Understanding these variables and adjusting your game accordingly is a crucial aspect of golf strategy.

Ryan William

With over 25 years hands-on experience in the golfing world, Ryan is not just an avid golfer but a topical authority. His journey has had him delve deep into the nuances of the sport, from mastering the swing to understanding new golf technology. As an entrepreneur, Ryan is at the forefront of the latest golf trends, reviewing all new clubs, accessories, and training aids. His insights and expertise are backed by a prolific writing career, with over 1000 articles published across various platforms. Ryan's commitment is clear: to guide and inform the golf community with unparalleled knowledge and passion.

Last update on 2024-09-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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Golf Club Distance Charts – Find Your Average Yardages (2024)

Golf club distance charts are essential tools for golfers of all skill levels, offering a clear guide to typical distances for each club.

They’re particularly helpful for beginner golfers, aiding in club selection and course strategy without the need for expensive equipment like GPS rangefinders or launch monitors .

While individual distances can vary based on factors like swing speed and physical ability, these charts provide a foundational understanding of yardages and can boost your confidence on the course.

In this guide, we’ll dive into the significance of understanding your yardages, reveal key factors for increasing distance, and offer guidance on creating personalized yardage charts.

Disclaimer: The following charts provide generalized yardages for each club segmented by skill level. It is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for personalized data. Individual swing speed, launch angle, and smash factor will significantly influence actual distances.

Golf Club Distance Charts:

Curious how far you should hit each club? We’ve got you covered.

Check out these general yardage charts for golfers of all levels, from beginners to PGA Tour pros.

See where you stack up and discover how far you can expect to hit each club based on your skill level.

Beginner Golfer Distance Chart

Average Golfer Distance Chart

Lady Golfer Distance Chart

Senior Golfer Distance Chart

Create Your Personalized Yardage Chart in 2024

While beginner golfers can use general distance charts as a starting point, don’t rely on them completely. Your own swing, how high you hit the ball, and even the specific clubs you use can make a big difference in how far you hit each shot.

That’s why it’s important to create your own personalized yardage chart .

It’ll give you a much more accurate picture of your distances, helping you make better club choices and play smarter on the course.

This chart will reflect your unique capabilities , empowering you to make informed decisions on the course .

Here are the top software tools available to help you find the distances of your golf clubs.

1) Launch Monitors

Launch monitors offer the easiest way to create your own distance charts. They track various metrics like clubhead speed, ball speed, launch angle, and spin rate. This data is captured and the yardage chart is automatically created for you. Just set it up on your next range session and hit your clubs! The software will do the rest.

Best Golf Club Distance Calculators 2024

2) GPS Devices and Apps

Many GPS devices and apps now track your shots on the course, providing estimated distances for each hit. While not as precise as launch monitors, they offer an accessible and cost-effective way to gather generalized data during play.

18 Best Golf Apps of 2024 (Free & Premium)

3) Rangefinders

Rangefinders provide accurate yardage measurements to targets via laser on the range and course. This is a more traditional way to understand your yardage for each club. They’re also a must on any golf course. I recommend using a launch monitor for practice and a rangefinder for play.

Top 10 Best Golf Rangefinders for Improved Accuracy and Performance

The Evolution of Distance Charts

In the past, golfers depended on basic distance charts found in magazines or scorecards, which offered general information often based on average swing speeds and lacked personalization.

Thankfully, technology has revolutionized how golfers track their distances.

With golf gadgets like launch monitors and GPS devices, golfers can now access personalized data based on their own swing speed, launch angle, and ball strike.

This translates to far more accurate distance charts tailored specifically to each player’s abilities.

The Importance of Knowing Your Distances

Knowing your yardages in golf is crucial for several reasons:

• Club Selection: Golf involves selecting the right club for each shot based on the distance to the target. If you don’t know your yardages for each club, you’ll struggle to choose the appropriate one, leading to shots that are too short or too long.
• Course Management: Understanding your yardages allows you to plan your shots and navigate the course strategically. You can identify layup areas, avoid hazards, and position yourself for better scoring opportunities.
• Consistency and Confidence: Knowing your distances helps you develop a consistent approach to the game. You’ll have a clearer understanding of your capabilities, leading to more confident shot selection and execution.
• Lower Scores: By making informed club choices and playing strategically, you’ll improve your chances of hitting greens, getting up and down, and ultimately lowering your scores.

