tour pro 9 iron distance

TrackMan Average Tour Stats

Tour stats include:

Club Speed, Attack Angle, Ball Speed, Smash Factor, Launch Angle, Spin Rate, Max Height, Land Angle and Carry.

TrackMan Average Stats Taken From The PGA TOUR

TrackMan LPGA Tour Average Stats

80 comments

So the average male Tour pro hits down on the ball slightly with the driver? Should attack angle vary with clubhead speed?

The attack angle for the pros varies on woods, but it’s more or less negative when it comes to hybrids and irons. For the average player, the attack angle on drivers varies and in general so should the ball that is hit from the ground always have a negative attack angle in order to get a better margin of error for the impact.

However, in order to get the longest carry possible, the ball should launch high with low spin. The optimal numbers are individual based on club speed – and that type of flight can easier be achieved if the spin loft is low together with a high dynamic loft. The more the attack angle is negative, then the higher the spin loft gets => the attack angle should be closer to 0 if anything IF the goal is to carry as long as possible.

But generally, the attack angle for irons should be from -2 – -5 for almost all players, but for drivers you can hit it further with a positive attack angle, no matter the club speed.

Niklas Bergdahl Support Manager EMEA & Asia

Can you send me the optimal numbers across the board that players and coaches should be looking for in lessons and trackman sessions

Strangely enough, with a driver you can achieve a carry of 300 vs 275 with the same clubhead speed of 113. Adam Young tries to get people to convert to this method. Attack angle = +8 degrees Launch angle = 19 degrees Backspin = 2,000 Smash Factor= 1.5

Hi. I can only confirm. I achieve those positive angles and l can carry the driver (9 degr loft) 245 yards with a club speed of 95mph. Rollout is average 20 yards.

No, it is 3° and that means the clubhead is movin upwards. – is downwards.

You are reading the LPGA (ladies) numbers Tim. The PGA (men) average is -1.3.

Looks like the average LPGA players trackman swing speed is more or less the same as an average 10 hcp male player. Though the ladies are a lot more skilled in hitting it on the right angles and in the right spot on the clubface. Would an average 10 hcp male player have a advantage or disadvantege using graphite shafts?

Harry, any player of any handicap can benefit from graphite shafts. More often than not, the memory in most players’ minds from graphite stems from a very long time ago when graphite was ONLY graphite. It was whippy, and not very accurate. Material advances and composite technology have nearly rendered steel obsolete. I say nearly, mind you. There are a number of outstanding graphite shafts out there that are super stable and responsive, enabling a lighter club and longer distance without sacrificing accuracy. Fujikura makes some really nice iron shafts that fuse both steel and graphite technologies called MCI. In fact, i have Fuji PRO 95i shafts in my irons and my iron game is better now than it ever was with steel. I’m a 3.5 index and relatively strong but it allows me to play all out without getting tired on the back 9 from heavy clubs. Being a club builder, i can tell you that in golf equipment there’s a trade-off in everything. wether it’s length, weight, or feel so your advantage or disadvantage is dependent on how precisely you build your piece of equipment.

Hey Chris thanks for the info below i find it very interesting. Curious do you have those same shafts in your wedges or do you have steel in your wedges? I played SteelFiber i95 shafts last year in all my irons including wedges. I liked them in my irons but i felt like it hurt my game in wedges. Do you have any thoughts on this? Thanks

Agreed. Shallow your angle of attack to match the LPGA players.

I have had a number of sessions on a Trackman, (the latest on Aug 22, 2015, at “Modern Golf” in Mississauga On.). My clubhead speed and distances are about the same as LPGA averages. I was doing wedge work, and see that for a pitching wedge, (48°), my angle of attack -about 7.5° – is n=much higher than LPGA average. My accuracy is good, (only 3 0f 19 shots more that 20′ away, and all when the face angle was over 4° closed). I’m thinking that I should weaken my left hand a bit, (it’s a little strong on pitch shots), and play the ball farther forward- 2″ ahead of centre. Am I on the right track, or will these changes introduce new problems?

I’m 74 years old, and am a long-time PGA of Canada member. Thanks for any feedback…. love Trackman outings.

I would recommend that you visit one of our certified coaches, he/she would be able to help you and find what numbers are best for you.

See our TrackMan Locator here.

I don’t disagree with these stats but I do it;s kinda weird. 87 miles mph with an 8 iron should produce 177 yards of carry not 160 that’s a lot of mph. Iv’e seen high school kids hit 9 iron 165 and they don’t swing 100 mph with a 9 iron. When I swing hard I hit my 8 iron 155 and my legit radar read 72 mph so logic would dictate at 88 mph you would get more like 180 yards carry again that’s a lot of mph.

Remember that’s a carry number not total distance. Also since the pros produce significant more back spin, their ball flight is higher, landing angle loftier producing minimum roll whereas your total distance might be benefiting from maximum roll. One more thing to check would be launch angle where you might be hitting a low ball flight to maximize distance which in my opinion is “cheating.”

The PGA Tour 8-iron goes 160 in the air for a couple of reasons. One, they usually hit weaker lofts than high school players (like I) do. Secondly, they spin their 8-iron at 7998 RPM to stop the ball on fast greens. I believe this is the combination that makes the 8-iron go so much shorter.

I’ve hit thousands of balls on Foresight simulators, and what I’ve found is that backspin significantly influences carry distance. Holding club head speed constant, greater backspin reduces carry distance on all clubs.

For mid-irons, I’d estimate that you lose roughly 5-7 yards of carry per 1,000 RPM in additional backspin. And with the driver it’s easily 10+ yards of carry lost per 1,000 RPM.

This explains why poorly struck balls will often fly as far, if not further, than a well-hit shot. The key to backspin is crispness of contact – a poorly struck shot simply won’t spin as much. Unless the impact is absolutely terrible, the lack of backspin on poorly struck shots will cause those balls to carry further than a well-struck ball. So if you’re flying balls over the green with your irons, the culprit could be too little backspin caused by poor contact, cheap balls, a dirty club face, etc.

I think this is also the key reason why fades don’t carry as far as draws. It’s not that a draw swing is any faster/more powerful – it’s simply that fades have more backspin due to the impact geometry/physics involved with that swing.

Now I may be wrong on some of this, so I’d love to get a true expert’s take.

One thing I forgot to add to my comment above is that you need a minimum of backspin on all golf shots just to get the ball up in the air. That may be 1,500 RPM for woods and maybe 3,000 for irons.

My point is that increasing backspin beyond this base level will generally reduce carry. For example, I can guarantee that increasing the backspin on your 7 iron from 5k to 7.5k will reduce your carry with that club, even if your swinging faster at 7.5k.

I totally disagree with your premise. Draws carrying further than fades? That makes no sense.

Bare in mind tour players play with proper golf clubs which are weak lofted so the people you see hitting a 9 iron further than tour average 8 it’s probably because that 9 iron is closer to a 7 iron loft

Spin determines weather you hit a draw or fade so logic would dictate distance will also be effected. In my experience draws do tend to be further for 2 reasons and both have to do with spin. With a draw you will usually get more roll out as well as flight because of the decrease in spin. This is especially true with a driver.

Depends what clubs you are using. There can be as much as 7 degrees of variation between a ‘standard’ loft on a 7 iron. If you’re playing the Callaway Mavrik irons, you’ll get 27 degrees of loft on a 7 iron. If you’re playing the Callaway Apex Pro then its 34 degrees. That’s a two club difference.

I was custom fit recently for the Apex 21’s and currently play Apex MBs. With the MBs my 7 iron has 34 degrees of loft and flies 165yds with 89mph average club head speed. Same swing with the Apex 21s (30 degrees of loft) flies between 177 – 180 yds. Big difference.

Larry , I would highly recommend you see Mark Evershed . Buy him lunch and get the answers your looking for .

Hi guys this was a recent session with a cobra 3 wood 16 deg loft.my question is my launch angle seems a little low ,interested in your thoughts .thanks Shot # Club Club Speed (mph) Ball Speed (mph) Smash Factor Launch Angle (degrees) Direction Back Spin (rpm) Carry Distance (yards) Total Distance (yards) 1 3 Wood 94 143 1.52 8.80 Straight 3874.00 215.00 232.00 2 3 Wood 98 148 1.51 9.10 Straight 4096.00 223.00 240.00 3 3 Wood 94 142 1.51 9.10 Straight 3904.00 213.00 230.00 4 3 Wood 94 143 1.52 8.80 Straight 3874.00 215.00 232.00 5 3 Wood 96 145 1.51 9.10 Straight 4000.00 219.00 236.00 6 3 Wood 94 143 1.52 8.80 Straight 3874.00 215.00 232.00 7 3 Wood 94 143 1.52 8.80 Straight 3874.00 215.00 232.00 8 3 Wood 93 141 1.52 8.80 Straight 3826.00 212.00 229.00 9 3 Wood 92 129 1.40 12.40 Straight 4138.00 190.00 207.00 10 3 Wood 94 142 1.51 9.10 Straight 3904.00 213.00 230.00 11 3 Wood 94 142 1.51 9.10 Straight 3904.00 213.00 230.00 12 3 Wood 94 143 1.52 8.80 Straight 3874.00 215.00 232.00 13 3 Wood 96 145 1.51 9.10 Straight 4000.00 219.00 236.00 14 3 Wood 93 140 1.51 9.10 Straight 3856.00 210.00 227.00 15 3 Wood 96 146 1.52 8.80 Straight 3970.00 220.00 237.00 16 3 Wood 92 140 1.52 8.80 Straight 3778.00 210.00 227.00 17 3 Wood 95 144 1.52 8.80 Straight 3922.00 216.00 233.00 18 3 Wood 96 145 1.51 9.10 Straight 4000.00 219.00 236.00 19 3 Wood 94 142 1.51 9.10 Straight 3904.00 213.00 230.00 20 3 Wood 91 137 1.51 9.10 Straight 3760.00 204.00 221.00 21 3 Wood 94 143 1.52 8.80 Straight 3874.00 215.00 232.00 22 3 Wood 95 144 1.52 8.80 Straight 3922.00 216.00 233.00 23 3 Wood 95 144 1.52 8.80 Straight 3922.00 216.00 233.00 24 3 Wood 96 146 1.52 8.80 Straight 3970.00 220.00 237.00 25 3 Wood 96 146 1.52 8.80 Straight 3970.00 220.00 237.00 26 3 Wood 96 145 1.51 9.10 Straight 4000.00 219.00 236.00 27 3 Wood 94 137 1.46 10.60 Straight 4054.00 204.00 221.00 28 3 Wood 94 143 1.52 8.80 Straight 3874.00 215.00 232.00 29 3 Wood 98 142 1.45 10.90 Straight 4276.00 213.00 230.00

What kind of balls were you using?

Brent. This was at a driving range with srixon range balls

Ok the one number that really stood out to me was the smash factor. Usually anything above a 1.50 indicates something is illegal. There’s a reason not even the PGA tour players aren’t averaging 1.50 off the tee. Other than that your numbers look good.

Brent what about the launch angle

Yes the launch is a little on the low side. But seeing how you’re still getting decent distance I wouldn’t worry too much about how it’s coming out. But try hitting down on the ball more to get it up in the air faster.

I frequently get above 1.5 on trackman with longer irons and my woods (I have raised this with your tech teams already). This is because your machine measures club speed just before impact and doesn’t detect acceleration through impact

Trackman doesn’t detect acceleration through impact on solidly struck shots so you can post smash factors above 1.5. It’s best to just rely on ball speed with Trackman

Brent in one of your comments you said my smash factor was high ,had a session last night at range and some of my smash factors were 1.53 is this something to try and change and if so how do I change it

Like you had said you were using range balls correct? If so the smash factor will be a little off since they aren’t a legal tournament ball. What the smash factor (as explained to me by the Carolinas PGA rules committee chairman) is, is a measurement of how well the ball comes off the face. There’s a specific calculation for it but I’m not positive of it and anything over a 1.50 usually is a tell tale sign that either the club or ball is illegal. What I would recommend doing is using the ball you would normally play a round with and get some readings off that ball.

I read not long ago that Rory Mcilroy had a smash factor of 1.53 as well . If Willie can hit it 380 the way Rory does, I wouldn’t change a thing.

Larry. I’m 55 years old 280 is my distance not 380 Like Rory

Ball speed divided by club head speed is smash factor

I’m currently doing my university project on green-side bunker shots, I was wondering if you have any shot data for a short bunker shot or flop shot? Thanks.

Sorry but we do not have any official data we can share, but it would be interesting to see your final research :)

Blair, My assumption would be that the cleaner a ball is picked out of a bunker the more spin it will have and vice versa. The more sand you use to move the ball the less spin.

Do you have TrackMan data for AoA and DL for greenside bunker shots?

Sorry we do not have any official bunker shot data.

In looking at the tour pro stats for men – the max height reading for all clubs is about 30 plus or minus 2. I am trying to understand how/why are the heights the same for all clubs? My assumption would be the more lofted the club the greater the height! Is 30ish the optimum figure for best distance? Because in my last stats my longest 9.5 degree driver shot was max height of 56!

Is there any data available from the Senior tour?

We do not have any official charts for the Senior Tour. But you can login on mytrackman.com and use the combine section and filter, to show only Senior Tour players.

Thanks Christian!

what month/year is this data from?

Is there any data on typical club path for a tour pro?

Can you please post stats for average path, club face, and face to path numbers for PGA tour?

Could you please post average path, club face, and face to path numbers for several top Tour Players?

Before all the hype about hitting up on the ball came about, I hit down on a driver anywhere from -2 to -4 degrees and swung 1-2 degrees left.

Once I started to try and swing up on it. I lost direction big time. An easy swing for me is 112, swinging hard at it I can get it up to 123. Does Trackman recommend those that have higher swing speeds to hit down on it for straighter direction?

There is no physics logic backing up that hitting up on the ball will give a decrease in accuracy. However to go from hitting down to hitting up you have made some changes to your impact obviously. The way you made the changes could well be the problem as this could have affected your impact location, swing path, clubface and the way you release the club

Can pga tour players carry the ball 293 yards.

A Question: Were some data change on this site? I ask because I’m quite sure to have read other data for the men’s driver trajectory. Am I wrong or can someone confirm this?

kindly zorro

Is my impression right, that the data for the men driver were changed from

[Daten alt: 112mph 165mph 11,2° 2685 31y 39° 269y] to [Daten neu: 113mph 167mph 10,9° 2686 32y 38° 275y] ?

