pga tour 3 iron distance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Data: Trackman, 2024

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.

The remaining spots for this year's US Open at Pinehurst No.2 will be decided across ten North American venues on Monday

By Ben Fleming Published 30 May 24

Nelly Korda came into the week with six wins in her last seven starts - but faces a mountain to climb after a disastrous third hole

Bhatia's fiancée was once his caddie despite knowing "nothing about golf" when they first met...

By Jonny Leighfield Published 7 April 24

We take a look into the bag of 2023 PGA Tour Rookie Of The Year, Eric Cole

By Sam De'Ath Published 28 February 24

We take a look at the clubs that the record-breaking young American is currently using...

By Dan Parker Published 27 February 24

We take a look at what clubs the first French PGA Tour winner is currently using...

By Joe Ferguson Published 27 February 24

We take a look into the bag of winning PGA Tour rookie Jake Knapp

By Sam De'Ath Published 26 February 24

Who currently carries the bag for American Akshay Bhatia? We take a look here

By Jonny Leighfield Last updated 7 April 24

We take a look inside the bag of American Chris Kirk...

By Sam Tremlett Last updated 28 February 24

We take a look inside the bag of professional golfer Sahith Theegala...

By Sam Tremlett Last updated 29 February 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How Far Do Pros Hit Their Driver and Woods?

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

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

So how far do pros drive?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How Far Do Pros Hit Their Wedges

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Before you go …

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

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

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

How Do Pros Hit the Ball So Far?

Other top articles related to this topic:

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

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

What Golf Balls Do LPGA Players Use? They’re Not Very Lady Like! (2024 update)

Behind Every Stroke: The Most Popular Putter on Champions Tour (2024)

Champions Hybrid Heroes. Most Used Hybrids by Champions Tour Pros (2024)

The Go-To Fairway Woods of Senior Tour Champions (2024)

Flexible Friends: Uncovering the Shafts Champions Tour Players Use (2024)

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

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

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

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

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

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

AVERAGE DISTANCES FOR MEN

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

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

AVERAGE DISTANCES FOR PGA TOUR PLAYERS

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

AVERAGE DISTANCES FOR WOMEN

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

AVERAGE DISTANCES FOR LPGA TOUR PLAYERS

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

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

Sponsored posts, latest news.

Latest Reviews

How Far Do Pro Golfers Hit Each Club: Complete Guide

In our journey to improve, we often like to know what the pro golfers are doing with equipment, swing changes and the outcomes they are getting with scores and distance.

Whether we shoot 90, 80, 70 or well under par, it is always fun to compare our game to the pros.

We can watch in amazement as they hit the 320 yard driver or hit the 4 iron to 3 feet from 215 yards.

Today, we dive into club distances and look at what the pros are doing with each club.

How Far Do Pro Golfers Hit Each Club?

On average pro golfers hit their driver 275 yards, 3 wood 243 yards, 5 wood 230 yards, 3 iron 212 yards, 4 iron 203 yards, 5 iron 194 yards, 6 iron 183 yards, 7 iron 172 yards, 8 iron 160 yards, 9 iron 148 yards and a pitching wedge 136 yards.

Average Carry Distance – List

• Driver = 275 yards
• 3 Wood = 243 yards
• 5 Wood = 230 yards
• 3 Iron = 212 yards
• 4 Iron = 203 yards
• 5 Iron = 194 yards
• 6 Iron = 183 yards
• 7 Iron = 172 yards
• 8 Iron = 160 yards
• 9 Iron = 148 yards
• PW = 136 yards

How Far Do Pro Golfers Hit Each Club – Chart

Related: See how this compares to amateur golfers by age

Of course these numbers are only the average and there is a range that hit the ball significantly further and those that hit the ball shorter.  With the driver alone the gap between the longest and shortest driver on tour is 44 yards.  The range is 277.4 to 321.4 based on the 2022 PGA Tour season.

Key Takeaways:

• Speed with professionals is at an all time hight.  Back when Tiger entered the Tour there was only one driver at 300 or higher and that was John Daly.
• Equipment, the golf ball and physical fitness have helped golfers hit the ball further and straighter than ever.
• Golf is a game of smashing the driver and getting a wedge close to the green.
• Professionals often over power par 5s and have 4 great birdie opprorutnites per round

Related: Average Driving Distance of Amateurs

How Far Do Pro Golfers Hit Their Driver?

Pro golfers will carry their driver 275 yards on average for a total distance average of 296 yards. The longest hitter on tour averaged 321 yards, while the shortest hitter averaged 277.4 yards.

Here is a driver distance chart of some of the most popular golfers:

• If a golfer doesn’t have elite power it is hard to win multiple times a year.  
• Golfers who lack top end distance can still compete, but must be sharp with all other parts of the game.  Similar to a Kevin Kisner approach to the game.
• Those that hit great approach shots and putt great often win.  The distance a golfer has just puts them in contention more often.

How Far Do Pro Golfers Hit Their Irons?

The pro golfers average distance with a 3 iron 212 yards, 4 iron 203 yards, 5 iron 194 yards, 6 iron 183 yards, 7 iron 172 yards, 8 iron 160 yards, 9 iron 148 yards and a pitching wedge 136 yards.

This is going to vary once again based on the loft of their irons, the length of the shaft and how hard they are swinging. 

Below, we created charts for some of the more popular professional golfers to shoot the breakdown on how far they hit each club.

As you can see, these golfers carry the ball further than the average professional golfer, but that is part of the reason they have all won at least 5 times.  Distances matter.

• Ultimately, carry distance is vital.  When a golfer needs to hit a shot 142 yards, a 152 yard shot doesn’t help out much.  Even with all of the distance in today’s game, golfers must be able to dial a short iron up and hit it close and carry distance and precision in this area is still really important.
• Golfers spend plenty of time on Trackman or similar devices making sure they have their iron distances figured out.  When they want to hit a shot 112 yards, they don’t want to hit it 117 yards.  They go to great lengths to practice and ensure they are sharp in this area.

So how does distance compare to amateur golfers? 

Here is a detailed speed and distance chart below:, how far do pro golfers hit each club – next steps.

Golf is a game of hitting it far, but then dialing in your irons.  Hitting the ball long and far with the driver is helpful, but we have to be able to hit the ball the right distance with our irons.

Our two recommendations for you:

• Train for speed with SuperSpeed golf – See review below!
• Dial in those distances and create a shot chart. Check out this post.

How Far Do Pro Golfers Hit Each Club – Final Thoughts

The professional hit the ball a long way, much further than the average golfer and even a decent amount further than a scratch golfer.  Speed and distance matter!  Golf is a game built on speed in today’s era and the more distance you can gain, the analytics are clear the greater chance you have of scoring better.

I would highly recommend checking out our review on SuperSpeed Golf.

Recent Posts

Ball Speed vs Swing Speed: Get Better Today!

Distance is king in today's golf world! As a golfer, you're always striving to hit the ball further and maximize your distance off the tee. One crucial factor that impacts how far the ball...

Putting Tips for High Handicappers: Top 5

Are you a high handicapper struggling to improve your putting skills on the golf course? Look no further! In this post, we will share the best putting tips specifically tailored for players...

Opinion & Analysis

The death of the 3-iron and what it means for your bag setup.

The 3-iron is almost extinct. It sounds like an odd statement, but it’s very true. Don’t believe me? Go try and buy one in a set. They are not easily found.