Key Factors Influencing Golf Club Distances

Several factors play a role in finding out how far you hit each club, some of the top reasons include:

#1 – Swing Speed

Swing speed is the biggest factor in how far you hit the ball. A faster swing means a faster clubhead, which means a faster ball and more distance.

Every 10 mph increase in swing speed can add a lot of yards to your shots.

#2 – Ball Speed

Swing speed is important, but the speed of the ball when it leaves the clubface is what really determines how far it goes.

Hitting the ball squarely in the center of the clubface gives it the most speed and sends it flying farther than off-center hits.

#3 – Smash Factor

Smash factor measures how well you transfer energy from your club to the ball when you hit it.

It’s calculated by dividing the ball’s speed by the clubhead’s speed. A higher smash factor, closer to 1.5, means a more efficient transfer and longer shots.

• Scenario 1: A golfer swings their driver with a clubhead speed of 100 mph and achieves a ball speed of 140 mph. Their smash factor would be 1.4 (140 mph / 100 mph = 1.4). This indicates a good energy transfer and likely a solid drive.
• Scenario 2: Another golfer also swings their driver at 100 mph, but their ball speed is only 130 mph. Their smash factor would be 1.3 (130 mph / 100 mph = 1.3). This suggests a less efficient energy transfer, perhaps due to an off-center hit or other factors, resulting in a shorter drive compared to the first golfer.

In essence, smash factor helps quantify the “quality” of your strike. Even with the same swing speed, two golfers can achieve different distances due to variations in smash factor.

A higher smash factor generally leads to longer shots, highlighting the importance of solid contact and efficient energy transfer.

#4 – Age and Skill Level

Age and skill play a role in how far you hit the ball.

As we get older or less fit, we might swing slower and hit it shorter.

On the other hand, experienced golfers usually swing faster and hit it farther than beginners.

#5 – Weather Conditions

Weather can affect your distances, although not as much as other factors.

Headwinds will make your shots shorter, while tailwinds can give you a boost.

Cold weather might make the ball fly a bit less far, and playing at higher altitudes can actually help you hit it longer because the air is thinner.

Distance charts are a valuable tool for all golfers.

They help you understand how far you hit each club and improve your game in several ways:

• Make smarter choices on the course by knowing your distances and avoiding hazards.
• Confidently choose the right club for every shot.
• Identify areas where you need to improve your distances or adjust your clubs.
• Practice more effectively by setting specific distance goals.

By creating and using your own distance chart , you’ll gain a deeper understanding of your game and make better decisions on the course, leading to lower scores and more enjoyment.

🤔 Glossary Of Yardage Terms

• Swing Speed:  The speed of the clubhead at impact.
• Ball Speed:  The speed of the ball after impact.
• Smash Factor:  The efficiency of energy transfer from club to ball.
• Launch Angle:  The angle at which the ball leaves the ground.
• Carry Distance:  The distance the ball travels in the air before landing.
• Roll Distance:  The distance the ball rolls after landing.
• Layup:  A strategic shot aimed at a safe location on the course, often short of the green.

Downloadable Distance Charts:

GOLF CLUB DISTANCES: PGA Tour and LPGA Tour pros vs Men and Women

How much further do PGA Tour and LPGA Tour pros hit the ball compared to us amateur golfers? The average distances might surprise you. 

Ever wondered how much further a PGA Tour and LPGA Tour pro hits the ball compared to male and female amateur golfer? Well you will want to check out the latest shot data below, which higlights the average distance for each club in the bag. 

The following average distances for men and women and PGA Tour and LPGA Tour pros have been calcuated by The Golf Mentor , and they measured in yards.

AVERAGE DISTANCES FOR MEN

The three different yardages provided for each club below are based on the averages for short hitters, mid hitters and longer hitters.

DRIVER:  200, 230, 260  3-WOOD: 180, 215, 235 5-WOOD: 170, 195, 210 3-IRON: 160, 180, 200 4-IRON: 150, 170, 180 5-IRON: 140, 160, 170 6-IRON: 130, 150, 160 7-IRON: 120, 140, 150 8-IRON: 110, 130, 140 9-IRON: 95, 115, 130 PW: 80, 105, 120

AVERAGE DISTANCES FOR PGA TOUR PLAYERS

DRIVER:  289-323 3-WOOD: 243-304 5-WOOD: 230-288 3-IRON: 212-265 4-IRON: 203-254 5-IRON: 194-243 6-IRON: 183-229 7-IRON: 172-215 8-IRON: 160-200 9-IRON: 148-185 PW: 80, 105, 120