Why did TM do that?

For the tour pro stats – mainly carry distance, launch angle and spin rate for the driver, you have the averages, could you supply the max and min (filtered for outliers)? I am going to run an experiment with Trackman at my golf academy and need a starting range for each item. The tour max and min range is a starting point versus having to create this from scratch.

Anyone know where I can find raw data of clubhead speed? It is for a College project. Thanks!

You know what would be great to see – average miss from target – left and right – for each club. Of course short and long from target matter as well, but solid contact isn’t really my issue – left and right misses is my challenge

I’m about a half club off of PGA Tour average distance wise. Technically I’m a 1 handicap, but more like 4 or 5 when the tourney pressure is on. I know from playing with better players the difference between me and them is pretty much how much more accurate they are from a left and right perspective.

You can find all this info from Mark Broadie. He has tracked all the shots on the us tour for years and also written a book Every Shot Counts about it

I have been playing Golf for less than 19 months. I must admit I was damn tired of the same Golf Lesson producing varying results with inconsistent instruction(s) which seemed contradictory to the previous lesson. I take Golf perhaps a little more serious than others and my “approach” to this game may be viewed as extreme due to my focus on Fitness/Strength Training combined with my Yoga and Nutritional regimen.

That notwithstanding I would like to formally THANK the Trackman Developers and Support Staff for FINALLY producing a “Standardized” curriculum eliminating the traditional random quick fixes and circumventing the often inconsistent and contradictory methods being taught today.

I currently own a Trackman 4 and although I DO NOT wish to teach, I am Certified as an Operator and successful in obtaining my Professional Level 1 & 2 Certifications and shortly will be submitting my Thesis to be considered for review. These Certifications have greatly assisted me in understanding Flight/Ball dynamics and greatly assists my Coach and I in our 4-5 hour daily Putting-Wedge-Iron-Wood and Driver Sessions providing the data necessary to produce a more consistent and …. I have a hard time with this next word…… F U N game. (There I said the word “fun” in the same sentence as “Golf.” I’m so proud of myself!!!

Seriously, I simply CANNOT thank Nathan Meyer for coming to my hometown and demonstrating the enormous benefit(s) of purchasing the Trackman 4 product.

Kym Fontana [email protected]

Home » New Golf Equipment Reviews » Best Golf Clubs » How Far Should You Hit a 9 Iron? — (9 Iron Distance)

How Far Should You Hit a 9 Iron? — (9 Iron Distance)

Because of its popularity and wide usage, many golfers have asked us how far a 9 iron typically goes, which I, the head golf instructor at Tell Me More Golf, have answered in this article. 

The 9 iron is included in all iron sets, and it’s one of the golf clubs with the most usability. It’s generally used for approach shots from the fairway or tee shots on par 3s, but it can also be great for bump-and-run chipping.

How Far Does the Average Person Hit a 9 Iron?

The average male golfer hits his 9 iron around 115 yards .

The average female golfer hits it a little shorter at around 100 yards .

However, the distance range for a 9 iron is very wide, with professional golfers hitting it much further and many amateurs hitting it much shorter. 

See the distance chart below for a clearer idea of how far different golfers hit their 9 iron.

SUBSCRIBE   for  FREE GOLF TIPS from our EXPERT INSTRUCTORS!

9 Iron Distance Chart 

In this distance chart, you can see what regular yardage an average woman, male beginner, average man, advanced man, and professional golfer hits their 9 iron.

9 Iron Average Club Head Speed

The average male golfer has a clubhead speed of around 72 mph when swinging with full swing speed. A professional on the PGA Tour hits a 9 iron significantly faster than the average golfer at around 88 mph . However, the swing speed you will have is very individual , as there are so many factors involved. 

Standard 9 Iron Length

The standard 9 Iron length is approximately 36 inches.

Tips On Hitting a 9 Iron for Distance

If you want to improve your distance with your 9 iron, your best bet will be to simply increase your clubhead speed and improve the quality of your strike . You can also try delofting the clubface to reduce loft, which results in a lower launch with more distance . 

When Should I Use a 9 Iron?

Out on the golf course, the most common place to use a 9 iron is when hitting into greens .

This is the case for second or third shots on longer holes, and for tee shots on par 3s.

Another often overlooked way of using a 9 iron is to hit bump-and-run shots or low chips around the greens. These types of shots are hit low to the ground and roll-out to the pin and are very forgiving and consistent , which could help you lower your scores. 

9 Iron Degrees of Loft 

The standard loft for a 9 iron is between 40-43 degrees , but since golf lofts have gotten stronger, some iron manufacturers now have 9 irons with lofts as low as 37 degrees . This is quite a wide range, and the right loft for you is easiest found by doing a professional fitting . 

9 Iron Loft – Is There Anything Special? 

9 irons are an incredibly versatile club. The loft is relatively high , meaning that it’s great for hitting into greens where you want the golf ball to stop quickly . You can also do many kinds of chip shots with a 9 iron, including the often overlooked bump and run that we strongly recommend beginners and higher handicaps check out. 

TellMeMoreGolf.com – Frequently Asked Questions

What is a 9 iron used for.

A 9 iron will typically be used when hitting into greens, either from the fairway or from the tee box . What yardage you hit your 9 iron will determine when it’s the right club choice. It’s also fantastic for bump-and-run chip shots, which are easy to do and often deliver a great result . 

How far should a 9 iron go?

How far a 9 iron goes depends on many factors , but the average male golfer hits his 9 iron about 115 yards , and the average female hits her around 100 yards. 

Is a 9 iron essential?

The 9 iron is included in all iron sets , and we would definitely classify it as an essential golf club. The relatively high loft makes it easy to hit and very versatile, and the distance it delivers is often perfect for approach shots. 

Conclusion:

The 9 iron is one of the most used clubs in golf , and that’s for a reason. The average male golfer hits a 9 iron around 115 yards , and the average female hits it a little shorter at about 100 yards. However, it’s important to remember that everyone hits their clubs very different distances , and there’s little point in comparing yourself for any other reason but fun.

Patrick Corley

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Affiliate Disclaimer

TellMeMoreGolf.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Popular Articles

• Increase Swing Speed
• Vintage Golf Club Value
• Irons for Mid-Handicap
• Golf Shoe Reviews
• Comparing Woods

4640 Admiralty Way Ste 302 Marina Del Rey, CA 90292 Tel. (424) 405-6472

Useful Links

Privacy policy, golf hardware.

GET FREE GOLF TIPS FROM OUR EXPERT INSTRUCTORS!

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.

• Golf Terms Guide
• Golf Scoring Terms
• Best Golf Rangefinder
• What to Wear Golfing
• Terms of Service
• Privacy Policy
• Affiliate Disclosure

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

• Sign up to Golf Monthly Newsletter Newsletter

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 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 is 275 yards, while the average PGA Tour total driving distance was 299.9 yards in 2023.

Their club speed is usually around 113mph with a driver and the resulting ball speed averages 167mph, reaching a max height of just 32 yards off the ground.

Despite a 32-yard drop-off between driver and 3-wood, in regard to carry, PGA Tour players are still averaging 243 yards with the latter and bettering the average distance your leading amateur can manage with the big dog.

From 3-wood down, between 9-13 yards of carry is lost as you move through the bag. Using a variety of hybrid clubs with head angles of between 15 and 18 degrees, the median distance for PGA Tour players to carry that particular tool is 225 yards.

The average shot hit with a 4-iron on the PGA Tour carries 203 yards as a result of 96mph club-head speed and 137mph ball speed, and as the club becomes shorter, so do the numbers.

Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter

Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.

When looking at the 7-iron, the total carry distance on the PGA Tour is 172 yards thanks to 90mph club speed and 120mph ball speed. PGA Tour players strike their shortest club - the pitching wedge - around 136 yards (carry), according to the Trackman data.

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

HOW FAR PGA TOUR PLAYERS HIT EVERY CLUB IN THE BAG

Data: Trackman, 2022

Jonny Leighfield is our Staff News Writer who joined Golf Monthly just in time for the 2023 Solheim Cup and Ryder Cup. He graduated from the University of Brighton with a degree in Sport Journalism in 2017 and spent almost five years as the sole sports reporter at his local newspaper. An improving golfer who still classes himself as ‘one of the worst players on the Golf Monthly team’, Jonny enjoys playing as much as he can and is hoping to reach his Handicap goal of 18 at some stage. He attended both the 150th and 151st Opens and is keen to make it an annual pilgrimage.

What luxury items would be available if the PGA Tour and LIV Golf's 2024 prize funds were to be re-invested?

By Roderick Easdale Published 26 March 24

The winner of the Valspar Championship has spoken about the importance of the PGA Tour's traditional events following the emergence of its higher-profile tournaments

By Mike Hall Published 26 March 24

• Contact Future's experts
• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Accessibility statement
• Cookies policy
• Advertise with us

Golf Monthly is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site . © Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.

Golf Club Distance Guide: How Far Should I Be Hitting My Clubs?

• Last updated: 01/02/2023

Ok, so let me ask you a quick question, have you ever met anyone that’s ever said “I wish I didn’t hit the ball as far.”? Yeah, me neither.

Distance is just one of those things that people look at as the Holy Grail. Sure, being a great putter and being able to sink 10 footers consistently will lower your scores but everyone wants to be able to hit the ball far.

Take the numbers we show below with a grain a salt since you might have a guy who’s a 14 handicap and crushes the ball but can’t sink a putt to save his life.  On the other end, you might be the guy who only hits a driver 200 yards but whenever you get inside a 100 yards, you’re an assassin.

As a general rule though, the farther you hit the ball, the lower your handicap will be.

Now before we dive into how far you should be hitting your clubs, let’s start by getting a baseline of how far pros and top amateurs really hit the ball.

Men’s PGA Tour Pro Golf Club Distances

Now before you start diving into these numbers, keep 1 thing in mind. In the world there are about 60,000,000 people who describe themselves as golfers and only about 125 carry PGA Tour Card. So what we’re talking about here are (get ready for this) the top .0002% of all golfers in the world, yikes!

Here’s some data we were able to get from Trackman :

The one number you may not be familiar in the above chart is the column called “Smash Factor”. All this number is, is the ball speed/clubhead speed and it indicates the quality of contact with the ball.

The higher the smash factor, the better contact you’re making and therefore getting maximum ball speed when leaving the club face which then translates to overall carry distance.

Men’s Scratch Golfer (0 Handicap) Golf Club Distances

A scratch golfer is someone who carries a handicap of 0. What this basically means is that on a par 72 course with a rating of 72, a scratch golfer is someone capable of shooting even par. Notice I said “capable” not average, because that’s what a handicap measures; the potential of what the player CAN shoot.

Now when you look at the number of golfers who are scratch, you’re talking about the Top 1% of all golfers or about 600,000 total in the world.

So I’m sure as you can notice, the scratch golfer is right up there when it comes to distances of what a tour pro hits, maybe 1 club less.

The real differences that can’t be measured by distance are things like putting, greens in regulation, fairways hit, bunker saves, scrambling, etc…

Men’s Average Golfer (14 handicap) Golf Club Distances

So this is where the vast majority of golfers lie. The median (50% above and 50% below) handicap is about a 13. These golfers usually shoot in the low 90’s/high 80’s with the occasional round in the mid 80’s.

As you can see in the numbers above, there is quite a significant difference between the distances of the average golfer and the scratch golfer; about 25-30 yards or 2-3 clubs.

Initially you may be thinking, oh, i just need to swing the club faster! Kinda like this guy:

Well yes and no, remember that little thing I mentioned earlier called “Smash Factor” that takes into consideration the quality of your ball striking?

Even with a very forgiving driver or set of irons , simply swinging harder may lead to more distance but will most probably lead to poorer contact, less distance, and loss of control. For example, let’s take throwing darts. Imagine you have to hit a bullseye from 8 feet away, you’d probably throw the dart at a comfortable speed that you can control.

Now imagine you’re told to hit a bullseye throwing the dart as hard a humanly possible, good luck with that!

Swinging at 100% effort on every shot, you’re going to end up with clubface looking like this one:

(photo from Golfwrx )

Here’s a great article showing the clubface shot dispersion by handicap level.

Now you start adding the differences in the short game and you can see why there is a 14 stroke gap between these types of players.

There’s Hope Though!

So at this point you may feel a little discouraged about where you are compared to other golfers. You may find yourself close to these numbers but you may also find that you’re way off.

Golf is a tough game, while the swing itself is one of the most complex athletic movements. Toss in the other variable like the mental game and you can why sometimes it can take years to become consistent and improve.

While it remains one of the hardest sports in the world, let’s talk about some simple things you can start doing right away to help you improve faster by hitting the ball further and shoot lower scores.

4 Things To Help You Hit The Ball Farther

Hit the sweetspot.

Hopefully you’re convinced that JUST swinging harder isn’t the answer! You need to be focused on making good contact.

To figure out where you’re making contact by getting can of foot powder spray a put some on the club face. Next, go ahead and take a swing and notice where you hit the ball. Now remember that feeling and repeat.

After a while you’ll start to be able to “feel” where you’re making contact on the clubface.

From here I would focus mainly on making good contact, even if that means slowing down your swing and only going at 75% percent. As you start gaining confidence, you can start to swing a little bit harder and who knows, you might start looking like this guy!

Take Lessons

One of the quickest ways to improve is to get professional advice from a PGA Teaching Professional .

I know lessons can be expensive but getting expert advice from another pair of eyes can take your game to the next level.

Sometimes what we feel we’re doing is actually different from what we’re really doing. By getting someone to analyze your swing and make some suggestions/tips based on accurate feedback is invaluable.

Whether it’s just a single drop in lesson or someone you want to start working with consistently, getting lessons early on can only help!

Upgrade Your Equipment

As a beginner or even a mid handicapper, getting the latest golf tech can provide dramatic improvements to your game.

Whether it’s a new set irons or the latest driver, investing in new clubs every few years is a good decision.

For me personally, I used to play a TaylorMade TP R510 Driver from the early 2000’s for almost 15 years! When I upgraded to a TaylorMade R1 I saw almost 15 yards in added distance. Trust me, I wish I would’ve upgraded much sooner!

Get In Shape

And now finally, we’ve come to the one everyone will probably like the least; start working out regularly!