As we evaluate this topic, I’ll refrain from specs from “players” clubs as these are not the irons normally purchased. Yeah, it might skew the data, but even the players capable of playing the long irons are opting out of the 3 iron. And let’s be honest, should any of us be playing a blade 3-iron?

Mizuno only offers 4-PW in the JPX line now. Titleist only offers a 3-iron in T100s, while the rest are void of 3-irons. TaylorMade provides 4-PW in the P790, P790Ti, and P770. Callaway has done the same, only offering a 3-iron in the “players line” of clubs, while the rest is again void of the-iron. Cobra golf has also followed suit.

So are 3-irons just too hard to hit? Is that why no one is buying them, thus causing the OEMs to stop making them? The only ones left to buy are the “players” 3 irons, and those aren’t even reasonable unless you’re a professional.

What if I told you we were being deceived? What if I told you the 3-iron is still very much alive in all the iron sets available but under the guise of a different number?

Let’s hop into the “wayback machine” and take a quick look at the history of iron lofts.

The year is 1970, and the vast majority of irons available are blades. You know, the razor-sharp leading edges that are ready to break your wrist with a deep divot.

The image above is an actual snippet from a catalog from the ’70s. At this point, the 1-iron was virtually extinct, and in 1975, Lee Trevino was immortalized by his joke about how God couldn’t hit a 1-iron, which typically fell in the 18-degree range at the time. 2-irons were standard issue in the set, and the lowest loft you might find is 20 degrees.

Then the ’80s came, and things started to progress. As you might expect, lofts started to decrease. It wasn’t because of flight windows, or launch numbers, because they didn’t have that kind of technology readily available to measure those attributes. It was simply a quest for distance.

Then in the ’90s, you’d pretty much see all iron sets with 21-degree 3-irons, down to 48-degree PW’s, and 21 degrees being the norm for the lowest lofted 3-iron. 2-irons at this time were typically 18 degrees and available by request only.

Then came the 2000’s, an era we all should be familiar with. This is where things started to get interesting. Not only because lofts continued to be strengthened, but because the hybrid became a new option to replace the long irons. Adams Golf made a killing as it perfected this golf club, creating the Idea line that was in the bags of most of the senior tour players and many of the PGA Tour players. These were a fan favorite at retail too. The hybrid was an easy long iron to hit and quickly started to replace 3-irons in golf bags across the country and even on tour.

By this time the pitching wedge lofts started to get pushed to 46 degrees, which was a big jump, to be honest. In the 1970s, MacGregor was making pitching wedges with 49 degrees of loft. So, for the 90’s to be around 48 degrees, it wasn’t too much of a shock. But in the 2000s, we now saw PW’s drop to 46 degrees; a half club stronger. This is where the downfall began, in my opinion.

The first decade of the 21st century needed the gap wedge, also known as the approach wedge or utility wedge or just plain old “wedge.” Now, keep in mind, this club wasn’t anything new. The gap wedge existed ever since the beginning because at 50-52 degrees it was simply a pitching wedge from the ’70s. But it became a necessary element for the bag since the lofts of every iron were starting to move farther and farther away from the sand wedge.

Now in 2020, the average loft of the PW is 43.5 degrees, and the average 4-iron loft is 20.6 degrees. Turns out, the 4-iron from 2020 is .3 degrees stronger than the average 2-iron (20.9 degrees) from 1970. We have come full circle! Instead of maintaining those classic numbers, of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, PW, the new sets are labeled 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, P, G.

I wonder how many golfers out there carry a 4-iron thinking it’s a club they can hit? Probably too many! Obviously, the 3-iron is dead at this point, since it would actually carry the loft of the elusive 1-iron Trevino claimed was unhittable!

Now, it’s time to discuss how we got to this point. You’ll hear a lot of companies talk about “flight windows” or “launch angles” and how it was changed by engineering, lowering CG’s, and increasing speed through thin faces. Some will talk about how the ball has changed, and it just launches higher, and it requires the lofts to be strengthened, or it will just go too high!

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but that is all a bunch of baloney, and here is why: They started making gap wedges as part of the set. If the launch was too high or the window was too different, why make a matching gap wedge with the same technology and have the loft of a pitching wedge from the 1990s? Wouldn’t that launch or window then be too high for that club too? And yet you still need to buy another gap wedge to fit the 52-degree range. If the average golfer bought a 2020 game improvement set today, they would find the set make up to be 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, PW (43.5 degrees), Gap #1 (48.6 degrees), Gap #2 (52 degrees). That means if you happen to carry a 56 and a 60 degree, you now have the same amount of label wedges (5) as you do irons (5)!

Five wedges in the bag! Does anyone think this is weird?

Furthermore, when was a higher launching iron shot a bad thing? Wouldn’t average golfers benefit from a steeper angle of descent so the golf ball stops quicker on the green?

I conducted a study where I tested a Titleist 716 MB 8-iron with 39 degrees of loft to a TaylorMade P790 9-iron with 40 degrees of loft. All the data was captured on the Foresight GC2 launch monitor. It wasn’t a perfect test since they didn’t have the same shaft or loft, but my findings were surprising none the less. They went the same distance, almost down to the decimal. The Titleist went 165.2 yards, and the TaylorMade went 165.1 yards. Launch was only .6 degrees different while peak height was less than four feet different. So, unless you are Tiger Woods, you are not noticing a difference out on the golf course.

Some of you might think, “so, the label on the bottom of the club changed, it’s all going the same distance. So, what’s the big deal?” To me, it’s the confusion it creates more than anything. By decreasing the lofts, you’re just making the numbered iron go farther, and you are creating even bigger problems by having large gaps with the sand wedge when all amateurs need those clubs. It’s also putting clubs into the hands of golfers when they have no business hitting, like the 4-iron with 20 degrees of loft. Titleist has already made a T400 5-iron with 20 degrees of loft, and that’s just silly.

There also is the argument that golfers love distance, and when they start playing and can hit a 7-iron relatively far, it helps grow the game. Growing the game isn’t a bad thing, but if they are new to the game, they shouldn’t have any preconceived notions of how far to hit a 7-iron, and that means loft at that point becomes irrelevant.

I will not refute that a 40-degree lofted game improvement iron will be slightly longer than an identical lofted players club, but I think you’d be surprised to see the actual difference is a maximum of about three yards longer. The technology works, but by no means is it so substantial that we need to change the label on the bottom of the golf club.

The bottom line is that loft is king, regardless of the technology involved, and I have seen, but one equipment company make a change backwards! This is TaylorMade with their P770 irons. In comparison the P790, they increased the loft by one degree in the short irons and up to two degrees in the long irons, to add height and spin to the irons to improve performance. Imagine that, more spin and height are an advantage! And that was backed by their testing and their data.

Now to even further nail down my point, it is worth noting that TaylorMade Golf offers the highest lofted Pitching Wedge in the industry at 49 degree, which are in the Tiger lofts of the P7TW irons. That same iron set has a 22.5-degree 3-iron. At 22.5 degrees, it is typically the lowest-lofted iron in the golf bag of the best iron player on the PGA Tour in 2019. Of course, he has the skill to play an iron with lower loft, but the point that history reveals to us is that the effective loft of playability for an iron is about 22 degrees and higher. Anything lower lofted than that is typically replaced with a hybrid. This is not just a trend for the amateur golfer either, and it is even happening on tour with the best players in the world.

We will probably never see the lofts rolled back, but the least we can do is update Lee Trevino’s quote, “if you ever find yourself in a thunderstorm, lift up your 4-iron, because not even God can hit a 4-iron.”

