For many golfers, distance off the tee box is one of the most alluring parts of the game. Who doesn’t love smashing a 300-yard drive down the fairway? But do you know the average distances for each golf club based on real data? How do your driving distances stack up against benchmarks for amateur male golfers? And how far are the pros really hitting it on the PGA Tour?
This article will provide average carry distance ranges for male amateur golfers for every club – from driver down to pitching wedge. We’ll also look at Trackman distance statistics for PGA Tour players. Understanding these yardages can help you evaluate your distances compared to averages and set reasonable goals for improvement.
However, keep in mind that a wide range of factors impact how far you can hit each golf club. As we’ll discuss later, elements like your swing speed, launch angle, spin rate, and equipment have a significant influence on distance. So, instead of rigidly trying to match “average” numbers, focus on understanding your personal yardages and how to optimize them.
Average Driving Distance by Club for Male Amateur Golfers
Let’s start with a breakdown of average driving distance by club specifically for male amateur golf players. These ranges account for differences in age, swing speed, and handicap, but are based on comprehensive data reporting:
Driver: 220-260 yards
The driver, as you’d expect, travels the farthest. But there’s a wide range based on swing speed. Slower swing speeds around 85 mph will carry around 220 yards, while those over 100 mph can average 260 yards.
3 Wood: 190-230 yards
Similar to the driver, 3 woods cover quite a distance spectrum. For slower swing speeds, expect a carry around 190 yards, extending to 230 yards for those with tour-level clubhead speed.
5 Wood: 180-210 yards
The 5 wood sits squarely between the 3 wood and hybrid club. For many golfers, this club is a fairway wood off the tee or for reaching long par 5s in two.
4 Hybrid: 170-200 yards
The hybrid has become a versatile favorite thanks to its forgiveness and ball flight. The averages span from 170 yards for slower swingers up to 200 for those with above-average clubhead speed.
5 Hybrid: 160-190 yards
Similar to the 4 hybrid, these clubs bridge the gap nicely between your fairway woods and long irons. They excel from tough lies.
6 Iron: 145-175 yards
Now transitioning to the irons, the 6 iron is the longest in your bag. But most amateur golfers will carry this club between 145-175 yards depending on their iron consistency and speed.
7 Iron: 130-160 yards
The 7 iron covers an average range between 130 to 160 yards based on swing speed and other factors. This club is a trusted option on long par 3s.
8 Iron: 115-145 yards
Moving down into the mid-irons, the 8 iron carries between 115 to 145 yards on average. It’s very versatile for a wide range of approach shots.
9 Iron: 105-135 yards
The yardages are dialing down as we progress through the bag. Expect carry distances from 105 to 135 yards with the 9 iron.
Pitching Wedge: 90-120 yards
The pitching wedge is an important club for shots around the green. Carry distance averages range from 90 to 120 yards.
Sand Wedge: 75-105 yards
The sand wedge, as the name indicates, is ideal for greenside bunkers. But it’s also great for short pitch shots. Average carry spans 75 to 105 yards.
Lob Wedge: 65-95 yards
With the most loft, the lob wedge offers control on the shortest shots. It covers carry distances from 65 to 95 yards on average.
Putt/Chip: 10-50 yards
While not a specific club, the putter and chipping clubs are vital for scoring close to the green. In the hands of a skilled golfer, these can consistently cover 10 to 50 yards.
So those are general benchmark yardages for male amateur golfers across the full bag, accounting for variance in swing speed and handicap. But you might be wondering – how much farther are the pros really hitting it compared to average? Let’s take a look.
PGA Tour Driving Distance Averages by Club
Thanks to precise shot data from Trackman, we can analyze the actual carry distance averages for PGA Tour players by club. Here is a breakdown of their elite driving distance yardages:
Driver: 292 yards
The PGA Tour average for driver carry distance is an incredible 292 yards. For context, that’s around 40 yards longer than a male amateur with an above-average swing speed.
3 Wood: 273 yards
The second longest club for Tour pros is the 3 wood, averaging 273 yards of carry – over 50 yards longer than an above-average amateur!
5 Wood: 258 yards
The 5 wood creeps down under 260 yards carried on average for PGA Tour players. But still far ahead of 200 yards for even above-average amateurs.
4 Hybrid: 243 yards
For the versatile hybrid, the PGA Tour average carry is 243 yards. That’s up to 80 yards more than an average male amateur golfer.