Golf. Is. A. Sport. Start training like it!

In case you haven’t noticed, the vast majority of the top golfers in the world take their fitness very serious; Brooks Koepka, Rory McIlory, Dustin Johnson and of course the guy who started it all Tiger.

It may seem like a lot but if you’re not sure where to start, then we got the perfect program just for you over here .

There you have it, you know where you stand and you know where you would like to be.

Golf is a difficult game but like anything, putting in the time to get better is the quickest way to improve.

Or on the flipside, maybe you don’t care what you shoot and you just like being outside, spending time with friends.

Either way, get out there, just have fun, and enjoy the game and all it has to offer!

JOIN 2,093 GOLFERS GETTING UPDATES ON THE LATEST GOLF GEAR​

Popular posts.

How To Organize A Golf Bag: A Quick Guide To Being Efficient

What To Wear Golfing: 9 Items Every Golfer Needs

A Comprehensive List Of The 24 Must Have Golf Accessories

22 Best Golf Drills For Different Parts of Your Game

Golf Practice: 10 Tips To Get The Most of Your Time

As seen on:.

Popular Posts

Most forgiving (best) driver for beginners and high handicappers in 2021, best golf shirts in 2021, best golf drivers for mid handicappers in 2021, most forgiving (best) irons for beginners and high handicappers in 2021, best golf pants in 2021, accessories, instruction.

Copyright Text 2020 By Red Birdie Golf

Privacy policy, amazon associates disclaimer.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Join 3,125 Golfers Getting Updates on the Latest Golf Gear

• Consistent updates on the newest gear
• Reviews by REAL GOLFERS like you
• Early access to exclusive offers, giveaways, and more!

Make sure to whitelist our emails from “redbirdiegolf.com”

What Is the Average Distance With Each Golf Club?

This golf club distance chart can help your game

• DESCRIPTION Golfer pulling driver out of club bag
• SOURCE woraput/E+
• PERMISSION Getty Images License

The average distance golfers hit each club varies widely. A PGA Tour player hits a 7-iron between 172-215 yards. Meanwhile, a short-hitting amateur male golfer averages 120 yards with the same club.

Average Golf Club Distance Chart

Here's how far mid-handicap male golfers can expect to hit each club. Of course, specific distances for each individual player will vary based on several factors, which we'll detail shortly. 

According to the USGA, golf’s governing body in the United States, the average male amateur golfer hits driver 217 yards , as recently as 2019. That same year, the PGA Tour average driving distance was 293.9 yards. Men, women, seniors, juniors, professionals, amateurs and beginners all hit their clubs different distances. The following golf club distance charts break down the average distances of golfers at many different levels of the game.

Key Factors to Achieve Distance

The total distance achieved by a golf club is based on several factors, including swing speed, the club’s loft, the carry distance achieved (Note: The carry distance is the yardage from the point of impact to the point of landing.), and even the weather.

Swing Speed

The faster your swing speed, the greater the distance. According to TrackMan , the average PGA Tour player has a driver club speed of 113 MPH, resulting in a 275 yard carry. Meanwhile, LPGA Tour players average 94 MPH with driver, and carry the ball 218 yards. 

Since we know that amateur male golfers hit driver an average of 217 yards, we can infer that average male golfers and LPGA Tour players have similar swing speeds, making the LPGA Tour average distances with each club a good benchmark for average amateur male golfers.

Each club face has a unique loft. For example, a driver is designed for distance and usually has only 8-13 degrees of loft. In comparison, a pitching wedge is designed to get airborne, with 41-46 degrees of loft .

How to Accurately Measure How Far You Hit Your Clubs

According to thegolfmentor.com , distances achieved by short, mid and long hitters can vary by as much as 50% depending on the club and the gender (see actual average distance ranges below). Men tend to have faster swing speeds and hit the ball farther. However, many women are long hitters, with some LPGA pros hitting the ball as far, or farther, than men.

Distance can be greatly affected by the weather conditions. Hitting a ball into a strong wind will greatly influence distance, and a dry golf course will give you more roll, and therefore more distance, than a soggy course.

Average Distances for Men

Average distances for senior tour players.

The 10 Best Drivers for Senior Golfers in 2023 for Huge Distance

Average Distances for PGA Tour Players

Average distances for women.

The 9 Best Drivers for Women of 2023

Average Distances for LPGA Tour Players

Tip: chart your distances for all your clubs.

Keep track of your average golf stats and scores with GolfLink's personalized game tracker. Sign up for free and create yours now!

Go to the driving range and hit ten golf balls with each club. Keep track of the ten distances you achieve with each club. Repeat the charting monthly, or more frequently if you are actively working on your swing.

The distance achieved by a specific golf club will vary from player to player and from day to day based on the conditions. Tour distance information was compiled from stats on pgatour.com, lpga.com, TrackMan.com and golfwrx.com.

9 Iron Golf Club Guide (Distance, Loft, How to Hit)

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a teeny-tiny 🤏 affiliate commission.

Golf can be difficult to play, but with the right technique and equipment, you can take your game to the next level. Whether you’re a beginner or an intermediate golfer, adding a 9-iron club to your collection can make all the difference.

The 9 iron is a short, versatile club for hitting medium-distance shots. Its short length, heavy club head, and large sweet spot make it an excellent choice for many golfers. The 9 iron golf club is known for its accuracy and distance control.

This guide offers detailed advice on how to use the 9 iron to its full potential. From understanding what a 9 iron is to understanding the right distance and loft and hitting it right, this guide will help you become better with a 9 iron in no time.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned golfer, having the best iron in your golf club set can make all the difference in your game, especially when it comes to short approach shots.

What Is a 9 Iron?

The 9 iron is a short-iron golf club perfect for medium-distance shots. It’s incredibly versatile so that you can use it from different lies and on different kinds of terrain. The 9 iron can give you a huge golf course advantage.

The 9 iron is one of the most important clubs in the short-iron clubs family. It’s perfect for playing high, soft shots over obstacles.

Plus, you can use it to hit precise, controlled shots into tight spots. The 9 iron is the ideal club for hitting shots close to the green with accuracy, spin, and control.

Some of the notable features of the 9 iron are as follows:

• Heavy club head: The 9 iron club has one of the heaviest masses of any clubhead. It allows you to easily generate the power you need for medium-distance shots. It also provides excellent control and accuracy with each stroke. Additionally, the heavy club head helps you maintain consistency throughout your golf game, as it offers a reliable ball flight path.
• Large sweet spot: The 9 iron is a great choice for golfers of all levels. It has a large sweet spot, so you can make contact with the ball more consistently and with greater accuracy. With a 9 iron club, you don’t have to worry about “hitting it just the right way” to get good results.
• Excellent loft angle: The 9 iron loft angle is ideal for sending the ball airborne. It offers a great launch angle. Plus, its controlled trajectory is excellent. So, it allows for more accuracy when aiming for a target.
• Flexibility : With the flexibility of the 9 iron loft angle, you can hit the ball at just the right angle to make sure it reaches its desired spot. Moreover, the amount of spin you can add to the ball can give you a further advantage and ensure you get the most out of your shot. With the 9 iron, you can generate maximum distance with every swing.
• Short shaft: 9 iron clubs feature the shortest shaft in a club set. The 9 iron club has a shorter shaft , yet its power and accuracy will amaze you. Whether you need a low-distance shot for a challenging pin placement or a higher-distance shot for a wider fairway, the 9 iron can deliver maximum control and accuracy.

With the 9 iron, you can easily maneuver diverse situations — from winding fairway shots to approaches on tight pins. The 9 iron is reliable and can provide the results you need to take your game to the next level. 

9 Iron Distance

The average distance of a 9 iron club shot is approximately 115-140 yards (105-128 meters). This is a great distance to arrive at the green. You can achieve it by securing your grip and using the right amount of clubhead speed.

The 9 iron golf club is ideal for achieving incredible distance in your golf swings. With this club, you can reach distances of up to 150 yards (137 meters) , depending on your skill level and the strength of your swing.

Not only will this club help you achieve these longer distances, but it can also help you maintain accuracy and consistency in your shots.

With the 9 iron, even the most modest golfers can achieve a noteworthy distance. For instance, the LPGA tour players are some of the most elite golfers in the world, and their incredible precision is evident in their 9 iron club use. With this club, they can hit the ball across distances of 119 to 132 yards (109-121 meters) . Some can even cover a distance between 140 and 150 yards (128-137 meters) .

In the right hands, the 9 iron club can make powerful shots that impress even the most experienced players. You can hit incredibly far and accurate shots with the right technique and practice.

9 Iron Loft Degree

The loft of the 9 iron golf club is approximately 42 degrees. This is near the optimal loft for hitting shots with a 9 iron. The loft is highly effective in aiding you to drive the ball farther down the course with more control and precision.

There is a vast array of 9 iron club manufacturers. So, golfers have many options for choosing the 9 iron with the loft best suited for their game. 

Every golfer is unique in their swing, approach, and playing style. So, 9 irons with lofts of between 40 degrees and 48 degrees can serve different golfers uniquely.

The higher degree of loft offers more spin and distance than a lower degree while still providing enough control to hit the ball. You can hit the ball farther and straighter with the right technique with a 9 iron than any other club.

The varying loft degrees of the 9 iron club will allow you to generate good spin and height, allowing you to shoot in the direction you want. For instance, with a 40-degree loft, you can easily hit shots that travel a considerable distance and remain precise and accurate.

Furthermore, the 9 iron’s forgiving clubface gives you the confidence to swing with full power, knowing that the club will do its job.

Having the right 9 iron can make a significant difference in your performance. So, explore the available manufacturers to find the 9 iron club that fits your budget and needs!

9 Iron Price

A 9 iron golf club can cost anywhere from $50 to $150. This iron is worth the investment if you are serious about improving your golf game. Considering the quality and craftsmanship that goes into creating the club, you get great value from purchasing a 9 iron.

At an affordable price of around $30 to about $50 , you’ll get a great club that will last a long time. 9 iron club prices mostly vary depending on the quality of the club and the manufacturer . For instance:

• Higher quality clubs will be more expensive. However, it is wise to invest in a well-made and reliable club.
• Lower-quality clubs may suit your budget, but they may not provide the same performance and durability as higher-quality ones.

To identify a 9 iron that best suits your particular game and style of play, you can do the following:

• Do your research
• Compare prices
• Read reviews

It’s also worth noting that clubs from some well-known brands may cost more than those from lesser-known companies. However, the extra cost may still be worth it if the quality and performance match your expectations.

Still, investing in a good quality 9 iron golf club is a great way to ensure you play your best golf game. Not only will a high-quality club last longer, but it will also give you a better performance on the course.

I recommend the [amazon link=”B0BC8QGGTH” title=”MAZEL WM-X1 Individual Golf Iron” /] (link to Amazon). This golf iron features the following:

[amazon box = “B0BC8QGGTH” template=”horizontal” description_items=”3″]

• A special head design: Helps generate maximum launch velocity and a higher backspin.
• A new, lightweight shaft: Reduces swing weight and increases swing speed, resulting in more distance and a straighter ball flight.
• An increased feel: Thanks to a double-layer face that absorbs vibrations and provides a soft, responsive feel.

Like most 9 iron golfs, the MAZEL WM-X1 ensures improved accuracy, distance, and overall performance.

How To Hit a 9 iron

To hit a 9 iron, maintain a good distance from the ball. Get a good grip, position your body correctly, and hit the ball by moving forward with your body. It would help if you got the club underneath the ball and hit it up high to get on the green. The higher you hit, the better the shot.

Hitting a 9 iron golf club the right way is an important part of the game. To get the best out of your shot, you must take the time to develop your technique.

Ensure Your Grip Is Correct

The correct grip on your 9 iron is a must for a successful shot. Make sure your hands are slightly overlapping . Place the left hand slightly lower than your right hand and ensure that your thumbs point toward each other.

Your grip should feel comfortable and secure, not too tight or loose. If your grip is too tight, you won’t be able to make a full swing . If it’s too loose, you won’t have the control to hit the ball accurately.

A good way to check your grip is to hold the club up in front of you and ensure your hands look parallel.

Make sure you practice your grip before you take the shot. It could make all the difference in your game.

Position Your Body Correctly

Getting in the right posture is necessary to accurately hit a 9 iron golf club. Get into the right position by observing the following:

• Keep your feet shoulder-width apart.
• Evenly distribute your weight between your feet.
• Slightly open your hips.
• Slightly bend your knees.
• Keep your head still as you bring your body back.
• Keep your head slightly behind the ball.
• Keep your hands in line with your shoulders.

By positioning your body correctly, your swing will be smooth, and the ball will travel straight.

Hit the Ball

When hitting the ball with a 9 iron, slightly bend your arms and allow them to move as one unit in your backswing. Once you reach the top of your swing, move forward with your body and accelerate through the ball.

Finally, finish with a full shoulder turn and a wrist release . Follow through with your arms and the club after impact.

As you swing, your arms should move smoothly and in a controlled motion . When you contact the ball, you should fully extend your arms and relax your wrists .

How To Hit the Ball With Precise Timing

Hitting a 9 iron requires precise timing. Correct timing can help you consistently hit the ball with the desired accuracy, power, and control. Follow these two essential tips:

• Maintain a steady rhythm and keep your balance throughout the swing. If you rush or are off balance, the clubhead will come through the ball too quickly. And if you allow the clubhead to lag, the ball won’t travel as far as it should.
• Execute your swing with a consistent and steady flow. Without the correct timing, it can be hard to control the ball, and you may have to settle for a mediocre shot.

This video demonstrates what you can do to time your golf swing. Be sure to check it out!

How To Generate Power and Force

Besides timing, it’s also important to use your arms and legs in unison to generate power and force to propel the ball forward. To achieve this, try the following:

• As you swing the club, use your legs to create a strong foundation and transfer power to the arms.
• Once the arms reach the top of the swing, they should be straight.
• The wrists should be cocked to generate power and force to the ball. This will enable the ball to travel further and create a better shot placement.

 With practice and patience, you’ll be able to hit the ball with the desired accuracy and power.

Final Thoughts

The 9 iron golf club is versatile and powerful. It can hit shots of short to medium distances and great angles.

With the right distance, loft, and swing speed combination, the 9 iron can be a great asset to any golfer’s bag. The key is to find the right combination of these variables that works best for you to maximize your performance.