The Wedge Guy: From “secret” to 5 basics for a better wedge game

The Wedge Guy: Is there a single “secret” to a better short game?

Weston Maughan is a golf equipment designer and collegiate champion golfer who has played the game for over 20 years. He worked in the golf industry for over a decade as a golf professional, PGA Tour caddie, custom fitter, and technical staff representative for a major manufacturer. He was a final contestant on the Golf Channel's Wilson's Driver vs Driver season one, and a guest on the Gear Dive podcast from GolfWRX. He received his undergrad from Brigham Young University in business management and his graduate degree from the Academy of Art University in Digital Communications. Now an amateur golfer with a +1.3 handicap, he resides in Utah and works as a software sales manager at Awardco while raising 5 children with his amazing wife. You can find Weston on Instagram at @westonmaughangolf where he posts about golf equipment, products, tips, and experiences.

57 Comments

Feb 23, 2023 at 2:10 pm

I am a below average golfer and love the 3 iron. Not getting into the weeds of angles and loft and shifting weight, I hit it straighter and further than hybrids on the long fairway shots. I know it is a matter of practice makes perfect, but this old Dunlop 3 iron is coming along for the ride if I get a new set.

Feb 9, 2022 at 1:01 am

What does it all matter.Just use the club that goes the required distance no matter what the number on the bottom of the club says.It seems that most club makers are selling to your ego .

Pingback: The 7 Best Golf Irons For High Handicappers In 2021 - DunedinGolf

Pingback: 2 Hybrid Vs 4 Wood – Which Club Is Better To Carry? - (MUST READ Before You Buy)

Apr 15, 2021 at 4:56 am

Best thing I’ve read in awhile. I’ve been trying to tell people this when we stand on a par 3 and I grab my Ping Eye 2 5-iron and they are pulling 7 and looking at me funny. People just don’t get it. This quest for “who can hit their irons the longest” is beyond silly. After driver (and arguably 3-wood, to reach long par 5’s in two), it’s distance CONTROL that is most important. If I need the ball to travel 165 yards to the pin, I don’t care if it says 6,7,8,9 or elephant on the bottom. It’s whatever implement gets the job done. If I knock my “6” iron stiff, and your “8” iron (which is the same club as my 6 with a different number stamped on the bottom), and you blow it over the green or sideways, what good did that do you?

Mar 4, 2021 at 5:59 pm

I think they need to stop making sets in numbers. An ideal set for me would be driver, 3 wood at 14 degrees, 5 wood at 18 degrees. Then irons spaced out in 5 degree gaps, 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60.. Putter to finish! I think that is 13 clubs but who cares, lighter for the caddy! It would remove ego as golfers would accept that some use the 40 degree iron to reach that 150 whereas some use the 35 or 30 iron! If golfers wanted to stop their set with the longest iron being 25 or 30 thats fine they can adopt a 25 degree fairway wood/hybrid! no marketing & no ego, simple really!

Feb 15, 2021 at 7:08 pm

A cavity back or whatever head shape golf club set with PW or GW stamped in the sole wont ever be a wedge. A wedge club has its own design.

Feb 13, 2021 at 1:44 am

almost the best article on WRX ’til the P770 part. why’d you ruin such good one with a silly shill at the end?

Feb 2, 2021 at 12:12 pm

@Taylormade for shame 42* pw? 18* 4i iron? Utter joke

Feb 3, 2021 at 10:39 am

Sorry that club died 10 years ago

Tony Wright

Feb 1, 2021 at 7:40 am

Great article thanks!

Shallowface

Jan 31, 2021 at 2:15 pm

Perhaps it is time we did away with the terms woods, hybrids, and irons, and just referred to everything as a “club.” Driving club. 2 club, 13 degrees. 3 club 15 degrees. 4 club 18 degrees, whether wood, hybrid or iron. 5 club, 21 degrees, which is where some current 5 irons are starting to fall, and so on until you get to the wedges.

Benjamin Hendricks

Jan 31, 2021 at 9:04 am

I hit long irons well and have the speed to use them. My current 4 iron is 1* weak of standard at 23* and it goes as far as my 2 iron did in the 90’s. It at times is tough to stop on greens because the ball we play doesn’t spin as much on longer shots AND greens have gotten firmer and faster in the last 20 years. I used to hit 2 iron into greens and not worry about stopping the ball (balata days). Really the issue is #1 the ball doesn’t spin enough on long iron shots #2 greens are firmer and faster than ever and a WAY distant #3 is the clubs themselves. the reason good players are ditching long irons are #1 and #2, not the clubs themselves. irons are more accurate for high speed/high spin players usually, a hybrid or high lofted wood is only necessary because of the ball and conditions. We are being forced to stop the ball with height/angle of descent more and more every year.

Mar 12, 2021 at 5:05 pm

Your 4 iron is weak of standard. What standard is that? There your issue. There is NO standard in golf. It’s the worst used word ever.

Jan 29, 2021 at 6:19 am

Also, that quote wasn’t about a 4 iron

Jan 29, 2021 at 6:17 am

That’s weird, I have a new Taylormade P770 3 iron… it’s 19.5 degrees stock.

With the post-modern lofts it’s arguable that at 20-22 degree 4 irons are actually high launching 3 irons that stop. If you have speed and want some roll, you need a low spin 2 iron these days

Jan 26, 2021 at 6:04 pm

I absolutely love my Mavrik Pro 21 degree loft 4 Iron. Absolute go-to fairway finder. Way easier to hit and launch than older gear.

Jan 25, 2021 at 3:47 pm

Thank you for doing this article. I get tired of golf club sales people trying to compare my Ping eye2 + to there modern 7iron and telling me I hit theirs further.

Jan 25, 2021 at 4:52 am

A few points as a counter argument: 1. You are still limited to 14 clubs in your bag and except for the driver and putter, the rest of the clubs need to travel an exact distance every time and all the time. The only thing the driver needs to do is travel as far as possible and land in a good spot for a second shot. 2. You mention most clubs sold in the 70’s were MB blades. The lofts on blades have not changed much even for today’s modern blades. These clubs are meant for good ball strikers and the reason elite golfers prefer to play them is distance and direction control. (There might be other reasons) 3. Your so called loft jacked clubs (GI and SGI) are meant for mid to high handicap players that need help with distance and elevation. If all these modern clubs with higher MOI and lower CG still had traditional lofts, the ball would go nowhere and too high for a slow swinging high handicap player and an elite player will struggle to get consistent yardages. 4. If you removed the numbers on all the irons and just added degrees of loft, your set make-up will still look the same as you are only allowed 14 clubs. Depending on your skill level, the type of club will obviously perform different for different types of players. 5. Because elite golfers are murdering golf courses, today’s courses are playing much longer for the average golfer. The modern golf ball can be blamed for this. The modern golf ball is designed for elite players with high swing speeds. 6. I’m sure if you have a bit of talent, put in the time to practice and hone your skills, get properly fit for your clubs and get lessons so someone can keep you in check, you will be able to hit any club produced (even a 1970’s 2-iron). Unfortunately we live in an era where we want things easily and we want it now and we don’t care about the cost to get it.

Jan 31, 2021 at 2:08 pm

The thing is, CGs are not lower today than they were several years ago. Check out the MPF measurements on The Golfworks website. Regardless of whether or not you agree with how they weigh the various factors to compe up with a points rating, the actual physical measurements of the clubheads DO NOT LIE.

