For example, if you have a 20-30 yard gap between your 4-iron and your 3-wood, you’ll be in deep trouble if a shot requires a distance in the large gap. In addition to understanding the difference between carry and total distance, another reason for knowing how far each club goes is to properly manage the gaps in distance between your clubs. Amateurs typically play total distance (carry + roll) on their best shots as their standard carry.” “That being said, there is a difference between carry distance and total distance. “The statistics would say 150 yards is the key distance for amateurs to practice, that and further is actually a bigger separator between professionals and amateurs” said PGA Tour instructor Jake Thurm. Why is it important to know your golf club distances? Add all these variables and it’s easy to see why amateurs struggle with identifying their golf club distances. In addition, the biggest factor is how well struck the shot was. So it should be the perfect club for this same distance at Harborside.”Įach shot faces different conditions including lie, wind, uphill/downhill, temperature and more. “I hit my 7-iron 200 yards last week at Cog Hill. These are two different questions that most amateur golfers often consider similar when choosing a club on the golf course. How far can you hit a 7-iron? How far do you usually hit a 7-iron? Click here to download a Golf Club Distance Chart (PDF) Understanding on average, how far each club in your bag carries and rolls after impact can make a direct impact on your handicap. However, all of that would be worthless if you don’t have sweet spot contact.Īs a general rule, 90% of golf shots are left short of the pin, so one of the best ways to get the ball to the hole and lower your score is to know your golf club distances.

Ball speed is how fast the ball is traveling just after impact. Golf club distances are impacted by clubhead speed and ball speed, which are two different variables.Ĭlubhead speed is how fast the club is traveling when it reaches the ball. Golf club distance is a function of the combination of speed, swing path and angle of attack during the golf swing.

Average clubhead speed by age