AVERAGE DISTANCES FOR WOMEN

DRIVER:  150, 175, 200 3-WOOD:  125, 150, 180 5-WOOD: 115, 135, 170 3-IRON: 100, 125, 160 4-IRON: 90, 120, 150 5-IRON: 80, 110, 140 6-IRON: 70, 100, 130 7-IRON: 65, 90, 120 8-IRON: 60, 80, 110 9-IRON: 55, 70, 95 PW: 50, 60, 80

AVERAGE DISTANCES FOR LPGA TOUR PLAYERS

DRIVER:  246-258 3-WOOD:  195-217  5-WOOD: 185-205 3-IRON: 180-192 4-IRON: 170-181 5-IRON: 161-173 6-IRON: 152-163 7-IRON: 141-154 8-IRON: 130-143 9-IRON: 119-132 PW: 107-121

How far do you hit the golf ball with each of your clubs? Are you above or below the averages highlighted above? Share your thoughts and comments over on our social media platforms - Facebook, Instagram and Twitter - or come and visit our GolfMagic YouTube Channel. 

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6 Iron Distance Tips: More Power to Hit Further!

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What Distance Does the Average Golfer Hit a 6 Iron?

What factors determine your 6 iron distance, how do you hit a 6 iron better, when should i use my 6 iron, what is a good swing speed for a 6 iron, 6 iron distance charts, how far do pga tour pros hit a 6 iron.

Calculating your distances is a hugely important part of golf. After all, if you don’t know how far you can hit the clubs in your bag, it’s nigh on impossible to pick the right shot!

With this in mind, how far should you hit a 6 iron? What can you do to improve your ball striking with your mid-irons? And how far do Tour pros hit a 6?

Below, we explain everything you need to know about hitting a 6 iron and offer some of our top tips that will help you hit straighter and more powerful shots with your irons.

Most male recreational golfers can hit a 6 iron approximately 150 yards, while female golfers look to hit a 6 iron between 130-140 yards. If you have a faster swing speed, you might be able to hit a 6 iron 160 or 170 yards.

But when you’re just starting out in golf, you should be pretty content with 150 yards base distance.

Understanding your distances is super important as far as course management is concerned, and it’s a huge part of the game. If you don’t know the distances that you can hit consistently, you’re essentially guessing when it comes to club selection.

The best way to work out your distances is to spend time on the range with each club, paying attention to where the golf ball lands.

You should also think about carry distance, as you might be able to hit a 6 iron 170 yards in the summer when the ground is hard, but you will struggle to hit it any further than 150 when the grass is wet.

This makes a big difference to your shots, so make sure you take this into account when calculating your distances.

One of the main factors that determine a 6 iron club distance is the swing speed. If you have a particularly fast swing speed (90+mph), you might be able to hit your 6 iron further than most golfers.

But given that the average clubhead speed for most recreational golfers is between 80-90mph (male) and 65-75mph (female), 150 yards is a good distance to aim for with a 6 iron.

Another factor to consider is the type of clubs that you’re playing with. Golfers with bladed irons can typically hit a 6 iron further than those who play with cavity-backed clubs.

But as most beginner and game improvement irons are cavity-backed, most recreational players won’t carry the ball as far as lower handicappers who use bladed clubs.

Finally, you need to think about the weather. As mentioned, if the ground is hard and dry, you can potentially get another 10-20 yards out of your 6 iron. But if the ground is soft and wet, the ball won’t carry much further than 150 yards.

The key to hitting a 6 iron better is practicing your technique out on the range. One mistake that beginner golfers and high handicappers often make is that they try and hit the golf ball too hard.

When you watch pros on TV, their swing speeds are nothing short of exceptional. And it’s only natural to want to replicate guys like DeChambeau and Woods who hit the ball ferociously hard.

But in reality, the key to improving your ball striking is actually slowing things down in your swing. It’s much more important to strike the ball with the center of the clubface than it is to swing like the wind!

You will find that by slowing things down ever so slightly, you can improve the dynamics of your swing and identify aspects that you can work upon.

While this might sound counterintuitive to some people, try it out the next time you’re on the range, and you will almost certainly see some improvements!

You can use your 6 iron in various situations out on the course. For instance, when you’re in the center of the fairway, and you know you’re about 150 yards out, the six iron is the perfect club to grab.