With the right knowledge, you can use the 9 iron to your advantage and improve your golf game. 

Meet Kolter, the dedicated golfer driving Honest Golfers forward. His golfing journey started at the young age of 8, guiding him through youth tours, high school, and college golf. With a remarkable stint as a two-time Team Captain at Carroll College, Helena, MT, and participation as a two-time World Long Drive regional qualifier, Kolter's expertise runs deep. Now, he shares his lifelong passion and knowledge, offering sincere advice and gear recommendations to fellow enthusiasts. Embark on a golfing adventure with him, and together, let's enhance our skills on the fairways.

Jump to navigation

• DP World Tour
• The Masters
• Equipment News
• Equipment Reviews
• Budget Sets
• Weatherproofs
• Balls & Accessories
• GPS & Rangefinders
• Bags & Trollies
• Buying Guides
• Course News
• Course Reviews
• UK and Ireland
• Western Europe
• Eastern Europe
• Rest of the World
• USA and Canada
• Getting Started
• Bunker Play
• All Reviews
• Competitions

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.

accImages.createImage(); 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. 

How Far Do Most People Hit a 9 Iron? How About The Pros?

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

View all posts by Brittany Olizarowicz

The distance you hit your 9 iron will depend greatly on your clubhead speed and the quality of the contact you have with the ball. As your golf game changes, you will notice that distances are also impacted.

Table of Contents

High Handicap

Mid handicap, low handicap, pga players, check your golf ball, ensure full rotation, work on accuracy, practice smart strength and conditioning, proper ball position, hit down and through.

Beginner golfers are the most inconsistent, and therefore distance is not something you can calculate quite as easily. Some beginners have very high clubhead speeds, while others are slow.

However, most beginners can get about 115 yards of distance from their 9 iron. You may start slow with this club and notice only about 100 yards, which is entirely acceptable.

Once you start making contact with the center of the clubface, you can expect to reach 115 yards more consistently from each of your swings with a 9 iron.

Higher handicap golfers have some of the same issues that beginners have. They may hit a 9 iron shot that travels 120 yards and then another that travels 110. Most average swing speed high handicappers will try to get the 9 iron to fly between 115 and 120 yards.

The key for golfers in this handicap range is to ensure that they are getting more consistent distance and slightly higher clubhead speed.

Mid-handicap players will consider the 9 iron to be a 125-yard club. Some mid-handicappers start to develop a lot of clubhead speed, and you could end up seeing a 130-yard shot from this group.

However, the mid handicappers will still want to ensure they are getting a higher trajectory, plenty of spin, and control with the total distance of the 9 iron.

Mid-handicappers often start to pay more attention to things like carry distance and total distance. Although your total distance for your 9 iron may be 125 yards, the carry distance may only be 120 yards. Keep that in mind when going over a hazard.

Low handicap players often get about 130-140 yards of distance from the 9 iron. Most lower handicap golfers have more consistency in their swing, and they can get the ball to make contact with the center of the clubface quite often.

Low handicap players with higher speeds can see distances up to 150 yards with their 9 iron.

It’s important to remember that lower handicappers playing with power lofted clubs will see more distance than lower handicappers playing with blade style golf irons. The golf club you are playing with certainly comes into play when determining total distances.

Here’s a summary of what we covered above:

PGA Players have tremendously high clubhead speeds. Although it’s not a requirement to be a professional, it’s nearly impossible to compete on the PGA Tour unless you have high clubhead speed.

The PGA Tour Players will hit a 9 iron anywhere from 150 to 190 yards. A golfer like Bryson DeChambeau can get up to 190 yards of distance with his 9 iron because of his incredibly high clubhead speeds.

At some point, I think PGA Tour players are more concerned with their accuracy than their total distance. If you think about it, when your 9 iron can travel nearly 200 yards, what will be your 100-yard club?

The point is only a certain amount of distance is beneficial. At some point, it makes sense just to have control and spin and a distance you can trust.

Tips for Hitting Your 9 Iron Further

If you feel like you’re not currently maxing out on distance with your 9 iron, there are a few ways that you may be able to increase it.

Recently, I had trouble with distance and determined that it was actually the golf ball I was using that was causing the problems for me. So let’s start there…

Some golf balls are distance golf balls, and others are built for spin and control. If your swing speed is not entirely high and you are using a four or five-piece golf ball, you may not be maximizing your distance potential.

I encourage you to have a good idea of your swing speed and the compression of the golf ball you are playing with. For slower swing speed golfers, the lower compression golf ball is a better fit.

The 9 iron is a shorter club than your long irons or driver. Sometimes when golfers have this shorter club in their bag, they rotate a little less and struggle to get that full turn in their swing.

I like to think about my left shoulder turning underneath my chin. If my left shoulder makes it to that position, the club will be in the right place at the top. This full rotation gets your club to parallel and allows for a bit more extension and speed.

Speed is often the ultimate factor in increasing distance in your golf shots. Speed is essential, but so is the accuracy of the strike.

In fact, if you have a ton of speed and you apply it to the clubhead and miss the sweet spot, don’t expect impressive results.

The closer you strike the ball to the center of the clubface, the easier it is to get the distance. It’s as simple as that.

Clubhead sweet spots have gotten bigger, but the golfer still has to do quite a bit of the work.

Golfers that spend some time in the gym almost always have higher clubhead speeds than those that don’t. When you work out and spend time increasing your speeds, you will see more distance from your 9 iron.

I highly recommend sticking with golf-specific exercises. If you take things too far with muscle building, it can result in a lack of mobility. Speaking with a trainer and letting them know you want to gain distance in your game is also a smart idea.

I like to play the ball in the middle of my stance. When I do that with the 9 iron, I seem to have the best chance for solid turf interaction, a good divot, and improved total distance.

When the ball is too far forward, the shots are thinner and don’t have as much total distance. Hitting the ball from too far back in the stance can cause issues with the clubface angle.

We need the 9 iron to go up high when we hit shots, but to get this ball flight. It is essential to hit down and through the golf ball. For golfers that are still trying to lift the ball up in the air, long distance becomes an issue.

If you need some help learning how to hit down and through and compress a ball, simply lean a little on your left side and take some half swing shots. This should give you the feeling of compressing the ball to get a higher and longer final result.

Hitting down and through the ball is a challenging concept at first, but all great players will need to learn it.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Brittany Olizarowicz

Golf Workout Program is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Recent Posts

• 5 Wood vs 3 Iron: How to Pick The Right Club for You
• 5 Tips to Improve Your Putting Stance and Sink More Birdies
• Expert Review: Is Top Flite a Good Golf Brand?
• The Pros and Cons of an Open Stance Golf Swing
• Callaway Chrome Soft Review – Worth The Price?
• What is The Reverse Overlap Putting Grip & Should You Use It?
• 10 Best Night Golf Courses: A Golfer’s Nighttime Paradise
• The Top 5 Putting Mats with Ball Returns [2024 Guide]
• 10 Best Wedges for High Handicappers – 2024 Complete List
• Are Putting Mirrors Worth It? (Plus 3 Best Mirrors to Try)

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

Written by Graeme Hay | Last Updated: 12/03/2024

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

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

RECENT ARTICLES

Champions’ Choice: The Most Used Irons on the Champions Tour (2024)

From Tee to Green: Analyzing What Golf Balls Champions Tour Pros Use (2024)

What Drives the Senior Tour Pros? Most Popular Driver on Champions Tour (2024)

What Wedges Do the Pros Use? Top 100 PGA Tour Player Analysis (2023 update)

What Irons Do the Pros Use? Top 100 PGA Tour Player Guide (2023 update)

LEGAL INFORMATION

This site is owned and operated by Golfing Focus Limited, a private limited company whose registered office is in London, UK. Golfing Focus Limited is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees (at no cost to you) by linking to Amazon.com. Golfing Focus Limited also participates in other affiliate programs with the eBay Partner Network, FlexOffers, CJ.com, Svorn and other sites and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies (again at no cost to you).

Our Socials

9 Iron Golf Club

By Lawrence Smelser

Updated On April 25, 2023

Many people tend to think about long drives, spinning wedge shots and long putts when they think about making birdies and scoring on the course.

The 9 iron golf club is equally as important for scoring in many situations. It can be used in many different ways on the course.

This article will explain when and how to use your 9 iron whether it be from the fairway, rough or chipping greenside.

What Is A 9 Iron Golf Club?

A 9 iron is one of the shorter irons in the golf bag. The club is very forgiving to hit compared to longer irons such as the 5 iron or 4 iron.

The shaft of the club is shorter than the other irons and it launches the ball with high trajectory.

📋 Keep in mind : The club can be used to knock the ball close to the pin due to its high spin.

What Is A 9 Iron Used For?

A 9 iron can be used for a variety of shots. The most common is from the fairway or rough .

Since the ball flight is so high, which makes the spin increase, the ball will typically land soft and stop on a dime without rolling out .

This is certainly the case when you take a full swing with it. In turn, it helps beginner golfers master the club faster and aids them in making pars and birdies.

You can also use the 9 iron from the rough since it is easier to hit than other clubs . Getting over trees and clearing high objects is another ideal use for this club.

Another situation is hitting out of fairway bunkers that are tall or over high mounds into elevated greens.

💡 Golfible Tip : If you’re facing a long shot out of a tall bunker, a long iron will probably have trouble getting over the tall lip and the ball could roll right back to you. Using a 9 iron can carry the lip and give you a more desirable result.

When Should I Chip My 9 Iron?

Chipping around the greens is also a great situation to use the 9 iron. A golfer can employ a bump and run type of chip if they have a lot of green to work with and want to run the ball up to the hole.

It is easier to skull (mishit) a chip shot with a thin, blade-like wedge with more loft then it is a 9 iron.

Another type of shot you can employ with a 9 iron is a three-quarter pitch shot from around 80-110 yards.

💡 Golfible Tip : If you have trouble making the right contact with your wedges or have the dreaded shanks, it will be much easier to use a 9 iron.

What Degree Of Loft Is A 9 Iron?

Most 9 iron lofts will be 41-46 degrees but there are some that will be as low as 40 and as high as 47 degrees depending on the brand.

What Is The Lie Angle For A 9 Iron Golf Club?

The typical lie angle for a 9 iron is 64 degrees . A lower lie angle on a nine such as 62 degrees is flatter. A more upright lie angle will be a 66-degree lie angle for a nine.

Getting the right 9 iron angle is crucial for golfers with different types of swings. Having the wrong lie angle can promote a golfer to push or pull the ball more often .

Tom Wishon, a manufacturer and club designer, explained why the lie angle is so important.

“The lie angle is considered to be perfect for the golfer when the sole arrives at impact perfectly parallel to the ground.”

He added that it can negatively influence a golfer’s swing.

How Long Is A 9 Iron Shaft?

For men, the regular length for a steel-shafted 9 iron is 35.5 to 36 inches.

For a female it is 34.5 to 35 inches depending on the clubmaker.

📋 Keep in mind : Graphite shafts will be about half an inch longer for both male and female irons.

How Far Should You Hit A 9 Iron?

For men, the average 9 iron distance is between 130-140 yards. A more experienced golfer who makes better contact and is longer, will usually hit it 135 yards and further. A tour pro will hit it closer to 150-160 yards on average.

For women, the average will be around 90-100 yards. Shorter hitters will hit it near 80 yards, while longer hitters will achieve closer to 110.

📋 Keep in mind : Elevation plays a role for the length in how far a 9 iron goes. If you’re hitting into a downhill green, it will travel further. If you’re hitting into an uphill green, it will be shorter in length.

Is A 9 Iron The Same As A Pitching Wedge?

Many people wonder the differences between a pitching wedge vs. 9 iron since both clubs go similar distances and one follows the other in the order of loft.

The standard yardage of a 9 iron will be about 5-10 yards further than a pitching wedge.

A pitching wedge will be about .25 to .50 inches shorter in length compared to a nine iron. The wedge will also have more loft such as 45 to 48 degrees.

This will cause the ball to spin more and allow it to be launched higher in the air.

You will be able to generate more swing speed with a 9 iron than a pitching wedge and get more distance from it as well.

💡 Golfible Tip : Players who are longer hitters should probably reach for the pitching wedge if they are trying to score from the fairway and can reach.

A player who is shorter should reach for the nine. Although they’ll be less accurate with the nine with less bite on the ball, at least they will likely make solid contact and put the ball in play for a birdie look or two-putt par.

Newer technology will allow a golfer to hit a 9 iron and pitching wedge further than old technology.

For example, if you’re hitting a 2020 pitching wedge vs. a 2005 9 iron, there is a high chance the 2020 pitching wedge will go further.

This is due to the improved technology as well as clubmakers lowering the loft on newer clubs so the ball can travel farther and being able to advertise that.

When To Use A 9 Iron Or Pitching Wedge?

You can use a 9 iron or pitching wedge from inside 135 yards to greenside, depending on how long you are. The 9 iron can be used slightly further as well.

A golfer can take a full swing with either club from the stock yardage that they hit it or use either to pitch it with a three-quarter swing from closer, for example, 75-100 yards.

A golfer can also use a nine or pitching wedge to chip the ball onto the green from the fringe, rough, or fairway next to the green.

If you’re needing more loft on a chip and chipping uphill, a pitching wedge would be more ideal because it’s going to fly higher, stop quicker and won’t hit the mound or hill you’re chipping over.

If you’re trying to do a bump and run, the 9 iron will be the better option. It will roll out more and feed up towards the hole. If you hit it too hard though, it could race by past the cup.

There are different scenarios with taking a full swing, such as the wind or being in the rough. If the wind is against you, clubbing up to a nine is probably a good idea.

💡 Golfible Tip : If you’re in rough that’s going to take some distance off your shot, switching from the pitching wedge to a nine would be smart.

How To Hit A 9 Iron

In the following video by Scratch Golf Academy, two-time PGA Teacher of the Year, Adam Bazalgette explains how to hit a 9 iron correctly to make solid contact and achieve desirable results.

Bazalgette explains that you need to tilt the club forward when swinging it to strike the sweet spot .

He also states to try and hit down on the ball rather than try and scoop it and give it loft. That is the job of the clubmaker.

He says practicing a nice, short and firm finish is another key to the 9 iron swing because if you have a long finish it can wobble. Tilting the club forward and driving into the ball are important attributes to correctly hitting the nine.