5 Hybrid: 232 yards
Similar story for the 5 hybrid, with PGA Tour shot data showing an average of 232 yards carry distance.
6 Iron: 219 yards
Now looking at the irons, the Tour average for a 6 iron is an impressive 219 yards carried. That’s around 50 yards longer than an above-average male amateur.
7 Iron: 204 yards
For the 7 iron, PGA Tour players achieve an average carry distance of 204 yards – significantly farther than most amateurs.
8 Iron: 188 yards
The 8 iron average drops under 190 yards carried for Tour pros. But still a major distance edge over male amateur golfers.
9 Iron: 173 yards
Getting nearer the green, the PGA Tour average for a 9 iron is 173 yards carry. That’s up to 60 yards longer than an average male amateur.
Pitching Wedge: 157 yards
The Tour average carry distance for a pitching wedge is 157 yards. Most amateurs will carry their pitching wedge under 120 yards.
So across the bag, the game’s top professionals are averaging between 40 to 80 yards more carry distance per club compared to above-average male amateurs. Factors like superb swing mechanics, speed training, optimized equipment, exceptional fitness, and many years of experience contribute to these distance gains.
But while it’s interesting to compare your driving distances to these benchmarks, it’s most important to know your personal yardages so you can make smart decisions on the course. And there are several steps you can take to increase driving distance if you choose to make that a goal – which we’ll cover next.
7 Tips to Increase Your Driver Distance
If you want to hit the ball farther than your current averages, here are 7 tactics to gain legitimate yards:
1. Chart Your Carry Yardages
First, you need to have a solid baseline understanding of your personal carry distances. At the driving range, hit 5-10 shots with each club and take the average distances. The key is measuring carry distance, not including roll-out. Track your averages over time to measure progress.
2. Improve Your Swing Mechanics
One of the biggest opportunities for extra distance is optimizing your swing technique. Common issues like casting, scooping, slicing, and poor weight transfer can rob you of yards. Take lessons to iron out any major swing flaws.
3. Do Strength Training & Flexibility Exercises
Building golf-specific muscle strength centered around your core, legs, and rotational movement can boost clubhead speed. Also, improve flexibility in your hips, torso, and shoulders to maximize your rotational power.
4. Get Fitted Properly for Your Equipment
Making sure your clubs are fit for your personal swing characteristics can pick up distance through optimized launch conditions. New club technology can also help, like woods with lower spin and adjustable hosels.
5. Increase Your Swing Tempo
The sequence of your swing tempo influences clubhead speed. A smooth transition between your backswing, downswing, and follow through builds momentum through the ball. Practice drills to find your optimal tempo.
6. Use Training Aids to Develop Speed
From weighted clubs to impact bags to wrist strengtheners, golf training aids can help ingrain a faster, more powerful swing. Use them along with your normal range sessions.
7. Try the Latest Equipment for Technology Gains
Club and ball manufacturers are always seeking to push distance limits through technology. Experiment with the newest drivers, fairway woods, hybrids, and golf ball designs to pick up extra yards.
Making swing changes does require patience. But implementing some of these tips consistently over a period of months can definitely help you gain distance compared to your current averages.
Final Takeaways
We covered a lot of ground on golf club distance averages, comparing male amateur driving distances to PGA Tour players. Here are some final key takeaways:
- Average carry distance for each club varies widely based on factors like swing speed, launch, shaft, and fitness. Focus on knowing your personal yardages.
- PGA Tour players drive the ball incredibly long thanks to optimized swings, training, equipment, and athleticism. Don’t expect to match their distances as an amateur.
- If you want to gain distance through training, be sure to make changes gradually over time to ingrain new swing techniques.
- While distance is alluring, remember that short game, course management, and putting account for lower scores. Don’t chase distance at the expense of your weaknesses.
- Setting reasonable goals and matching clubs to your current capability is more important than rigidly trying to hit “average” yardages. Play smarter and swing within yourself.
Golf is an endearingly challenging game with so many variables to manage. But keeping your distances dialed in for each club can help decision making on the course. Stick to the tips that work best for your game and fitness level. Trust your instincts. And keep practicing with the purpose of charting improvements over time.
With an optimized game that matches your abilities, you’ll find more fairways, drain more putts, and hopefully lower your handicap – no matter how far you hit it!