A 6 iron is also a good club to turn to when you’re in the rough and you have about 130-140 to go, as the ball won’t carry as far when you play it from the long grass. As you can see from these two examples, club selection is one of the most important parts of the game!

You might also use a 6 iron off the tee when you’re on a par three. You just need to think carefully about the green and what type of shot you need to play, as a six-iron is typically played with a flatter trajectory than 7 and 8 irons.

In other words, you can use a 6 iron no matter where you find yourself on the course, but the key is to think about the distance it can carry. Any shot that requires you to hit the ball around 150 yards is ideal for your 6 iron.

Most recreational golfers have a swing speed around the 80mph mark. While you might swing your driver slightly faster than this, 80mph is more than fast enough for your mid-long irons like a six.

We’re of the belief that recreational golfers shouldn’t spend too much time worrying about swing speed, as it can detract you from the other important aspects of your game. If you’re just trying to hit the ball as hard as you can, you will give up a lot of control.

As is the case when you’re hitting other clubs, focus on the rhythm of your ball striking and make sure you follow through with your 6 iron. You don’t need to adjust your swing speed just to be able to hit a six, and doing so will affect your accuracy and ball flight when you’re out on the course.

While Tour Pros might clock swing speeds in the mid to high nineties when drilling a 6 iron in a tournament, you don’t need to try and replicate this feat! For most recreational golfers, swinging the club too fast results in a mishit and is something to be avoided at all costs!

Although every golfer is different, the following chart will help you work out if the distances you’re getting with your 6 iron are about right for your level of ability:

Long hitters are elite players at the top of their game, and tour players need little introduction!Short hitters include high handicappers and beginners, as well as senior players. Mid-hitters are those that have a good grasp of the amateur game and can play golf to a good standard.

Most recreational golfers should be content with hitting a 6 iron around the 150-160 yard mark. If you try and increase your swing speed in an effort to hit your irons further, you can actually upset the rhythm and effectiveness of your swing.

As such, if you’re hitting your six iron around this length already, you don’t have to do a great deal of work on the range.

Most PGA Tour pros are capable of hitting a 6 iron between 180 and 230 yards. This is quite remarkable when you think about it, meaning they can technically hit the same club as recreational golfers more than eighty yards further.

However, don’t make the mistake of trying to replicate the pros when it comes to distance. Remember that pros play golf courses that are much longer than those that most amateur golfers are used to.

It’s not uncommon for the pro tees to be at least fifty yards further back on championship golf courses, so their distances need to be that bit further than recreational players!

Given that many recreational golfers are happy with drives that go 200+ yards, it would be unrealistic to start trying to hit a 6 iron the same distance.

While we can all appreciate the distances that pro golfers are capable of with their mid irons, it’s not our place to try and replicate their achievements.

Instead, focus on your technique, rhythm, and ball striking, and you will see improvements in the way that you hit your 6 iron out on the golf course.

The 6 iron is a club that many recreational golfers overlook in favor of a 5 and 7. But it’s a good club to carry in the bag, and it can be useful in a range of situations out on the course.

As explained, most recreational players should be looking to hit a 6 iron around the 150-yard mark, but you might be able to hit it further when the ground is hard.

As much as you might like to, don’t spend too much time trying to replicate the tour pros because it’s very unlikely that you will be able to cream a 6 iron 220+ yards!

Scottie Scheffler’s incredible season gets a fitting ending

10 Min Read

Converts TOUR Championship’s No. 1 seed into FedExCup crown

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ATLANTA – There was only one acceptable outcome for Scottie Scheffler at the TOUR Championship. That made the FedExCup Playoffs finale one of the most stressful weeks of the year.

In the previous two seasons, Scheffler had relinquished the unique, two-stroke advantage that the TOUR Championship affords the FedExCup leader. Though he was the PGA TOUR Player of the Year in both 2022 and 2023 – the first player since Tiger Woods to win the award in consecutive years – he couldn’t lay claim to the TOUR’s season-long prize.

“It definitely, I think, leaves a bad taste in your mouth at the end of the year, especially when I start with the lead,” Scheffler said about his unsuccessful attempts to win the FedExCup.

He was determined to make this time different. He is too competitive and had worked too hard to settle for anything less. There was no other way to end an incredible season where he won everything from a green jacket to a gold medal.

Behind the scenes after Scottie Scheffler’s TOUR Championship win

“In the back of your head you know it’s going to come down to this,” Scheffler said, “and you have to have a great week.”