Euan Hardman

Jan 22, 2021 at 11:20 am

Basically, what this excellent article is saying is that all the irons should have been re-stamped 2 numbers lower. The PW is actually an 8 iron and we have to buy a 48 AW (9 iron) and 52 GW (PW) to fill the gap. Now I know why I have trouble with my 4 (2!) iron.

Jan 18, 2021 at 7:30 pm

I carry a 22* CB Pro Tungsten set 4i (hollow head) refitted w/ a hybrid shaft. It’s a driving iron now, and gives a low fairly hot draw – one club that flies low when needed.

Kevin Ricciardelli

Jan 18, 2021 at 7:20 pm

The clubs could not be “jack-up” if the ball didn’t fly higher. Balata balls from the 70’s back, simply flew lower. Blade clubs flew lower due to higher COG. The lofts are stronger because they can still be playable. Look at the 3 iron lofts available from Ping. Standard, Power and Retro.

Karaten’s Ghost

Jan 18, 2021 at 4:17 pm

Everyone talks about loft-up like distances aren’t different.

Why does no one address that the ball goes further today all on its own? Test some of the jacked lofts with balata, and you may realise this isn’t just marketing.

Also, there’s more margin on a $300 hybrid than a $130 iron.

Cody Reeder

Jan 18, 2021 at 1:02 pm

Well written Weston,

Mark Paschal

Jan 18, 2021 at 7:00 am

This article ignores the other changes that go along with modern clubs that allow for higher launch angles and steeper descent angles. If you really just changed the numbers on 70’s clubs you would have much lower ball flight, less forgiveness, less solid contact due to the longer shafts. There is much more to an iron than loft, and comparing irons from different manufacturers with similar lofts doesn’t render the other variables moot. This was an enjoyable read but definitely from the “equipment hasn’t improved” camp.

Weston Maughan

Jan 19, 2021 at 11:33 am

I would probably need to write another 2 or 3 articles to cover all the aspects, but to say I’m from the camp that golf clubs haven’t improved is a stretch. It wasn’t an article discussing forgiveness of iron design, which we both know countless studies confirm low CG and perimeter weighting has become better each year.

Take into account all the other changes… golf ball, improvement of irons designs, low CG’s and shaft lengths increasing… regardless of all the factors you throw at it, every golf club since the inception of the game has had a loft between 8° and 62° and you can call them what ever you want, but you still need them in a consistent gapping.

Lastly, the rational of needing to preserve flights and trajectories appears to be a logical discussion. But how has this necessary change never touched the sand wedge. It’s some how avoided the changes all together and sits at 56°. If the preservation of flight due to ball changes and club design are true, we would need to have 50° sand wedges by now. Thoughts?

Jan 26, 2021 at 5:25 pm

Weston, you are spot on. I had two sets of irons, CDI 990 and JPZ-EZ identical lofts through the set just different numbers on the sole. I hit them the same distances even though one was an all steel players cavity and the other had plutonium embedded somewhere. Anyway truth be told the old clubs flew straighter because the lower MOI made them easier to square up at impact. Resistance to twisting at impact also means resistance to squaring up at impact. That’s why even pros don’t like to turn over their current drivers and use a 3 wood for that instead.

An additional issue with new clubs, an amateur does an online club fitting and they are asked how far they hit their 7 iron and they respond with the yardage their current 7-iron, which was a 5 iron at the time the fitting algorithm was created and they wind up with a shaft flex that is too stiff.

gregory aziz

Jan 17, 2021 at 9:04 pm

Well researched and enjoyable article but the author omitted the BEN HOGAN FORT WORTH 15 model, which addressed this weighty subject of loft strengthening in 2015. I am on my 2nd set and have not looked back.

Jan 25, 2021 at 9:42 am

Exactly- still on my first !! The undiscovered blessing of sets with 44 degree PW’s is that we GET TO fill in the 48 & 52, hopefully matching our 56 & 60.. Blades are far superior in ALL 4 of the upper lofts.. SCOR proved that, & they’re still in my bag..

Jan 17, 2021 at 9:00 pm

Best article on WRX in a long time – thanks!

Jake DeJong

Jan 18, 2021 at 10:07 am

Agreed. Thoroughly researched and well written.

Anyone in disagreement is just an ostrich.

Jan 17, 2021 at 8:28 pm

I’m gonna buy a 12.5° Lynx Prowler driving iron. Thoughts?

Jan 17, 2021 at 2:43 pm

Your information is incorrect, I just bought a set of Taylormade P790’s 3 iron though pitching wedge.

Jan 17, 2021 at 1:15 pm

The 3-iron didn’t die. It was just given a different number. Please stop with the drama.

Dwight L. Cramer

Jan 17, 2021 at 11:08 am

The same thing has happened with fly fishing line weights. If you fly fish, you know that the line and the rod must match up (i.e., a 4 wt. line for a 4 wt. rod, a 6 wt. line for a 6 wt. rod). But, in the universal quest for distance (not just golfers have that obsession), the line manufacturers have embraced ‘technology’ to create a marketing advantage, and it’s taken them in one direction, while the rod manufacturers have done the same, and headed off elsewhere. In other words a brand xx line rated as 4 wt. and a brand yy rod rated at 4 wt. may not be compatible. This creates real confusion for the fisherman, especially the newbie, or the guy who’s more into fishing that gear. (Free hint for newbies to fly fishing–buy the Orvis entry level set up and be done with it.)

Jan 17, 2021 at 10:54 am

This is a great article and I really appreciate the historical data provided. The one counter argument I would make is that the “long irons” in many of these sets look and behave very similarly to hybrids. I would bet that a 20* Hot Metal or Mavrik, for example, would launch materially higher than a 20* blade, unlike the 39-40* example provided.

Jan 17, 2021 at 11:12 am

The other important counterpoint is that jacked lofts in game improvement sets are a way of helping offset the early extension and flip that poor players almost universally exhibit. These players present way too much loft at impact, so they may actually have less of an issue launching the ball up at any given loft and swing speed level.

Jan 25, 2021 at 1:48 pm

This is the only advantage . To strengthening lofts . Forget numbering irons just put the lofts on them .

Jan 17, 2021 at 10:49 am

This is a great article and I really appreciate the historical documents pulled out. The one counterpoint I would make on the long end, is that many of these sets have “long irons” that look and behave very much like hybrids. I think if you took a 20* Hot Metal or Mavrik and put it against a 20* blade you would see a material difference in launch angle, unlike with the 39-40* example you provided.

Jan 17, 2021 at 9:07 am

It’s all about the loft/length relationship to me. My 150 yd club has pretty much always had 40* loft and 36″ length. Started playing seriously in the mid-90’s and that was pretty much the std for an 8 iron. Today I’m playing X-hot Pros that have a 40*, 36″ club…it just happens to have a 9 stamped on it; still goes 150yds.

John Little

Jan 17, 2021 at 6:52 am

Instead of iron numbers why not just stamp loft numbers. 4 degrees apart. A typical conversation might be.I made the par 3 7th with my 38 degree. Oh really! I did it with my 42.

Jan 17, 2021 at 4:16 am

Not sure about all this “loft jacking” ballyhoo.

I replaced half my AP2s with Mizuno JPX Hot Metal Pros a few months ago – 4i to 7i. Best upgrade I’ve ever made. Literally. Period.

OK, so actually now I have two 7 irons. The AP2 is still used a lot, it goes about 145m. Pretty standard for a 14 handicap, right?