Best 9 Iron Overall And Best 9 Iron For High Handicappers

Check out our two articles below for recommendations for the best 9 irons available on the market. In our best irons for beginners writeup, we highlight the Callaway Big Bertha irons . They are dubbed as the “easiest to launch”.

In our best irons for mid-handicappers we showcase the Callaway Golf Rogue X irons for the editor’s choice pick as well as four other good 9 iron options.

Since the 9 iron degree of loft is a few degrees less than a pitching wedge, it can be used for a plethora of shots on the course as mentioned earlier. Finding the right set of irons will be crucial to a player’s scorecards and will impact their results.

📋 Keep in mind : It’s recommended to hit different sets using a trackman. If you’re having trouble hitting a nine, practice the techniques shown in the video featured in this article.

Be sure to share your experiences in the comments.

Does a 7 or 9 iron go further?

All things being equal, the 7 iron golf club will hit the ball further than a 9 iron. The average golfer might it the 7 iron 145 yards which is 120 meters, but it can vary depending on the ability of the golfer. On the other hand, the 9 iron has a stronger loft, and most golfers hit their 9 iron at 126 yards.

How far should a beginner hit a 9 iron?

For a beginner, a 9 iron might hit the ball between 80 to 90 yards. It can be used for different types of moderate-distance shots with a full swing or shots that need a high loft.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

+44 20 3991 0119

Flat 320, 8 Esther Anne Place, London, N1 1UN

Social Media

© 2024 Golfible.com. All Rights Reserved. Registered with the Information Commissioner's Office, registration number ZB363767

Golf Club Distance Chart

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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/

Share this post

Kyle J. Larson

Comments cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Same my info for the next time I comment.

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.

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.

Golf Club Distance Charts: Know Your Distances & Lower Your Scores in 2024

Golf club distance charts are invaluable tools for golfers of all skill levels, providing a reliable guide to the average distances achievable with each club under various circumstances.

These charts typically act as a starting point for beginner golfers to understand your hitting power, allowing you to make informed decisions about club selection and course strategy without spending lots of money on tools such as GPS rangefinders or launch monitors while learning the game.

While individual distances are influenced by factors like swing speed, ball flight, and physical capabilities, distance charts equip you with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the course effectively.

In this guide, we’ll cover the importance of understanding your yardarges , reveal the top factors in creating more distance , and provide recommendations on how to create personalized yardage charts .

Table of Contents

The Importance of Knowing Your Distances

Knowing your club distances is essential for accurate shot selection and lowering your score .

Choosing the correct club for the distance ensures you reach the green in regulation, minimizing the need for chip shots and recovery attempts. This means fewer bogeys and doubles , and ultimately leads to lower scores .

For example, imagine facing a 150-yard approach shot:

If you overestimate your distance to the green and choose a 7-iron, you’ll likely leave the ball short of the green. And underestimating the distance using the same club could result in your shot sailing over the green.

The Evolution of Distance Charts

In the past, golfers relied on static distance charts printed in magazines or displayed on scorecards to dial in their yardages.

These provided generalized information , often based on average swing speeds and lacking individual customization.

However, with the advancements of golfing gadgets and technology , the accuracy and accessibility of golf club distance data have reached new heights.

Launch monitors and GPS-powered devices now offer golfers personalized data based on their individual swing speed, launch angle, and ball strike .

This means significantly more accurate distance charts tailored to each player’s unique abilities.

Key Factors Influencing Golf Club Distances

Several factors play a role in finding out how far you hit each club.

By understanding these factors you’ll be able to use distance charts effectively and adjust your expectations on the course.

#1 – Swing Speed

This is arguably the single most significant factor influencing golf club distance.

Higher swing speed generates greater clubhead speed, leading to increased ball speed and ultimately, longer distances .

The correlation is direct : a 10 mph increase in swing speed typically translates to a significant distance gain across all clubs.

#2 – Ball Speed

While swing speed is crucial, the actual speed of the ball at launch plays the most direct role in determining distance .

This factor is influenced by both swing speed and the quality of contact with the clubface.

A pure strike in the center of the clubface transfers the maximum amount of energy to the ball, resulting in higher ball speed and greater distance compared to off-center hits.

#3 – Smash Factor

This metric expresses the efficiency of energy transfer from the clubhead to the ball at impact.

It’s calculated by dividing ball speed by clubhead speed.

A smash factor closer to 1.5 indicates a more efficient energy transfer , leading to longer distances.

#4 – Age and Skill Level

As players age and fitness levels decline , swing speeds often decrease, leading to shorter distances .

Conversely, highly skilled golfers typically generate greater swing speeds , resulting in longer average distances compared to beginners.

#5 – Weather Conditions

While external factors like wind, temperature, and altitude play a smaller role compared to the previously mentioned elements, they still necessitate consideration.

Headwinds will shorten your distances , while tailwinds can add extra yards .

Colder temperatures can slightly decrease ball speed, while playing at higher altitudes can lead to longer distances due to thinner air resistance.

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

Here are some generalized yardage charts ranging from beginner golfers all the way up to PGA tour level .

Here’s an example of how far you should expect to hit your clubs based on your general skill level.

Beginner Golfer Distance Chart

Beginner’s yardage chart example:.

Average Golfer Distance Chart

Average yardage chart example:.

Lady Golfer Distance Chart

Ladies yardage chart example:.

Senior Golfer Distance Chart

Senior’s yardage chart example:.

How to Create Your Personalized Yardage Chart in 2024

While generalized distance charts can offer a starting point for beginner golfers, relying solely on them can be misleading .

Your individual swing mechanics, launch angles, and even club variations significantly impact your distances. That’s why creating your personalized golf club distance chart is important for accurate shot selection and improved course management .

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 – Buy a Launch Monitor

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 Launch Monitors: Best Golf Club Distance Calculators 2024

#2 – Use 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.

⛳ Best GPS Devices and Apps: 18 Best Golf Apps of 2024 (Free & Premium)

#3 – Use a Rangefinder Tool

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.

⛳ Best Rangefinders: Top 10 Best Golf Rangefinders for Improved Accuracy and Performance

Using Distance Charts Effectively

Distance charts go beyond simply knowing how far you hit each club.

When you understand how far you hit your clubs consistently, you can significantly enhance your decision-making, and club selection to lower your scores .

Here’s what you can expect to happen when you confidently know your club’s yardage.

#1 – Learn Course Management

Knowing your reliable distances empowers you to make strategic decisions throughout the course.

You can assess risk and reward on every shot, choosing the club that allows you to reach the green in regulation while avoiding hazards or trouble areas.

For example, a well-placed layup with a shorter iron based on your distance chart could be a safer option than attempting a risky long shot over water.

#2 – Get Better At Club Selection

Distance charts eliminate the guesswork from club selection .

By referencing your chart and considering the yardage to the target, you can confidently choose the appropriate club for each shot, minimizing the risk of hitting long or short and leading to more consistent contact and accurate approaches .

#3 – Identify Gaps In Distances

Examining your distance chart can reveal any gaps in your yardage coverage.

These gaps represent distances where you lack a club that comfortably reaches the target.

Identifying these gaps allows you to adjust your club setup or consider adding specific clubs to fill the void and ensure you have a complete yardage arsenal for all situations.

#4 – More Practice and Improvement

Distance charts become valuable tools in your practice routine .

By knowing your exact distances, you can set targeted practice goals based on specific yardages.

This allows you to focus on improving your accuracy and consistency within certain ranges, ultimately leading to better distance control and score reduction .

Golf club distance charts offer a wealth of valuable information for golfers of all skill levels. They provide a starting point for understanding personal hitting power and evolve into powerful tools when customized with your individual data.

Utilizing distance charts effectively can significantly improve your game by:

• Enhancing course management:  Making strategic decisions based on reliable distances.
• Simplifying club selection:  Choosing the right club with confidence for each shot.
• Identifying gaps in your yardage coverage:  Addressing weaknesses and creating a complete arsenal.
• Setting targeted practice goals:  Focusing on specific distances for improved accuracy and consistency.

By creating and utilizing your personalized distance chart , you gain a deeper understanding of your game and equip yourself with valuable information to navigate the course strategically and make informed decisions . This translates to improved shot selection, greater consistency, and ultimately, lower scores .

🤔 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.

Additional Resources:

• Golf Club Distance By Swing Speed – Downloadable Chart
• Trackman Average PGA Tour Stats
• Trackman Average LPGA Tour Stats
• PGA Tour Stats 2024
• LPGA Statistics 2024

Downloadable Distance Charts:

Further Reading:

• 10+ Best Golf Club Distance Calculators: Top Brands & Tech (2024)
• Driver Distance Calculators
• 15+ Best Golf Apps & Golf Games To Try In 2024 (Paid & Free)

9 Iron Distance Control is a Valuable Skill

by Matt Ristine | Jan 1, 2015 | Golf Clubs

By Paul Myers

For most golfers, getting a 9 iron shot mostly on-line with the target is not too challenging. You probably won’t have as much of a fade or draw with a short club like a 9 iron, so as long as you hit it correctly, the ball should head generally toward the target you have picked out. However, getting the distance right can be a whole different challenge. This is where some amateur golfers struggle, and can stand to improve. When you are able to control the distance of your short iron shots, you can quickly notice your scores start to come down.

How Far Should Your 9 Iron Fly?

You can estimate the distance that you should be able to get from your 9 iron by using the swing speed you achieve with your driver. If you are able to swing your driver at an even 100 MPH, a modern 9 iron shot should travel around 132 yards under normal conditions. While you might be able to hit the ball a little farther or shorter than that mark depending on the specific mechanics of your swing, you should find that you fall in that general range. Of course, the important thing isn’t achieving maximum distance with your 9 iron – rather, you want repeatable distance that you can rely on shot after shot.

Learn to Control Trajectory

In addition to managing your distance with a regular swing, you also may want to have some other shots available to you with the 9 iron. For example, when facing an approach shot where the hole is located in the far back of the green, it can be helpful to hit a lower shot that will bounce and roll before stopping. Likewise, when looking at an approach to a front hole location, a higher shot that stops quickly can be useful. Spend some time on the practice range working on both higher and lower trajectories with your 9 iron so you can call on those shots when the situation presents itself. Part of the challenge in this process is being able to hit the various shots and also know how far they are going to fly when you change the trajectory. That is something that can be learned with experience, so put in the practice time and you may be rewarded.

Hopefully, you feel good on the golf course when you get to pull a 9 iron out of the bag in the fairway and take aim at the flag – because this is place where birdies can be made. Most golfers will be able to hit a 9 iron when they are inside of 120 yards or so, meaning they should have a good chance to be aggressive and set up a short putt. Spend plenty of practice time with your 9 iron if you hope to see more short birdie putts during your next round.

If you liked the article and you think it would help another golfer, please like it.

To learn more about Swing Man Golf products and hit it longer with swing speed training, click here .

And, if you would like to add 30 to 40 yards to your drives over the next 30 days, like thousands of our customers have before you, you might consider our unique Swing Man Golf Swing Speed Training.

Use the tool below to find out a.) how fast your swing speed should be and b.) how fast you COULD swing it soon:

HOW FAR SHOULD YOU DRIVE IT? HOW FAR COULD YOU DRIVE IT?

…based on gender, age, handicap and average driving distance? Use this tool to find out:

Recent Posts

• How to Increase Swing Speed: Five Exercises for More Power
• The Swing Speed Radar is Back!
• Swing Man Golf wins 2023 Golf Fitness Association of America Award for 3rd Straight Year
• 2023 PGA TOUR Club Head Speed Rankings
• The PGA of America and their #WeLoveThisGame Campaign

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 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Modern Golf Apparel

Save on TaylorMade, Callaway & more!

9 Iron: A Complete Guide to Loft and More

Today, the technology applied in manufacturing golf irons enables companies to deliver a high, straight launch in the long irons and a lower, more controlled launch with your short irons and wedges. This optimizes the performance of your irons through the bag.

Some players prefer to play with as many irons as possible, in which case a 9 iron is a welcome addition to your bags.

Should you use a 9-iron? And how can you get the most from this club?

Read on to learn everything you need to know about the 9-iron.

9 Iron Average Specs

What is the average 9-iron loft / what degree is a 9-iron, what is a 9 iron used for and how far should a 9 iron go, how to hit a 9 iron, pros of the 9-iron, cons of the 9-iron, 1. callaway golf rogue st max, 2. taylormade m1, when should i chip my 9 iron, what is the lie angle for a 9 iron golf club, what loft is a 9 iron, is a 9 iron the same as a pitching wedge, is a 9 iron hard to hit, where do you hit a 9 iron, is a 9 iron important, can a 9 iron replace a pitching wedge, how far does a 9 iron go, what is the fairway wood equivalent of the 9 iron, related articles, what is a 9 iron.

A 9-iron falls under the category of short irons , as it is the weakest lofted iron in your set before we progress to wedges. The average player hits the club from 120 yards or less out. 9-irons are used on approach on par 4’s and 5’s, and the odd par 3.

The weakened loft on the iron makes it easy for players to launch the ball high and land it soft, enabling you to hold tight greens.

In an August 2020 article, Elliot Heath from Golf Monthly explained that the average loft of a 9-iron sits between 41 and 43 degrees. Contrarily, it is commonplace to see golf brands releasing irons with strengthened lofts.

For example, the standard loft on the Callaway Mavrik Max Men’s 9-iron is 36 degrees. The same amount of loft on a weakened 7-iron, according to Heath.

Furthermore, the stock TaylorMade Sim2 Max 9-iron is fitted with 38 degrees of loft. While it is weaker than the Mavrik design, it is still stronger than the standard lofts mentioned by the Golf Monthly writer.

Based on this information, the Sim2 Max 9-iron degree loft is equivalent to the standard 8-iron loft.

In my post on golf club distances , I explained that the average male golfer strikes a 9-iron 120 yards, while the average female gains 100 yards. 9-irons with a loft of 28 degrees or stronger will launch lower than a 9-iron and give you a few extra yards of roll.

A weaker lofted 9-iron between 41 and 43 degrees will launch higher and land softly into greens. However, the higher, straighter launch of a weaker lofted 9-iron may reduce your ability to work the shot.

• Tilt the club forward to hit the sweet spot
• Aim to hit the ball down instead of trying to scoop it
• Use a shot follow-through

Should You Use a Hybrid Instead of a 9-Iron?