This time, he did. But he had to show one more time what separates him from his peers before he could finally lift the FedExCup for the first time.

It came in the middle of a final round that once seemed like little more than a formality. Scheffler had built a seven-shot lead with just 16 holes remaining. The lead dwindled to two, though, after his sand shot on the eighth hole caught a portion of the clubface that only amateurs find.

Scottie Scheffler suffers back-to-back bogeys after shank at TOUR Championship

His shank, and the resulting bogey, allowed Collin Morikawa to pull within two shots. That’s when Scheffler’s caddie, Ted Scott, stepped in with a simple reminder.

“Just remember who you are,” Scott said. “You’re Scottie Scheffler.”

Scheffler responded by striping a 4-iron tee shot to within 3 feet of the ninth hole, the first of three consecutive birdies that put him five ahead. An eagle at the 14th hole, where Scheffler hit a 7-iron to 16 feet, made the final four holes the coronation that Scheffler’s season deserved.

Afterward, Scott had a message for his boss: “That’s the longest lead anyone has ever slept on.”

“It’s like eight months, knowing you’re going to have a lead here,” Scott explained. “It’s a tremendous amount of pressure, and he handled it super well.”

Players reflect on Scottie Scheffler’s season

Scheffler started the week at 10-under par and then shot 20-under (65-66-66-67, 264) on the following 72 holes. His total of 30-under par was four strokes better than Collin Morikawa, who shot the week’s low 72-hole score (66-63-67-66, 262). Sahith Theegala finished third at 24 under; he was the only other player within 10 shots of Scheffler.

Scheffler led the field in Strokes Gained: Off-the-Tee (+3.4), Greens in Regulation (54 of 72) and Driving Distance (338.6 yards). He was second in Driving Accuracy (37 of 56 fairways) and third in Strokes Gained: Putting (+4.1). It was another display of Scheffler’s unmatched ballstriking ability, and an opportunity to showcase the improved putting that was key to his dominant season.

“Last year I was playing good golf and I wasn't able to make the key putts at the right time, and this year I was,” Scheffler said. “That's really just the difference.”

Scheffler may have been voted the PGA TOUR’s top player in each of the previous two years, but his seven wins in 2024 were more than the previous two years combined. His 13 wins since February 2022 are more than double any other player. Including his Olympic gold medal, which doesn’t count as an official PGA TOUR win, he was victorious eight times in 2024 alone.

He will be the reigning FedExCup champion for the next 12 months, and it would likely take at least that long to supplant him from atop the world ranking.

“I'm proud of the results,” he said. “It's something I try not to focus too much on, but at the end of the day, being able to win tournaments is a great feeling, and it's what we work towards, and to be able to have as many wins as I have this year is really special.”

The rise of Scottie Scheffler

Scheffler won on courses both historic and modern, short and long, wide and narrow. From the expansive canvas of Augusta National to the cozy confines of Harbour Town. Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer could not stop Scheffler with the thick rough and firm greens that are the trademarks of their tournaments, nor could Pete Dye and his penal creations.

Scheffler held a magic wand for his first win, the mallet putter that he debuted that week, and his baby boy for the eighth and final victory of 2024. Little Bennett Scheffler has only been around since May but already has seen his father hoist four trophies. He still may fit inside the FedExCup.

It was a year that included a birth and an arrest, and he was victorious through a protest and an injury that almost forced him out of THE PLAYERS. But the trophies remained the biggest story. Through it all, he was unapologetically himself, sticking to the same philosophy that got him this far.

He relies on a simplicity that belies his achievements. Golf is supposed to be a complex game, but Scheffler sticks to the same fundamentals that his swing coach, Randy Smith, has been emphasizing since Scottie was a kid.

“Simple sometimes works best,” Smith said. It did this year.

Scottie Scheffler's impressive mentality and game

Warming up before the third round of the TOUR Championship, he was the only player on the practice range without a launch monitor sitting next to him. He uses a practice club with the same instructional grip that is often given to beginners, and he inspects the clubface, ensuring it’s square, before each practice shot. He often looks at his feet on the course, trying to focus on only his next step.

“I’ve always taken golf very seriously,” he once said. “I think that’s why I try to focus so much on the present, just staying present.”

The final week of the FedExCup Playoffs is a challenge to that mindset, though, because its format can almost present a premature coronation. The two-shot advantage that the FedExCup leader holds once he sets foot on the property is a reflection of all he’s accomplished during the season. There’s the temptation for reflection even though the final standings are still four rounds from being determined. There’s also a TOUR player’s inherent pride, which makes losing after being given a lead unacceptable.