The amazing thing is this: the JPXs go loooong. I now pull out 4i on any hole where I need to go 180-190m. Sometimes it rolls out past 200m. Where I would have sprayed my 3-hybrid, now I pull out my 5i, with a LOT more confidence it will go straight and looong.

So, with all respect, i now play much better golf, not because my lofts are jacked, but because the “hot” technology actually works. Forgiveness + cranking distance when you middle it. This *cannot* simply be about lofts, otherwise I would have been getting the same results with my AP2s, just one club less.

Jan 18, 2021 at 10:09 am

Anecdotal. No facts. Come back with launch monitor results?

Jan 17, 2021 at 1:21 am

I read a lot of these articles from Golfwrx. This is a stand out. Nice work.

Jan 16, 2021 at 11:40 pm

I bought a brand new set p790’s this last week and it came with a 3 iron. In left hand no less.

Jan 16, 2021 at 9:21 pm

Great article. My newish irons were a 5-PW set of Nike Vapor Pro Combos and I’ve been on the search for the 3 and 4 (the 2 is only available in right hand). I scored a 3 off the classified that is 20 degrees and can’t wait to hit it. I have no issues hitting my 3h and 4h but they take up more room in the bag than irons would.

Rich Douglas

Jan 16, 2021 at 7:02 pm

I’ve always maintained the theory of “loft deflation,” even when countered with the launch angle issue.

But if you keep your head about you, it really doesn’t matter. The numbers on the clubs have shifted, but it’s still the same 14 clubs, more or less. So I don’t have a 3-iron, but everything is shift down and I fill the gap between the PW and the SW with a wedge. It’s still the same number of clubs doing the exact same things.

Two advantages here: First, it’s not just lower lofts. A 4-iron with a 3-iron’s loft is still a 4-iron in length. It’s 1/2-inch shorter and, thus, easier to hit on center. That makes the entire set easier to hit than before.

Second, low-lofted irons are being replaced with hybrids, which have better perimeter weighting, lower CGs, and are easier to hit and to loft.

But if everything shifts down, doesn’t that create a gap between the 3-wood and the rest of the set? Yes, but who cares? Most players cover it with a hybrid, better to hit than a true 3-iron. Besides, most players can’t hit the ball well enough for that gap to matter anyway.

I haven’t carried a 3-iron in nearly two decades, and I dumped my 4-iron recently. That’s because I went to single-length irons built at 36.5″ (8-iron length). You just can’t generate enough clubhead speed to get a 4-iron to gap properly anyway. But the advantages of single-length irons–so much more consistent–outweigh having to swap the 4-iron for the hybrid.

Jan 16, 2021 at 7:07 pm

I beg to differ on the 4-iron length with 3-iron loft, I have a set of Hogan blades from the 60s and the 2-iron is 38.75″ which is in between today’s 3-iron and 4-iron “standard” length. They’re not just decreasing the loft, they’re increasing the length, too.

Jan 16, 2021 at 7:08 pm

Not if you’re paying attention. And it certainly isn’t an industry trend.

Jan 16, 2021 at 5:00 pm

Great article. I always feel like manufacturers use their marketing to trick people into thinking that they’ve engineered something special that gives players more distance and forgiveness. Fact is they’re bs’ing us into buying new equipment every year. Crossfield and Shiels have done many videos that demonstrate how little difference there is in golf equipment year to year.

Especially in irons. There have been only a handful of useful developments since the days of forged blades and nothing else:

— Perimeter-weighted cast irons (starting with Ping)

— Perimeter-weighted forged irons (starting with Hogan Edge)

— Multi-metal designs (allowing for higher COR on faces, more extreme perimeter weighting, and altered CGs)

— Graphite shafts good enough for irons

That’s about it. That Nike sling thingy, the twice-a-year TM bouncy clubs, or anything else are just derivatives from the above.

Jan 16, 2021 at 7:20 pm

The manufacturers have been very clever. They have slowly turned a set of 3iron to SW (9clubs) into a set of 5,6,7,8,9.W. (6 clubs) with an option to add a 4i and in some cases a 3i. Great deal for them 6clubs for the price of 9. The SW is usually not included in a modern set. So we golfers also get to choose an extra 3 wedges, lucky us. But just a minute, that means we now buy an extra 3. So the original 9 shrinks to 6. With an option of buying an extra 5. So we now buy 11 for the price 14! Oh, and maybe a utility or two as well. ?

Michael R Geiger

Feb 14, 2021 at 7:22 am

100% spot on!

Jan 16, 2021 at 4:43 pm

In my opinion, a set that starts with a 22* 4 iron and stops at a 46* pw is perfect. 4 degree gaps between each club. Carry a 18 or 19* 5w,hybrid, or utility iron. Whatever 3 wedges you want above your pw. If I played a set with a 43* pw I’d need 2 gap wedges, which is just ridiculous. I think loft jacking is just to pad the ego of the short hitter who thinks he is hitting his pw as far as a player hits their 8 or 9 iron.

Ben Wallace

Jan 16, 2021 at 4:37 pm

True. However, it doesn’t matter what the club is designated so long as the player can hit the club and knows the carry numbers for the club. I don’t care if the clubs have a number, symbol, degree listing, letters of the alphabet, or names of rock and roll bands as the club’s designation so long as I know which club I am pulling out the bag. I won’t be reaching for a long iron anyway. I play driver, 3w, 5w, 7w, 4h, 5i-PW, 54, 60, and putter.

Jan 19, 2021 at 5:17 am

Same, but I play 4w, 7w. And my irons are GI, so the lofts are probably a bit stronger, so they are 6i-AW (26-49 degrees).

I can’t hit an iron with a loft below 26 degrees.

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

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

You may like

Jason Dufner WITB 2024 (May)

Tyrrell Hatton WITB 2024 (May)

Fujikura 2024 Ventus Blue with VeloCore Plus review: Club Junkie Reviews

Morning 9: Ryder Cup team manager named | The value of Team Korda

Club Junkie WITB, league night week 7: Going forged!

Rory McIlroy reveals his one regret over his involvement in PGA Tour-LIV standoff

Vincenzi’s 2024 RBC Canadian Open betting preview: Breakthrough PGA Tour winner likely in Canada

The PGA Tour is heading north of the border to play the 2024 RBC Canadian Open at Hamilton Golf and Country Club. 

This will be the seventh time that Hamilton Golf and Country Club will be hosting the Canadian Open. The previous six winners were Rory McIlroy (2019), Scott Piercy (2012), Jim Furyk (2006), Bob Tway (2003), Tommy Armour (1930) and James Douglas Edgar (1919). 

Hamilton Golf and Country Club is a par-70 measuring 7,084 yards and features greens that are a Bentgrass and Poa Annua blend. The course has been open since 1915 and is one of the oldest golf clubs in Canada. 

Since we’ve seen it last, the course underwent a $8.5-million restoration guided by Martin Ebert.

The RBC Canadian Open will play host to 156 golfers this week.  Notable players include Rory McIlroy, Sam Burns, Cameron Young, Shane Lowry, Tommy Fleetwood, Sahith Theegala and Alex Noren.