• Easy iron to launch
• Promotes a soft landing into greens
• High apex with weaker lofted 9-irons
• Optimized spin
• High ball flight is not suited to windy conditions.
• A strong lofted 9-iron may cause gapping issues between it and your pitching wedge, comprising your distance from 100 yards and less.

Given the ease of launching a 9-iron high and landing it soft, it is uncommon to see a hybrid in its place. However, there are a few brands that manufacture a 9-hybrid.

The Thomas Golf 9-hybrid is set with a loft of 42 degrees, while Majek Golf produces a strengthened 9-hybrid with a loft of 37 degrees. As we can see, the lofts on a 9-hybrid vary in line with those of a 9-iron.

Our Favorite 9-Irons

• Callaway’s most forgiving iron
• Superior turf interaction
• Prompts rapid ball speed
• Excellent distance
• Optimal launch throughout the set
• Incredible feel
• Moderate offset makes shot shaping more challenging
• The stronger lofted iron will not deliver the shot-stopping ability of a standard lofted 9-iron.

Key Features

• Moderate offset
• Flash Face Cup designed with A.I.
• Larger head profile
• Game improvement irons

• Provides accelerated ball speed
• High launch
• Shot stopping power
• Counteracts slices and pushed shots
• Eradicates vibrations at impact
• Strong standard lofts will not give all players the shot-stopping power which it claims.
• Cap Back cavity design
• Echo dampening system
• Thru-Slot speed pocket
• Adjustable loft and lie
• Mid to high launch

Chip shots with a 9 iron are perfect for when you are just on the edge of the green but still a little in the rough.

The average 9-iron angle for the lie is around 64 degrees.

A 9 iron’s loft degree is usually between 41 and 43 degrees.

No, a 9 iron has less loft than an average pitching wedge.

Hitting a 9 iron perfectly takes a little practice as it’s almost a wedge but not quite. You’ll need to find the middle ground with your swing.

The perfect 9-iron range is when you haven’t quite hit the green and want to make it close to the pin in a single shot.

Many PGA pros play without a 9 iron. You could get away with skipping out on one too. Many players just hit their 7 a little softer or use a wedge instead.

They achieve a similar result, but a pitching wedge usually lands softer on the green, so keep that in mind if you’re thinking of ditching your PW.

The average 9 iron distance for most golfers is around 130 yards.

It is rare to find a golfer using a fairway wood in place of a short iron. However, senior golfers have been known to use a 42-degree 9-wood instead of a 9-iron. Considering the strengthened lofts of a modern-day 9-iron, you could also use a 28-degree 17-wood as a substitute fairway wood.

Final Thoughts

It is imperative to have the correct 9-iron loft in your bag to ensure continuity in terms of distance with your wedges. A strengthened 9-iron combined with a standard pitching wedge will leave almost a whole club missing in your bag.

In conclusion, a strong lofted 9-iron generally sits around the 38-degree mark but can be stronger. However, a standard 9-iron is lofted between 41 and 43 degrees. If you opt for a strengthened 9-iron loft, make sure you maintain the trend heading into your wedge setup.

For those of you in the market for a new 9-iron that delivers distance, forgiveness, and consistency, I recommend testing the Callaway Rogue Max 9-iron.

• The Best Super Game-Improvement Irons
• The Best Irons for Beginners
• How Many Degrees Of Loft Are Between Irons

Chris Daniel

Chris's love for golf is only rivaled by his wanderlust. A globetrotter at heart, He’s played courses throughout Europe and Asia and at home in NSW, Australia. With a writing style as smooth as his golf swing, he’ll help you find the right gear to match your skill level and style. You can connect with Chris on LinkedIn .

• Chris Daniel https://www.golfspan.com/author/chrisdaniels The Best Budget Golf Clubs & Sets Under $350
• Chris Daniel https://www.golfspan.com/author/chrisdaniels 7 Wood Distance, When To Use, & Best Clubs
• Chris Daniel https://www.golfspan.com/author/chrisdaniels Golf Wedge Distance Chart: Average Distances for Most Golfers
• Chris Daniel https://www.golfspan.com/author/chrisdaniels How to Polish Golf Clubs (+ 4 Best Polish Reviews)

You might also like these

CONNECT WITH US

Golf Club Distances: How Far Should You Hit Your Irons?

The Golf Club Distance Chart—and Why You Shouldn't Worry About It

Brent Kelley is an award-winning sports journalist and golf expert with over 30 years in print and online journalism.

• Variation in Golfers' Distances

Learning Your Yardages

Golf club distance chart.

How far are you supposed to hit each of your golf clubs? What is the golf club distance for each of your clubs? These are among the most-asked questions from newbies to golf. But the only completely honest answer is: It depends.

It depends on a lot of factors: the clubs you are using, the balls you are using, the conditions under which you play (hard fairway or soft fairway? windy or calm? humid or dry? etc.), your gender and age, your physical fitness, coordination and athleticism, your swing speed, how solidly you are connecting with the ball, and so on.

We'll share a golf club yardage chart below, but first, let's explain why you really shouldn't pay much attention to it or to others showing golf club distances that you can find on the Web.

Variation in Golfers' Distances

The average yardages for each golf club depends, and it varies widely from golfer to golfer. One person's 5-iron distance is another person's 3-iron distance is another person's 7-iron distance.

This is the most important fact to take away from this article: There is no wrong golf club distance, there is only your distance. And knowing your distances (also known as "knowing your yardages") is much more important than knowing how far each club is "supposed" to go.

Here's an interesting fact: While PGA Tour pros hit their drives anywhere from 280 yards to 320 yards on average, and LPGA Tour pros hit their drives from 230 to 270 yards on average, most recreational golfers, according to Golf Digest , average somewhere around 195-205 yards with their drivers.

The moral of that story? Don't compare yourself with the world's best players. Although some recreational players do outhit the pros, they are rare and you probably aren't one of them.

You'll quickly get an idea of whether you are a "long" hitter or "short" hitter by simply playing golf and comparing yourself to those you play with. (There's also an easy but time-consuming method of calculating your own, personal golf club yardages.) There's no shame in being a short hitter, and being a long hitter doesn't guarantee anything, and certainly not a lower score.

And of course, hitting the ball far doesn't matter at all if you can't also hit it straight or then get the ball onto the green.

But you didn't click on this topic to read all this, did you? You want that distance chart! OK, we'll give you a distance chart, but consider everything you've read to this point to be caveats on this subject.

The yardages listed in the chart below show a range for average amateurs, both male and female. As you'll see, the ranges are quite large and represent short hitters, medium hitters, and long hitters. (There are, of course, people who hit it longer, just as there are people who hit it shorter.)

Hybrids are numbered based on the iron they are intended to replace in your bag. A 4-hybrid, for example, is numbered thusly because the manufacturer is saying it replaces a 4-iron. A 5-hybrid is equivalent to a 5-iron, and so on.

Meet the Irons: An Intro for Golf Beginners

Which Clubs Should You Carry in Your Golf Bag?

The 7 Best Golf GPS Apps of 2023 for Android and iPhone

Meet the Wedges: An Intro for Golf Beginners

Which Set of Tees Should You Play From on the Golf Course?

How High Should the Golf Ball Be on the Tee?

The 6 Best Women’s Golf Club Sets of 2024

Types of Golf Clubs: The Complete Guide

Steel vs. Graphite Golf Shafts: What's Right For Your Game?

The 8 Best Luggage Sets of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

A Step-by-Step Guide to a Great Golf Setup

What Is Offset, and Why Are Some Golf Clubs Designed With It?

The 9 Best Places to Buy Golf Clubs of 2024

The TPC Four Seasons Resort and Club, Irving, Texas

10 Tips to Mark a Golf Scorecard the Right Way

How to Decode the Letters On a Golf Shaft

• Remember me Not recommended on shared computers

Forgot your password?

Tour Pro Iron Distances

By huntdog99 March 21, 2011 in Tour Talk

• Reply to this topic
• Start new topic

Recommended Posts

Link to comment, share on other sites.

• Replies 101
• Created 13 yr
• Last Reply 3 yr

Top Posters In This Topic

Popular Days

neil112 10 posts

Excelsior75 8 posts

HCEG1 5 posts

QuigleyDU 4 posts

Mar 21 2011

i think the long ones hit it 200, for the average isnt it about 185 for 6.... the people dont tell us alot, there could be wind, green firmness and downhill you just dont know.

I was watching a tourny this year I think it was the WGC at the blue monster and was watching Matt Kuchar, they said at a par 3 that he was hitting a 9 iron. I dont know what the distance was, but when he swung to his finish you could see the sole of his club and it was a 7. SOO I would not put to much stock in what club is said by the announcers.

Driver: Paradym 3D Ventus black TR 6x

3 wood: Paradym 3d Ventus black TR 7x

19 degree UW: Ventus black TR 8x

Mizuno Pro Fli Hi 4 utility Hazrdus black 90 6.5 X

5 -PW: Callaway Apex MB, KBS $ taper 130X

Wedges - Jaws raw 50, 54, 59 KBS $ taper 130x

Putter- Mutant Wilson Staff 8802 with stroke lab shaft BALL; Chrome Soft X

the pin might have been 200, but they might have been flying it 180 or 185 ..etc. I think that is more the issue then announcers giving the wrong club. You see a ton of release, or it can be a back pin that they want no part of some guys obviously kill it, but not all of them do.

Srixon ZX5 w/PX Hzrdus Red 60

Srixon ZX 15 w/PX Hzrdus Red 70

Tour Edge C723 21* w/PX hzrdus black 80

Titleist T150 4-AW w/PX LZ 6.0

Titleist Jet Black 54/60 with PX LZ 6.0

Deschamps Crisp Antique 

Gary Woodland hit a 5 iron 215 yds uphill on the back nine this past weekend. Chit I don't have that shot w/ a 3 iron and I think I'm a fairly long hitter. It's insane how strong and long some of these guys are nowadays.

Ping G430 10k 9 Tour Black 2.0 Stiff

Titleist TSI2 16.5 Tensei White Stiff

Titleist 818 21 KBS PROTO Stiff Ping G710 4-PW

Ping S159 50 54 58

Ping Senita 38 Putter

Distance is sensationalized by all, even the announcers. I don't remember which tournament on the west coast it was, but I'm watching the coverage and they always ask "Dottie" what's he hitting. 205 to the pin, looks to be a 5 iron. Same player, two holes later he was hitting a 3 iron with 210 left. No wind, no real big change in elevation. I chalk it up to sensationalizing and possible, if asking the caddie, puffing up his man a bit. Who the hell can tell the difference of 4-8* on the face of an iron from their couch.

Yeah, yeah, yeah...... Come to Scotland in a real wind and see how far (or not) you'll hit your irons I recall Tiger practising for the Open at carnoustie smoking a 4 iron into the breeze. How far did it go? come on, have a guess, 190? 180? 170? what, 160?............. Try [b]112[/b]! Here's a good extract of that practice round.... Woods, Pampling, Howell, Brett Quigley and Robert Karlsson were among those who left nothing to chance. Woods was on the first tee at 6 a.m., his typical starting time during practice rounds at the British Open. Once he made the turn, he must have wondered why he bothered. "One good thing about today is he's playing in a rain jacket," swing coach Hank Haney said. "He hasn't done that all year. The round was quiet and quick. The harder the wind blew, the more the rain blew sideways, the more fun they seemed to have. "Good thing we're playing today," caddie Steve Williams said. "It could be worse tomorrow." No one bothered practicing putts or chips around the greens because the green was too soft, and some of them had puddles on the edges. Woods was duly impressed when Pampling hit driver off the deck for his second shot (on a par 4), and doubled over in laughter when [b]Pampling hit a 2-iron to the 176-yard [/b][b]13th hole that didn't clear a bunker 150 yards in front of them[/b]. But the joke was on Woods at the 14th, a par 5 at 514 yards known for the Spectacle bunkers some 65 yards in front of the greens that players usually can carry easily. But not on this day. Woods hit driver in the fairway and hit 2-iron short of the Spectacles, just left in a sparse patch of rough. He swung hard and watched his third shot over the bunkers, and stopped in his tracks when he arrived at the green and found his ball a few yards from the green. "I didn't get there," Woods said incredulously. "With a 4-iron!" Even more stunning was the yardage he had with that [b]4-iron -- 112 yards [/b]to the front, 128 yards to the hole. At this point it became a quest, not just to finish the round, but neither wanting to yield anything to par. This became an impossibility, especially since Pampling hit 3-wood short of the green on the next hole. The day earlier, it was a 3-wood and a 7-iron. Memories of Muirfield for Woods? "Muirfield, by far, was worse than this," he said. "Do you realize it was 34 degrees that day?"

Cool story HCEG1

The distances they report aren't reliable. Some of the irons are really jacked up that 6 iron is probably lofted very strong. The ones I really don't believe are on the Senior Tour, they just can't be as long as stated. All-in-all I don't care what they report because there is no way I can compare myself to them, I certainly will never be able to hit a 6 iron 200 yards. I am impressed though when I see a Pro hit his 3 wood off the grass 280 for a second shot. In the old persimmon days it was rare to see a drive go that far. These youngsters really slap it.

Excelsior75

+1 for all replies. The TV commentators are the worst when they matter-of-factly say: "[i]well, he's got 175 to the flag and he's going to [u]cut a little 8-iron[/u] in there[/i]" Sure, if it's a warm day, slight downwind and elevated tee...otherwise, don't insult viewers intelligence. Someone like Woods himself stated his stock 8-iron goes about 150-160...at 85-90% power? That I can believe given his strength and ball-striking...but not everyone on the Tour flies it like he does...

