A lot of players, especially club golfers, are guilty of overestimating how far they hit the golf ball. We all know someone who thinks they regularly hit their drives beyond 320 yards (maybe that's you) - but what does the data say?
Modern technology - so shot tracking, GPS devices, lasers and Toptracer at the driving range - provide a much more accurate picture, however. You can’t kid technology.
When we looked at the 2023 statistics, according to Trackman the total carry distance for a 7-iron on the PGA Tour was 176 yards.
Of course, tour professionals play a slightly different game to the average club golfer. It’s not just that these players are in very good physical shape - it’s their rhythm and ball-striking skills that set them apart.
Looking at the numbers of club golfers reveals a significant drop off in distance, not just for the 7-iron, but right the way through the bag.
So, how does the average club golfer compare to the tour player?
We’ve been through data supplied by Shot Scope, our official data partner, and it makes for interesting reading; in fact, what follows might just give you a better idea of how far you hit your clubs and/or encourage you to invest in a GPS device that will help you improve your course management.
According to a piece of research undertaken by golf.com, the average handicap index among golfers in the United States in 2021 was 14.
We have the stats for a 15-handicapper, so let’s start here. How far does a 15-handicapper hit their 7-iron?
The answer is 154 yards (total distance). We should stress that we are talking averages here and there will of course be those players in this handicap category who hit a longer ball, as well as those who fall below that number.
So, that’s 22 yards further that the average PGA Tour player will hit their 7-iron compared to the average (15-handicap) golfer - and that's remembering that the 176 yards is just carry distance.
Maybe this explains why you keep coming up short on that little par-3 that just looks so easy when you’re standing on the tee. Maybe take an extra club.
How Far Does The Average 5-Handicap Golfer Hit Their 7-Iron?
As you’d also expect, the lower the handicap the greater the average distance. According to data supplied by Shot Scope, the average 5-handicapper averages 164 yards with their 7-iron (total distance).
In case it sounds like we’re getting a little carried away by how far the best golfers in the world hit the ball, the larger sweetspots and extra forgiveness on off-center strikes has certainly contributed towards an increase in average distances over the years.
How Far Does The Average Club Golfer Hit Each Club?
Now you know how far the average club golfer hits their 7-iron, what about every other club in the bag?
Club |
Distance |
|---|---|
Driver |
236 yards |
3-wood |
215 yards |
3-hybrid |
197 yards |
4-hybrid |
186 yards |
5-iron |
169 yards |
6-iron |
162 yards |
7-iron |
154 yards |
8-iron |
146 yards |
9-iron |
136 yards |
PW |
121 yards |
GW |
104 yards |
SW |
84 yards |
LW |
75 yards |