Past Winners at RBC Canadian Open

• 2023: Nick Taylor (-17, Oakdale)
• 2022: Rory McIlroy (-19, St. George’s)
• 2019: Rory McIlroy (-22, Hamilton)
• 2018: Dustin Johnson (-23, Glen Abbey)
• 2017: Jhonattan Vegas (-21, Glen Abbey)
• 2016: Jhonattan Vegas (-12, Glen Abbey)

In this article and going forward, I’ll be using the Rabbit Hole by Betsperts Golf data engine to develop my custom model. If you want to build your own model or check out all of the detailed stats, you can sign up using promo code: MATTVIN for 25% off any subscription package (yearly is best value).

Key Stats for Hamilton Golf and Country Club

Let’s take a look at five key metrics for Hamilton Golf and Country Club to determine which golfers boast top marks in each category over their last 24 rounds.

1. Strokes Gained: Approach

The best metric to start with is Strokes Gained: Approach. Proficient iron play is a requirement anywhere, and this statistic will help target the hottest golfers. With the winning score likely being very low, players will need to be dialed with their approach shots. 

Strokes Gained: Approach Over Past 24 Rounds

• Corey Conners (+1.14)
• Kelly Kraft  (+1.06)
• Rory McIlroy (+0.88)
• Patton Kizzire  (+0.87)
• Alex Noren (+0.76)

2. Good Drive %

Hamilton is a short golf course, so keeping the ball in the fairway, or just off, will be more important than bombing the ball this week. 

Good Drive % Over Past 24 Rounds

• Kelly Kraft (+89.3%)
• Daniel Berger (+87.9%)
• Nate Lashley  (+87.6%)
• Chan Kim  (+86.6%)
• Aaron Rai (+86.1%)

3. Bogey Avoidance %

I expect golfers to go low this week, in order to compete, limiting bogeys will be crucial. 

Bogey Avoidance % Over Past 24 Rounds:

• Alex Noren  (+10.6%)
• Brice Garnett  (+10.6%)
• Aaron Rai (+11.3%)
• Kevin Tway (+11.4%)
• Henrik Norlander (+11.4%)

4. Strokes Gained: Total in Canada

This stat will boost the players who’ve done well in Canada over the past 36 rounds. 

Strokes Gained: Total in Canada Over Past 36 Rounds

• Rory McIlroy (+4.28)
• Tommy Fleetwood (+3.07)
• Aaron Rai  (+2.91)
• C.T. Pan  (+2.80)
• Gary Woodland (+2.21)

5. Strokes Gained: Putting

Shorter courses with a lot of birdies being made tend to turn into putting contests. I believe a good putter will win the RBC Canadian Open.

Strokes Gained: Putting Over Past 24 Rounds

• Mackenzie Hughes  (+1.04)
• S.H. Kim  (+0.84)
• Matt Kuchar  (+0.74)
• Ben Griffin (+0.72)
• Sahith Theegala (+0.66)

The RBC Canadian Open Model Rankings

Below, I’ve compiled overall model rankings using a combination of the five key statistical categories previously discussed — SG: Approach (30%), Good Drive % (25%), Strokes Gained: Canada (15%), Bogey Avoidance % (15%), SG: Putting (15%).

• Rory McIlroy
• Sahith Theegala
• Patton Kizzire
• Justin Lower
• Shane Lowry
• Tommy Fleetwood
• Kelly Kraft
• Jhonnatan Vegas

2024 RBC Canadian Open Picks

Tommy fleetwood +1800 (fanduel).

Tommy Fleetwood was incredibly close to winning last year’s RBC Canadian Open. The Englishman took Canadian Nick Taylor to four playoff holes before losing on Taylor’s miraculous eagle putt from 72 feet.

Despite being at a different course this year, Fleetwood is still a great fit for this event. In his past 24 rounds, he ranks 23rd in the field in good drive percentage and seventh in bogey avoidance. The course is a shorter, plotters track, which will suit Fleetwood’s ability to hit it accurately from tee to green.

Tommy has gained strokes off the tee in six consecutive events. Those events include some big events such as The Masters, the PGA Championship and the Wells Fargo Championship. In those six starts, he has three top-15 finishes.

It’s been well documented that Fleetwood is yet to win on American soil and has looked like a different player when in contention outside of the United States. While it’s most definitely a mental hurdle that the 33-year-old will need to overcome, it doesn’t hurt that this event will be north of the border.

Martin Ebert, who redesigned Royal Liverpool and Royal Portrush, redesigned Hamilton as well. Fleetwood finished 2nd at Royal Portrush in 2019 and T10 at Royal Liverpool in 2023.

Backing Tommy has been frustrating at times, but I’m still of the mindset that betting on talent will eventually pay dividends.

Alex Noren +2500 (BetMGM)

Alex Noren is in the midst of one of the best seasons of his career. The Swede has an incredible eight straight top-25’s on Tour, with two of those being top-ten finishes. Noren has gained strokes on approach and around the green in all eight starts and has gained strokes off the tee in seven of eight.

Despite the strong results, the concern with Noren has been his inability to truly get into contention. However, this golf course feels like the right one for him to change that. He’s not incredibly long off the tee, so the shorter layout should help him. In his last 24 rounds, Noren ranks 6th in Strokes Gained: Approach, 8th in Good Drive Percentage and 3rd in Bogey Avoidance.

Noren’s ability to keep the ball in the ideal spots and limit mistakes should serve him well at Hamilton this week. In an event where accurate drivers should shine; he will have an advantage on the field. He hasn’t won on the PGA Tour, but the 41-year-old has ten wins on the European Tour. Being outside of the U.S. certainly won’t hurt Noren’s case.

Sam Burns +2800 (FanDuel)

Sam Burns had an excellent showing in Canada a few years ago, finishing in a tie for fourth place at the 2022 RBC Canadian Open a week after winning the Charles Schwab Challenge.

After a hot start to the season, Burns has struggled over the past few months, but has seemed to find some form with his irons in recent weeks. He finished T13 at the Wells Fargo Championship and gained 2.0 strokes on approach for the week. His irons were even better in the two rounds at the PGA Championship (+1.51 strokes per round), but a balky putter cost him the weekend, as he lost 5.1 strokes on the greens.

Burns is a player who can win an event with a hot putter and has done so in the past. He can make birdies in bunches and is one of the few players in the field that can win in both a difficult event and a shootout.

Robert MacIntyre +8000 (FanDuel)

Robert MacIntyre showed some life at the PGA Championship, finishing in a tie for 12th. For the week, MacIntyre ranked 16th in Strokes Gained: Off the Tee and 18th in Strokes Gained: Ball Striking.

The 27-year-old is a high upside player who has shown he can compete in big events. He’s also been putting great recently which I believe is one of the most important factors this week. In his past 24 rounds, he ranks 6th in the field in Strokes Gained: Putting.

We’ve seen MacIntyre play well at Open Championships and Martin Ebert, who redesigned Royal Liverpool and Royal Portrush, redesigned Hamilton as well. MacIntyre finished T6 at Royal Portrush in 2019.

Bobby Mac has gone toe-to-toe with some of the world’s best players at the Ryder Cup, and I believe has the right mentality to beat anyone if he finds himself in contention down the stretch.

The Wedge Guy: Early season wedge game tune-up

Depending on the part of the country you call home, you might just be getting into the 2024 golf season, or you might be several months into it. Either way, your scoring success this season – like every season – will likely drill down to how good your game is from 100 yards and in.

The best way to sharpen your wedge play is, surprise, spend some time refining and practicing your technique. Whether it’s winter rust or mid-season sloppiness, your wedge game can be a serious cause of frustration if and when it goes sour on you.