There's a lot of context needed when players are hitting a long iron or FW....i remember a couple of weeks ago Bubba hit a 3 irons to some ridiculous distance (i think he was 270 or 280 out)....but the pin was in the back and the ball landed before the green (and ran a bit) so he carried it 220 or so. Also, 2 of the par 3's at Innisbrook are really downhill, especially the 15th hole, but you couldnt really tell that on TV.

whatwhatwhat

Id like to agree but Im not sure, on mcilroy,s twitter page he was asked how far he carries his 6 iron at sea level, he said 190, I think thats pretty reasonable for him, I would love to play golf at some sort of altitude in hot conditions, its nearly alway plus 20 celcius on the pga tour, thats [b]never[/b] the case here. All that being said mickelson and garcia hit their Irons ridiculous distances

[quote name='huntdog99' timestamp='1300764615' post='3076492'] Ok... I am a scratch player and I played in college with a lot of current tour players. I also get the fact that your cant always trust what you hear on TV in terms of what club a player is hitting. What I dont understand is how I went from being an above average hitter in college to getting my doors blown off 10 years later. There were SO many six irons being hit 200 yards or so this weekend. Am I missing something or are the tour guys hitting it for freaking ever? [/quote] A lot of the tour pros today, most notably Phil, like to deloft their irons these days, so the #'s are skewed in that sense. Better equipment, better nutrition and conditioning, and better swings all lead to hitting it longer.

• 2 weeks later...

One thing one of the analysts on SKY TV mentioned tonight, was that players [i]very rarely[/i] go down the 80-90%-power route when hitting driver or 3-fairway off the tee. They cut to Mickelson hitting driver off 13, it went maybe 320-330 carry & roll and he said that was as hard as Mickelson can possibly hit the ball...but that's what they practice all the time now. The fact that, players can absolutely bomb the ball regardless off the tee now....and yet still get up-and-down from the rough, 120 yards out, 80 yards to the left or right was a case for golf-courses needing to be changed. I think they have a point: all-out power-golf is being rearding too much nowadays and not penalised. Case-in-point: Anthony Kim hit 23 out of 64 fairways in the Shell Houston Open last year, came last in driving accuracy yet still won...

[quote name='BenHogan03' timestamp='1300845806' post='3079402'] [quote name='huntdog99' timestamp='1300764615' post='3076492'] Ok... I am a scratch player and I played in college with a lot of current tour players. I also get the fact that your cant always trust what you hear on TV in terms of what club a player is hitting. What I dont understand is how I went from being an above average hitter in college to getting my doors blown off 10 years later. There were SO many six irons being hit 200 yards or so this weekend. Am I missing something or are the tour guys hitting it for freaking ever? [/quote] A lot of the tour pros today, most notably Phil, like to deloft their irons these days, so the #'s are skewed in that sense. Better equipment, better nutrition and conditioning, and better swings all lead to hitting it longer. [/quote] i am not sure where this comes from, I have heard this all over the place, except from Phil or anyone that would actually know. So for this is totally an unproven claim. Yes He hits a 6.5 driver but that does not mean that his irons are that jacked. In fact last year HE said that he had to weaken his loft because he was hitting it to far with his irons. He carries a 60 and a 64 wedge. So if his lofts were that strong he would have a huge gap at the bottom. Since he carries Driver 3wood 3-pw putter sometime a Hybrid sometimes 2 drivers I seriously doubt that his irons are as strongly lofted as you think.

flyersfan91

In phils interview today, he said his second shot on 18 which was 188 yards i believe was a 9 iron. Landed within 5 feet of the flag, so that is some impressive distance for a 9 iron

I agree very impressive. But that does not mean that that 8 iron had the loft of a 6 iron.

That's why I like watching the LPGA...they play a game I'm familiar with.

im from uk and i play some mini tour stuff,here are a few of my yardages ive had over the past few days of practice in 15 degree temp so maybe add 10 percent for us yardages ,217 yrd 4 iron pitched pin high into left to right wind.8 iron 187 yards pitched 6 foot short down wind .397 yard par four 3 wood 318 yards three quater 80 yard lob wedge all down wind.so i can believe the guys on the us tour can move it out there but it seems like 80 percent of the guys now just bust it which gets me worried as ive never played in the states but am thinking of going tour school.

[quote name='Sean2' timestamp='1301777484' post='3112766'] That's why I like watching the LPGA...they play a game I'm familiar with. [/quote] +1, Except Michelle Wie, She would kick my butt on distances.

[quote name='neil112' timestamp='1301779381' post='3112819'] 217 yrd 4 iron pitched pin high into left to right wind. 8 iron 187 yards pitched 6 foot short down wind. 397 yard par four 3 wood 318 yards [/quote] Yes. Yes. No.

[quote name='Excelsior75' timestamp='1301782073' post='3112933'] [quote name='neil112' timestamp='1301779381' post='3112819'] 217 yrd 4 iron pitched pin high into left to right wind. 8 iron 187 yards pitched 6 foot short down wind. 397 yard par four 3 wood 318 yards [/quote] Yes. Yes. No. [/quote] you have to understand im a professional and play with pros and many top amateurs i was coached when i was younger by ian connelly a mentor to nick faldo also great friends with gary player and davis loves father ,my current coach put me 125 mph swing speed .when i play with many of my pro mates they are astounded with my clubbing ,please understand this shot with the three woood was down wind and i consistently hit my 3 wood 265-270 yards carry off the tee 255 from the fairway .i had a hole in one last year on an uphill 322 yard par four ,and hit the pin form 276 with an hybrid both with friends one a pro another an assistant i have dedicated my whole life to make it on the tour so before you say no to me atleast understand that there are many people with a graet talent for the game ,

[quote name='neil112' timestamp='1301783224' post='3112979'] [quote name='Excelsior75' timestamp='1301782073' post='3112933'] [quote name='neil112' timestamp='1301779381' post='3112819'] 217 yrd 4 iron pitched pin high into left to right wind. 8 iron 187 yards pitched 6 foot short down wind. 397 yard par four 3 wood 318 yards [/quote] Yes. Yes. No. [/quote] you have to understand im a professional and play with pros and many top amateurs i was coached when i was younger by ian connelly a mentor to nick faldo also great friends with gary player and davis loves father ,my current coach put me 125 mph swing speed .when i play with many of my pro mates they are astounded with my clubbing ,please understand this shot with the three woood was down wind and i consistently hit my 3 wood 265-270 yards carry off the tee 255 from the fairway .i had a hole in one last year on an uphill 322 yard par four ,and hit the pin form 276 with an hybrid both with friends one a pro another an assistant i have dedicated my whole life to make it on the tour so before you say no to me atleast understand that there are many people with a graet talent for the game , [/quote] You're way out of my league Neil. :-)

[quote name='Sean2' timestamp='1301783569' post='3112991'] [quote name='neil112' timestamp='1301783224' post='3112979'] [quote name='Excelsior75' timestamp='1301782073' post='3112933'] [quote name='neil112' timestamp='1301779381' post='3112819'] 217 yrd 4 iron pitched pin high into left to right wind. 8 iron 187 yards pitched 6 foot short down wind. 397 yard par four 3 wood 318 yards [/quote] Yes. Yes. No. [/quote] you have to understand im a professional and play with pros and many top amateurs i was coached when i was younger by ian connelly a mentor to nick faldo also great friends with gary player and davis loves father ,my current coach put me 125 mph swing speed .when i play with many of my pro mates they are astounded with my clubbing ,please understand this shot with the three woood was down wind and i consistently hit my 3 wood 265-270 yards carry off the tee 255 from the fairway .i had a hole in one last year on an uphill 322 yard par four ,and hit the pin form 276 with an hybrid both with friends one a pro another an assistant i have dedicated my whole life to make it on the tour so before you say no to me atleast understand that there are many people with a graet talent for the game , [/quote] You're way out of my league Neil. :-) [/quote] nah nam im just lucky to have some talent the rest is hard work ,im hoping to start competing again this year i took two years out to sort out my finances and understand my swing .have we met by the way sean where are you based

Lefty's a freak with his iron distances, but with the strong lofts he uses, eg 4 iron at 17* & a PW at 45*, & shafts an inch longer, his irons are at least a club stronger than most

[quote name='HCEG1' timestamp='1301813381' post='3113979'] Lefty's a freak with his iron distances, but with the strong lofts he uses, eg 4 iron at 17* & a PW at 45*, & shafts an inch longer, his irons are at least a club stronger than most [/quote] is this serious he plays his 4 at 17 degrees damn thats my old school mizuno 1 iron loft.still i think sommeone like nick watney impresses me more tecnically playing weaker lofts but much more advanced swing mechanics and dustin they really have the modern compressing move .phils more a hang back old school guy so i could see him jacking up the lofts to bust it those yardages.man phil looks so good at 3/4 though so much control i think lefty could suprise a few people when he ages a little more maybe his swing might get naturally shorter then he would just drive the ball within himself interesting thought which ive always pondered looking at sneads swing and the longivity of his career

[quote name='neil112' timestamp='1301783985' post='3112999'] [quote name='Sean2' timestamp='1301783569' post='3112991'] [quote name='neil112' timestamp='1301783224' post='3112979'] [quote name='Excelsior75' timestamp='1301782073' post='3112933'] [quote name='neil112' timestamp='1301779381' post='3112819'] 217 yrd 4 iron pitched pin high into left to right wind. 8 iron 187 yards pitched 6 foot short down wind. 397 yard par four 3 wood 318 yards [/quote] Yes. Yes. No. [/quote] you have to understand im a professional and play with pros and many top amateurs i was coached when i was younger by ian connelly a mentor to nick faldo also great friends with gary player and davis loves father ,my current coach put me 125 mph swing speed .when i play with many of my pro mates they are astounded with my clubbing ,please understand this shot with the three woood was down wind and i consistently hit my 3 wood 265-270 yards carry off the tee 255 from the fairway .i had a hole in one last year on an uphill 322 yard par four ,and hit the pin form 276 with an hybrid both with friends one a pro another an assistant i have dedicated my whole life to make it on the tour so before you say no to me atleast understand that there are many people with a graet talent for the game , [/quote] You're way out of my league Neil. :-) [/quote] nah nam im just lucky to have some talent the rest is hard work ,im hoping to start competing again this year i took two years out to sort out my finances and understand my swing .have we met by the way sean where are you based [/quote] Just outside of Boston. How about you Neil? Someplace warmer I hope.

A few years ago Ernie Els was on a par 3 about 155 yards long. Peter Kostis said Els was hitting a wedge, in the last picture of Els in his finish position the club had a number "8" on the bottom.

yeah and im sure ernie has hit that same 8 iron 200 yards in the right wind conditions yeah the announcers boost yardages i reckon sometimes but these guys can flat out stripe the ball and most of em are just playing on 80 percent.one of my mates joe miller (congrats joe on the remax)when he was getting serious about the long drive game we used to hit balls together sometimes .im fairly long when i want to be but basically i pitched my 4 iron 215 .his stock 8 iron was around 210 at this time ,and man you should have seen the clone shovels he was using .he used to drive 400 yard holes with a taylormade driver old school 300 head proforce 65 shaft.so i have no doubt that the top guys phil ,ernie,and the new breed ie dustin,watney ,woodland can easily fly a 6 iron 200 yards plus

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

×   Pasted as rich text.    Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.    Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.    Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

• Insert image from URL
• Submit Reply

Recently Browsing    0 members

• No registered users viewing this page.

2024 Valspar Championship WITB Photos (Thanks to bvmagic)- Discussion & Links to Photos

easyyy posted a topic in Tour and Pre-Release Equipment , March 20

2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Discussion and Links to Photos

GolfWRX_Spotted posted a topic in Tour and Pre-Release Equipment , March 4

2024 Cognizant Classic - Discussion and Links to Photos

GolfWRX_Spotted posted a topic in Tour and Pre-Release Equipment , February 26

2024 Genesis Invitational - Discussion and Links to Photos

GolfWRX_Spotted posted a topic in Tour and Pre-Release Equipment , February 12

2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open - Discussion and Links to Photos

GolfWRX_Spotted posted a topic in Tour and Pre-Release Equipment , February 5

Popular Now

By odshot68 Started 4 hours ago

By dugue4 Started 13 hours ago

By metaldog Started 21 hours ago

By MattyO1984 Started Tuesday at 09:12 AM

By iBanesto Started August 24, 2023

Welcome. Register Here.

Come on in, the water is fine...

Recent B/S/T

soufrog · Started 35 minutes ago

sosob34 · Started 3 hours ago

StarFleetGolfer · Started 4 hours ago

ReidE5 · Started 4 hours ago

Tlsigma · Started 4 hours ago

GolfWRX_Spotted · Started December 5, 2023

• Existing user? Sign In

The Bag Room

• Tour & Pre-Release Equipment
• WRX Club Techs
• Golf Sims/GPS/RFs/Apps
• Golf Style and Accessories

The Club House

• General Golf Talk
• Classic Golf And Golfers
• Courses, Memberships and Travel
• Groups, Tourneys, and Partners Matching

WRX Academy

• Instruction & Academy
• Rules of Golf and Etiquette
• Swing Videos and Comments

Classifieds & ProShops

• Deal/No Deal

Website Help

• Forum Support
• BST AD Help Forum

My Activity Streams

• BST/Deal Activity
• All Activity
• Unread - No BST/19th
• Subscriptions

Classifieds

• For Sale Forum
• Wanted to Buy
• Mall of Pro Shops
• Where Did My Ad Go?
• Trade In Tool
• Create New...

How Far Should I Hit My 9 Iron in Golf? Charts By Skill, Swing Speed and Age!

Table of Contents

Want to know how far you should hit your 9 iron in golf? Well, you’re in the right place!

In this article, we will explore the factors that affect your 9 iron distance, explain how the loft of the club and your swing speed are related, offer tips to help you increase your 9 iron distance, and point out common mistakes to avoid.

We will also provide guidance on accurately measuring your 9 iron distance.

Get ready to improve your golf game with this helpful guide!

9 Iron Distance by Skill Level: Male/Female

The proficiency of a golfer plays a significant role in the average distance they can achieve with their 9-iron. Generally, as players become more skilled, their ability to strike the ball cleanly and generate optimal launch conditions improves .

Here’s a breakdown of average distances based on golfer skill levels:

9 Iron Distance By Swing Speed

Swing speed directly impacts the ball’s carry distance. A faster swing typically results in the ball traveling farther . However, it’s also essential for the strike to be clean and centered.

Here’s a look at how varying swing speeds can influence the distance of a 9-iron shot:

9 Iron Distance By Age

Age can be a factor in how far an individual hits their 9-iron. While it’s not the only determinant, physical strength and flexibility, which can change with age, play a role in generating swing speed and power.

Below is an average distance range based on age groups:

Again, these are general guidelines, and there will always be outliers. The actual distance someone can hit their 9-iron depends on several variables including technique, equipment, physical fitness, and more. These tables should give a more conservative and realistic range.

Interested in learning about other averages distances? Check out this guide on how far you should hit your 7 iron .