“I should win the tournament if I'm starting ahead of people. That's how I feel,” Scheffler said. “So maybe the last couple years I've put too much pressure on myself to perform … but this year I did a good job of just staying in it mentally and keeping my head down.”

Scheffler is intensely competitive, whether at home in Dallas, where he gives 20 strokes to the mid-handicap members at Royal Oaks, or on the PGA TOUR. That’s why winning the FedExCup was so important to him. He didn’t want another season where there was a dichotomy between the vote of his peers for Player of the Year and the final scoreboard.

There is a finality to the TOUR Championship that adds significance. With the pursuit of the FedExCup complete, there is space to ruminate on the result. There is no next tournament or venue to focus on. That’s what made his loss here two years ago so difficult. He described it as “pretty challenging … to handle” and said he was “very sad” after losing a six-shot lead to Rory McIlroy in the final round.

Sadness is not an emotion that is readily confessed to by professional athletes, who hope to convey an intimidating air, but the 2022 TOUR Championship represented a disappointing end to an otherwise impeccable season that rapidly changed the course of Scheffler’s career. He won four times in a six-week span, earning both his first PGA TOUR title and his first major in the process. He rapidly ascended to world No. 1, as well. Losing the TOUR Championship may have been the only thing that didn’t go his way.

“I didn’t expect things to finish that way,” he said.

Scheffler won twice last year, including his first PLAYERS, to return to East Lake as the No. 1 seed. He broke par in just one round at the TOUR Championship, however.

Scheffler was still No. 1 when this year began, but he also was amid a winless drought that stretched to 51 weeks before he won the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard.

That duration was defined by his struggles on the greens. It was a frustrating span because his putting kept him from capitalizing on his peerless ball-striking, and it was a shortcoming that was the source of constant questions. It led to the most scrutiny he’d faced in his reign as the game’s top player.

Scheffler had been experimenting behind the scenes with new putters, however, and had enlisted putting coach Phil Kenyon the previous fall. It was at Bay Hill that Scheffler debuted the mallet putter that he would use in each of his eight wins this year.

“I felt like I was kind of gradually building towards something,” he said.

He committed to relying on the same athleticism that set him apart on long shots instead of obsessing over mechanics. He also ceased seeking perfection on the greens.

He won by five strokes at Bay Hill while finishing fifth in Strokes Gained: Putting (he led the field in that metric in the final round). It was the start of a five-tournament stretch where he won four times, and he was one 6-footer in Houston from potentially sweeping them all.

Scottie Scheffler’s dominance continues to impress fellow peers

A week after his win at Bay Hill, he became the first player to win back-to-back PLAYERS titles despite a neck injury that nearly forced him to withdraw. Then he won a second Masters with an exquisite display of ball control on a blustery week at Augusta National. By winning the following week, he became the first player since Bernhard Langer in 1985 to win at Augusta National and Harbour Town in consecutive weeks.

It was reminiscent of Scheffler’s breakout season in 2022 when he won four times in six starts – except this time, he just kept going. He was away for a month for the birth of his first child, then returned to a chaotic week at the PGA Championship. He still finished in the top 10 at Valhalla, then had two wins (and a runner-up) in his next four starts. Nicklaus’ Memorial Tournament presented by Workday was Scheffler’s first win as a father. At the Travelers Championship, he beat Tom Kim in a playoff after protesters stormed the 72nd green.

The Olympics may not count towards his PGA TOUR win total this season, but it was among his most impressive feats of the year. His Sunday 62 included a 29 on his final nine to make up a large deficit and win the gold medal.

Scheffler leads the TOUR in Strokes Gained: Approach the Green for the second consecutive year, and he is on pace to lead in Greens in Regulation for the third straight season. He is gaining nearly 2.5 strokes per round from tee-to-green, almost a shot per round better than Xander Schauffele, who ranks second in that statistic. And his putting is now a tick above average (+0.03 strokes gained per round), which is all he needs.

It was an incredible season that got the ending it deserved. Scottie Scheffler is finally a FedExCup champion.

TOUR Championship Roundtable | TOTT Podcast

Sean Martin is a senior editor for the PGA TOUR. He is a 2004 graduate of Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo. Attending a small school gave him a heart for the underdog, which is why he enjoys telling stories of golf's lesser-known players. Follow Sean Martin on Twitter .