If you want to be sharp when it really counts, give it some time and attention. Start with a detailed look at your fundamentals – posture, alignment, ball position, grip, and grip pressure – and then advance to an examination of the actual chipping and pitching motion of the swing.

No matter what your skill level might be, I am convinced that time spent on the following drills will yield giant rewards in your scores and enjoyment of the game. There is nothing quite so demoralizing and maddening than to hit a good drive and better-than-average approach shot, then chunk or skull a simple chip or pitch, turning a par or bogie-at-worst into a double or even more.

Core activation

The key to a solid short game is to synchronize your arm swing with the rotation of your body core. They simply have to move together, back and through impact into the follow-through. When I’m about to start a short game session, I like to begin with the club extended in front of my body, with my upper arms close to my chest, then rotate my upper torso back and through, to give me the sensation that I am moving the club only with my core rotation, with the hands only having the job of holding on to it. In this drill, you want to ensure that the clubhead is exactly in front of your sternum as you rotate back and through. When you lower the club into the playing position, this puts the upper end of the grip pointing roughly at your belt buckle and it stays in that “attitude” through the backswing and follow through.

S-L-O-W motion

I believe one of the most misunderstood and destructive pieces of advice in the short game is to “accelerate through the ball”. What I see much too often is that the golfer fails to take a long enough backswing and then quickly jabs at the ball . . . all in the pursuit of “accelerating through the ball.” In reality, that is pretty hard NOT to do if you have any kind of follow through at all. Relying on that core activation move, I like to make very slow swings – back and through impact – experimenting with just how slow I can make the swing and still see some ball flight. You’ll be amazed at how slow a body rotation can be made and still make the ball fly in a nice trajectory.

I’m borrowing this term from Tiger Woods, who often spoke of hitting his iron shots through certain “windows,” i.e. first floor, second floor, etc. For your short game, I simplify this into hitting short pitch shots on three different flight trajectories – low, medium, and high. I have found the simplest way to do this is to use the same swing for each shot and determine the trajectory by where you place the ball in your set-up. Start by finding the ball position that gives you what you consider to be a “normal” trajectory with your sand wedge. Then, hit some shots with the ball just one inch back and forward of that spot and see what trajectory you get. You can then take that to another level by repeating the process with your other wedges, from your highest lofted to your lowest.

Ladder drill

For this exercise, I like to have some room on the range or practice area that lets me hit balls any distance I want, from ten feet out to about 25 yards, or even more if you can. I start by hitting a basic chip shot to fly precisely to a divot or piece of turf I’ve targeted about ten feet in front of me. The next shot I try to land where that ball stopped. I repeat that process until I have a line of balls from ten feet to 25 or so yards from me. With each shot, I repeat it until I can land my shot within a foot or less of my “target ball.”

The idea of this kind of practice with your short game is to hit so many shots that you feel like you can do anything with the ball, and you can take that confidence and execution skill to the course. You can literally work through a few hundred shots in an hour or so with these drills, and there’s nothing like repetition to build a skill set you can trust “under fire.”

Vincenzi’s 2024 Charles Schwab Challenge betting preview: Tony Finau ready to get back inside winner’s circle

After an action-packed week at the PGA Championship, the PGA Tour heads back to Texas to play the Charles Schwab Challenge in Fort Worth.

Colonial Country Club is a 7,209-yard par-70 and features Bentgrass greens. The difficulty of the event this week will be influenced by course setup and/or wind. The last four seasons have all produced winners with scores between -8 and -14, with the two most recent playing extremely difficult. Last year, Emiliano Grillo won in a playoff against Adam Schenk at -8, and in 2022, Sam Burns edged out Scottie Scheffler in a playoff at -9.

After last season’s event, the course was renovated by Gil Hanse. I expect the course to stay true to what the original design intended, but will improve in some areas that needed updating. Jordan Spieth, who is one of the most consistent players at Colonial, told Golfweek his thoughts on the changes.

“I always thought courses like this, Hilton Head, these classic courses that stand the test of time, it’s like what are you going to do to these places? I think that’s kind of everyone’s first response,” Spieth said. “Then I saw them, and I was like, wow, this looks really, really cool. It looks like it maintains the character of what Colonial is while creating some excitement on some holes that maybe could use a little bit of adjusting.”

The Charles Schwab Challenge will play host to 136 golfers this week, and the field is relatively strong despite it being the week after a major championship.

Some notable golfers in the field include Scottie Scheffler, Max Homa, Tony Finau, Sungjae Im, Collin Morikawa, Min Woo Lee, Justin Rose, Adam Scott, Jordan Spieth and Akshay Bhatia. 

Past Winners at Charles Schwab Challenge

• 2023: Emiliano Grillo (-8)
• 2022: Sam Burns (-9)
• 2021: Jason Kokrak (-14)
• 2020: Daniel Berger (-15)
• 2019: Kevin Na (-13)
• 2018: Justin Rose (-20)
• 2017: Kevin Kisner (-10)
• 2016: Jordan Spieth (-17)

Key Stats For Colonial Country Club

Let’s take a look at five key metrics for Colonial Country Club to determine which golfers boast top marks in each category over their last 24 rounds.

Approach will be a major factor this week. It grades out as the most important statistic historically in events played at Colonial Country Club, and that should be the case once again this week.

Approach Over Past 24 Rounds

• Scottie Scheffler (+1.09)
• Ryan Moore  (1.00)
• Tom Hoge  (+0.96)
• Akshay Bhatia  (+0.85)
• Greyson Sigg  (+0.83)

2. Strokes Gained: Off The Tee

Both distance and accuracy will be important this week. Historically, shorter hitters who find the fairway have thrived at Colonial, but over the last few years we’ve seen a lot of the players in the field use big drives to eliminate the challenge of doglegs and fairway bunkers.

The rough can be thick and penal, so finding the fairway will remain important.

Strokes Gained: Off the Tee Over Past 24 Rounds

• Scottie Scheffler (+1.11)
• Keith Mitchell  (+0.90)
• Kevin Yu  (+0.87)
• Alejandro Tosti  (+0.81)
• Min Woo Lee  (+0.80)

3. Strokes Gained: Total in Texas

Players who play well in the state of Texas tend to play well in multiple events during the Texas swing. 

Strokes Gained: Total in Texas over past 36 rounds

• Jordan Spieth (+2.16)
• Scottie Scheffler (+1.97)
• Tony Finau  (+1.91)
• Akshay Bhatia (+1.68)
• Justin Rose  (+1.62)

4. Course History

Course history seems to be much more important at Colonial Country Club than most other courses. The same players tend to pop up on leaderboards here year after year.

Course History per round Over Past 24 Rounds:

• Jordan Spieth (+2.31)
• Justin Rose  (+1.70)
• Harris English (+1.66)
• Webb Simpson (+1.54)
• Collin Morikawa (+1.47)

5. Strokes Gained: Putting (Bentgrass)

The Bentgrass greens at Colonial are in immaculate condition, and putters who roll it pure are at an advantage. Historically, great putters have thrived at Colonial.

Strokes Gained: Putting (Bentgrass) Over Past 24 Rounds:

• Denny McCarthy  (+1.08)
• Justin Rose  (+0.93)
• J.T. Poston  (+0.87)
• Maverick McNealy  (+0.85)
• Andrew Putnam (+0.74)

Charles Schwab Challenge Model Rankings

Below, I’ve compiled overall model rankings using a combination of the five key statistical categories previously discussed — SG: Approach (27%), SG: OTT (25%), Strokes Gained: Total in Texas (14%), Course History (17%) and SG: Putting Bentgrass (17%).