Factors Affecting 9 Iron Distance

When determining the factors affecting your 9 iron distance, it’s important to consider various elements that can impact the length of your shot.

One crucial factor is grip pressure impact. The way you hold the club can have a significant effect on the distance you achieve with your 9 iron. Too much grip pressure can restrict the clubhead’s movement, resulting in a shorter shot. Conversely, too little grip pressure can lead to a loss of control and accuracy.

Another factor to consider is swing tempo timing . The timing of your swing, including the speed and rhythm, plays a vital role in determining the distance of your 9 iron shot. A smooth and consistent tempo allows for better clubhead speed and optimal impact, resulting in a longer shot.

Understanding Club Loft and Swing Speed

To understand the relationship between club loft and swing speed, you should consider the optimal combination of these factors to achieve maximum distance with your 9 iron .

One important aspect to consider is the proper grip in your golf swing. A proper grip ensures that the club is held securely and allows for better control and power during the swing. It helps to maintain a consistent clubface angle at impact, which directly affects the loft and trajectory of the ball.

Another crucial factor is body rotation. By utilizing your body’s rotation effectively, you can generate more club speed, leading to increased distance. The rotation of your hips, torso, and shoulders adds power and speed to your swing, resulting in a more efficient transfer of energy from your body to the club.

Wondering how you can increase your swing speed? Check out our guide on increasing swing speed .

Tips for Increasing 9 Iron Distance

To increase your 9 iron distance, focus on improving your swing mechanics . Here are three tips to help you increase swing power and improve ball contact:

• Develop a strong grip: A proper grip allows for better control and power during your swing. Ensure that your hands are placed comfortably on the club, with your left hand turned slightly to the right and your right hand positioned below the left.
• Generate more clubhead speed : Increase your swing speed by using your body’s rotation and transferring weight from your back foot to your front foot. This will add power to your swing and help you hit the ball farther.
• Practice consistent ball contact : Aim to strike the ball in the center of the clubface consistently. This will maximize the transfer of energy from the club to the ball, resulting in increased distance. Focus on maintaining a steady tempo and rhythm throughout your swing to achieve better ball contact. Some golfers with slow swing speed prefers to use low compression golf balls .

Wondering how you average distances measures up with other clubs? Here you can read about average distances for a 5 iron .

Common Mistakes to Avoid With Your 9 Iron

To optimize your 9 iron performance, it’s crucial to avoid common mistakes that can hinder your swing and distance.

One of the most common mistakes in the golf swing is a poor grip. Make sure your grip is neither too tight nor too loose. A proper grip allows for better control and consistency in your swing .

Another mistake to avoid is an improper stance. Your stance should be shoulder-width apart, with your feet aligned parallel to the target line. This will ensure proper balance and stability throughout your swing.

Additionally, avoid swinging too hard with your 9 iron. Instead, focus on a smooth and controlled swing , allowing the club to do the work.

How to Measure Your 9 Iron Distance Accurately

To measure your 9 iron distance accurately, you can utilize a simple and effective method. Here are three steps to help you improve your 9 iron accuracy and choose the right 9 iron for your game:

• Warm up and hit a few practice shots : Before measuring your 9 iron distance, warm up your muscles and get a feel for your swing. Take a few practice shots with your 9 iron to gauge your average distance.
• Use a launch monitor or GPS device : To accurately measure your 9 iron distance, consider using a launch monitor or GPS device. These tools provide precise data on the distance and trajectory of your shots, helping you understand your average yardage.
• Conduct on-course testing : Another way to measure your 9 iron distance accurately is to conduct on-course testing. Select a flat, open hole and hit multiple shots with your 9 iron. Take note of the distance each shot travels and calculate the average.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i use the same swing speed for all my clubs, including the 9 iron.

You should not use the same swing speed for all your clubs, including the 9 iron. Swing speed variations affect the distance you can achieve with each club. Additionally, grip pressure impact plays a role in club control and shot accuracy.

How Does the Temperature Affect the Distance I Can Hit My 9 Iron?

The temperature can affect the distance you hit your 9 iron. Cold temperatures can decrease the distance, while warmer temperatures can increase it. Additionally, altitude and wind can also impact the distance you can achieve.

Should I Hit a Full Swing With My 9 Iron Every Time?

When considering whether to hit a full swing with your 9 iron every time, it’s important to factor in control. Using a half swing can provide better control, while adjusting your swing for different lie conditions is also crucial.

Can the Type of Golf Ball I Use Affect the Distance I Achieve With My 9 Iron?

Can the type of golf ball you use affect the distance you achieve with your 9 iron? Absolutely. Factors like wind and club shaft flex also play a role in determining how far your 9 iron will go.

Are There Any Specific Exercises or Stretches That Can Help Increase My 9 Iron Distance?

To increase your 9 iron distance, try specific exercises and stretches that focus on improving your core strength, flexibility, and overall golf swing mechanics. These can help you generate more power and achieve greater distance with your 9 iron.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it! Understanding the factors that affect your 9 iron distance, such as club loft and swing speed, is crucial for improving your game.

Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep working on your technique and you’ll see your distance increase over time.

As the saying goes, ‘Drive for show, putt for dough.’ Keep striving to improve your short game, and success on the golf course will surely follow!

Meet James Wade, a golf enthusiast and dedicated educator, here at Golf Gladiator. With a deep-rooted love for the game nurtured by his father, James brings a down-to-earth approach to golfing insights. James is here to share practical tips and experiences to enrich your golfing journey.

Related Posts

Can you golf while pregnant, how to hook a golf ball, what is a stinger shot in golf, how much do golf caddies make salaries revealed, leave a reply cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

Tee Precision

5 Iron Distance [Average to Tour Pro]

A 5 iron is one of the most versatile clubs in a golfer’s bag, and knowing the average distance a golfer can hit with it is crucial for a successful golf game. The average distance golfers hit a 5 iron is between 160 to 200 yards, depending on their skill level, swing speed, and ball speed. PGA Tour players, on the other hand, can hit their 5 iron up to 220 yards or more.

Table of Contents

Average 5 iron distance, factors that influence 5 iron distance, how to improve your 5 iron distance, who hits the farthest 5 iron.

For amateur golfers, hitting a 5 iron accurately and consistently can be challenging, but it is an essential skill to master. Many golfers struggle to hit their 5 iron as far as they would like, which can affect their overall golf game. Factors such as clubhead speed, ball speed, and launch angle all influence distance, and golfers who want more distance with their 5 iron need to focus on these areas.

While a 5 iron may not be the longest club in a golfer’s bag, it is a reliable option for approach shots and can be used for tee shots on shorter par 3s. Golfers who want to add distance to their 5 iron shots can try using a longer shaft, lowering the loft, or switching to a blade-style club. Overall, mastering the 5 iron distance can significantly improve a golfer’s short game and help them become a more well-rounded player on the golf course.

When it comes to golf, knowing the average distance a golfer can hit a 5 iron is essential. The 5 iron is a mid-range iron that is commonly used to hit approach shots to the green. It is a versatile club that can help golfers achieve longer, higher shots with good control and accuracy.

How is 5 Iron Distance Measured?

The distance a golfer can hit a 5 iron depends on several factors, including swing speed, ball speed, ball flight, and clubhead speed. The average distance golfers hit a 5 iron is around 160 yards for men and 140 yards for women. However, this distance can vary depending on the skill level of the golfer, the type of golf club, and the golf course conditions.

PGA Tour players, on the other hand, can hit a 5 iron much farther than the average golfer. The average PGA Tour player can hit a 5 iron around 200 yards. However, some of the best golfers can hit a 5 iron up to 230 yards or more.

It is important to note that the 5 iron distance can vary depending on the golfer’s swing and ball flight. For example, golfers with faster swing speeds can hit the ball farther than those with slower swing speeds. Similarly, golfers who hit the ball with a high launch angle and low spin rate can achieve more distance than those who hit the ball with a low launch angle and high spin rate.

Overall, the 5 iron is a versatile club that can help golfers improve their golf game. By knowing the average distance golfers hit a 5 iron, golfers can choose the right club for their shots and improve their chances of hitting the ball farther and with more accuracy.

Distance is an important aspect of the golf game, and the 5 iron is a critical club for many golfers. Several factors can influence the distance that a golfer can hit a 5 iron. Understanding these factors can help golfers optimize their 5 iron distance and improve their game.

Swing Speed and Clubhead Speed

One of the most critical factors that influence 5 iron distance is swing speed. The faster a golfer swings, the farther they can hit the ball. According to Golf Insider UK , the average swing speed for male golfers is between 90-100 mph, while the average swing speed for female golfers is between 60-70 mph. However, swing speed is not the only factor that influences distance.

Clubhead speed is another important factor that influences distance. According to Golfer Logic , the average clubhead speed for male golfers is between 105-110 mph, while the average clubhead speed for female golfers is between 85-90 mph. A faster clubhead speed can lead to more distance, but it also requires more skill and control.

Ball Speed and Smash Factor

Ball speed is the speed at which the golf ball travels after impact with the clubface. The faster the ball speed, the farther the ball will travel. According to Golfer Logic , the average ball speed for male golfers is between 150-160 mph, while the average ball speed for female golfers is between 120-130 mph.

Smash factor is a measure of how efficiently the energy from the clubhead is transferred to the ball. A higher smash factor means that more of the energy is transferred , resulting in higher ball speed and more distance. According to Honest Golfers , the average smash factor for a 5 iron is around 1.3.

Launch Angle and Spin Rate

Launch angle is the angle at which the ball leaves the clubface. A higher launch angle can result in more distance, but it can also lead to less accuracy. Spin rate is the rate at which the ball spins after impact. A lower spin rate can lead to more distance, but it can also lead to less control.

According to Golf Insider UK , the ideal launch angle for a 5 iron is between 18-22 degrees, while the ideal spin rate is between 5000-6000 rpm. However, these values can vary depending on the golfer’s skill level and swing characteristics.

Golf Ball and Golf Club

The type of golf ball and golf club used can also influence 5 iron distance. Different golf balls and clubs have different characteristics that can affect distance, spin, and launch angle. The type of golf ball can influence distance by up to 10 yards, while the type of golf club can influence distance by up to 20 yards.

It is important for golfers to choose a golf ball and golf club that is suited to their skill level and swing characteristics to optimize their distance and performance on the course.

For many golfers, hitting a 5 iron accurately and with enough distance can be a challenge. However, with a few adjustments to your swing technique and equipment, you can improve your 5 iron distance and accuracy.

Increasing Swing Speed

One way to increase your 5 iron distance is to increase your swing speed. PGA Tour players have an average swing speed of 110-120 mph, while the average golfer has a swing speed of around 90 mph. By increasing your swing speed, you can add more ball speed and distance to your shots.

To increase your swing speed, focus on developing a smooth and efficient swing. You can also try strength training exercises to build up your core and upper body muscles, which will help you generate more power in your swing.

Using Different Golf Clubs

Another way to improve your 5 iron distance is to experiment with different golf clubs. Some golfers may find that they hit a 4 iron or hybrid club more accurately and with more distance than a 5 iron. It’s important to find the right club for your swing and skill level.

You can also try adjusting the loft of your clubs. Lower lofted clubs, such as a 4 iron, can help you hit the ball farther. However, keep in mind that lower lofted clubs can also be more difficult to hit accurately.

Improving Technique

Improving your technique can also help you hit your 5 iron farther. Focus on maintaining good balance throughout your swing, and make sure you are making solid contact with the ball. You can also work on improving your ball flight and spin rate, which can help you hit the ball higher and farther.

Another technique to try is to focus on hitting down on the ball, rather than trying to lift it into the air. This can help you create a more penetrating ball flight and add more distance to your shots.

Overall, improving your 5 iron distance requires a combination of technique, equipment, and practice. By focusing on these areas, you can add more distance and accuracy to your golf game.

PGA Tour Players

PGA Tour players are known for their exceptional skills and abilities on the golf course. They have the advantage of years of experience, hours of practice, and access to top-of-the-line equipment. According to Golfing Focus, on average, PGA pros hit a 5-iron a carry distance of 200-215 yards. However, the distance can vary depending on the player’s swing speed, ball speed, and other factors.

LPGA Tour Players

LPGA Tour players are equally skilled, but they tend to hit the ball shorter than their male counterparts. According to Golf Digest, the average LPGA Tour player hits a 5-iron a carry distance of 155-175 yards. However, some players can hit the ball farther than others, depending on their swing speed and other factors.

Average Distance for Male and Female Golfers

For the average male golfer, the distance they hit a 5-iron is around 160 yards, while the average female golfer hits a 5-iron around 140 yards, according to Golf Storage Guide. However, these distances can vary depending on the golfer’s skill level, swing speed, and other factors. In conclusion, the distance a golfer hits a 5-iron can vary greatly depending on various factors such as swing speed, ball speed, and skill level. PGA Tour players tend to hit the ball farther than LPGA Tour players, while the average male golfer hits the ball farther than the average female golfer.

After examining the factors that influence 5 iron distance, it is clear that there are many variables that can affect a golfer’s ability to hit the ball consistently and accurately. Swing speed, clubhead speed, ball speed, and spin rate all play a role in determining how far a golfer can hit their 5 iron. Additionally, the type of golf ball, the loft of the club, and the golfer’s skill level can also influence distance.

PGA Tour players are able to hit their 5 iron an average of 195 yards, while amateur golfers typically hit their 5 iron between 140-160 yards. The average male golfer hits their 5 iron around 160 yards, while LPGA Tour players hit their 5 iron an average of 155 yards. It is important to note that these distances are just averages, and many golfers will hit the ball farther or shorter than these numbers.

For most golfers, the key to hitting their 5 iron consistently and accurately is to focus on good balance, a smooth golf swing, and proper club selection. By practicing regularly and working with a golf instructor to improve their swing, golfers can add distance and improve their overall game.

While there is no one-size-fits-all solution for improving 5 iron distance, golfers can experiment with different clubs, balls, and swing techniques to find what works best for them. Whether you are a short hitter or a long hitter, adding a few extra yards to your 5 iron distance can help you take your game to the next level.

• Recent Posts

• Should Tee Boxes Be Level? - January 23, 2024
• 3 Hybrid Distance - November 15, 2023
• Innovations in Golf Mobility: An In-depth Review of Top Golf Scooters - October 12, 2023