• Scottie Scheffler
• Billy Horschel
• Daniel Berger
• Maverick McNealy
• Adam Schenk
• Collin Morikawa
• Austin Eckroat
• Sepp Straka

2024 Charles Schwab Challenge Picks

Tony finau +3300 (fanduel).

Tony Finau hit the ball incredibly well at last week’s PGA Championship. He led the field in Strokes Gained: Approach, gaining 9.3 strokes in the category, which was his second-best performance on approach this season (Farmers T6). Finau’s tie for 18th at Valhalla is ideal considering the fact that he played very well but didn’t have the mental and emotional strain of hitting shots deep into contention in a major championship. He should be sharp and ready to go for this week’s event.

Finau has been phenomenal in the state of Texas. He ranks third in Strokes Gained: Total in the Lone Star state in his past 36 rounds and just recently put up a T2 finish at the Texas Children’s Houston Open last month. He also has success at Colonial. He finished 2nd at the course in 2019 and T4 at the course in 2022. He missed the cut last year, however, that seems to be an aberration as he hasn’t finished worse than 34th in his seven other trips to Fort Worth.

Finau has gained strokes off the tee in 10 of his 13 starts this season, and his ability to hit the ball long and straight should give him an advantage this week at Colonial. He’s also gained strokes on approach in 11 of his 13 starts this year. His tee to green excellence should work wonders this week, as Colonial is a challenging test. The concern, as usual, for Tony, is the putter. He’s in the midst of the worst putting season of his career, but with a target score in the -8 to -13 range this week, he should be able to get away with a few mistakes on the greens.

Finau is one of the most talented players in the field and I believe he can put it all together this week in Texas to get his first win since last year’s Mexico Open.

Sungjae Im +5000 (BetRivers)

Sungjae Im is really starting to play some good golf of late, despite his missed cut at last week’s PGA Chmapionship. Im missed the cut on the number, which may be a blessing in disguise that allows him to rest and also keeps the price reasonable on him this week. The missed cut was due to some woeful putting, which is atypical for Sungjae. He gained strokes slightly both off the tee and on approach, therefore I’m not concerned with the performance.

Prior to his trip to Valhalla, Sungjae was beginning to show why he has been such a good player over the course of his career. He finished T12 at Heritage and then won an event in Korea. He followed that up with a T4 at Quail Hollow in a “Signature Event”, which was his best performance on the PGA Tour this season. At the Wells Fargo, the South Korean was 20th in Strokes Gained: Ball Striking and showed his skill around and on the greens.

Sungjae has had some success at Colonial. He’s finished T10 and T15 with two missed cuts scattered in between over the past four seasons. When he is in form, which I believe he now is, the course suits him well.

Im hasn’t won since 2021, which is an underachievement given how talented I believe he is. That can change this week with a win at Colonial.

Christiaan Bezuidenhout +5000 (FanDuel)

I absolutely love this spot for Christiaan Bezuidenhout. The South African is having a fantastic season and this is a course that should suit his strengths.

Prior the PGA Championship, Bez hadn’t finished worse than 28th in six consecutive starts. He’s not the type of player who can get to -20 in a “birdie fest” but can grind in a tougher event. He is a terrific player in the wind and putts extremely well on Bentgrass greens. Bezuidenhout has also had success both in Texas and at Colonial. He ranks 16th in Strokes Gained: Total at the course and 10th in Strokes Gained: Total in Texas over his past 36 rounds.

Part of what has made Bezuidenhout play so well this year is his increase in ball speed, which has been the recipe for success for plenty of players, including the winner of last week’s PGA Championship, Xander Schauffele. Bezuidenhout’s coach shared his ball speed gains on Instagram a few weeks back.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C6FCvK3S97A/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Now at close to 170mph ball speed, that isn’t enough to compete at the monstrous major championship courses in my opinion, however it’s plenty to contend at Colonial.

Bezuidenhout has been one of the most consistent performers on the PGA Tour this season and a win would put an exclamation point on what’s been his best year on Tour to date.

Brendon Todd +12500 (BetRivers)

Brendon Todd is the type of player that’s hit or miss, but usually shows up on the courses he has a strong history on and plays well. Todd finished T8 at Colonial in 2021 and 3rd in 2022. He’s also flashed some Texas form this year as he finished T5 at the Valero Texas Open in April.

Todd doesn’t contend all that often, but when he does, he’s shown in the past that he has the capability to win a golf tournament. He has three PGA Tour wins including a win in Texas back in 2014 (TPC Four Seasons).

Todd is a player who can rise to the top if some of the elite players aren’t in contention after a grueling PGA Championship.

Justin Thomas on the equipment choice of Scottie Scheffler that he thinks is ‘weird’

Brandel Chamblee says this is the primary reason why Rory McIlroy hasn’t won a major in 10 years

‘Absolutely crazy’ – Major champ lays into Patrick Cantlay over his decision on final hole of RBC Heritage

Report: LIV Golf identifies latest star name they hope to sign to breakaway tour

Brandel Chamblee has ‘no doubt’ who started the McIlroy/LIV rumor and why

Tiger Woods WITB 2024 (May)

LET pro gives detailed financial breakdown of first week on tour…and the net result may shock you

Jason Day on his recent switch into Srixon ZX5 and ZX7 Mk II irons

Gary Player claims this is what ‘completely ruined’ Tiger Woods’ career

Report: liv star turns down pga championship invite due to ‘personal commitments’.

Jason Dufner what’s in the bag accurate as of the PGA Championship. More photos from the event here.  Driver: Cobra...

Tyrell Hatton what’s in the bag accurate as of the PGA Championship.  Driver: Ping G430 LST (10.5 degrees @9) Shaft:...

Week 6 was a great one with the lowest score of the year! But that doesn’t stop BK from changing...

Rafa Campos WITB 2024 (May)

Rafa Campos WITB accurate as of the Charles Schwab Challenge. Putter and 3-wood are a game-time decision. More photos from the...

Bryson DeChambeau yells at grown man to return golf ball to kid at PGA Championship

Scottie Scheffler arrested, charged, and released after traffic incident at Valhalla

Rory McIlroy’s winning WITB: 2024 Wells Fargo Championship

Xander Schauffele’s winning WITB: 2024 PGA Championship

Lexi Thompson announces retirement from golf

Brandel Chamblee has a surprising new take on the PGA Tour-LIV stand-off

Trackman Tour Averages

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

How We Gathered the Data

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

Explore the New Tour Averages

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

What's Changed Since Last Time

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

The Impact of Trackman

Trackman's role in driving performance gains cannot be understated. From influencing club manufacture to revolutionizing training methods and making data more accessible, Trackman continues to shape the future of golf.

Stay Informed

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

Get the New Tour Assets

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

Key Insights:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 irons? What is the golf club distance for each of your clubs? These are among the most-asked questions from golf newbies. And the only completely honest answer is: it depends.

There are a lot of factors to consider: the clubs you're using, the balls you're 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're connecting with the ball, and so on. Here is what to consider.

Variation in Golfers' Distances

The average yardages for each golf club depends, and these vary 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 from Golf Digest ,: 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 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 golf club 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.

The 7 Best Women’s Golf Club Sets of 2024

The 9 Best Places to Buy Golf Clubs of 2024

Meet the Irons: An Intro for Golf Beginners

The TPC Four Seasons Resort and Club, Irving, Texas

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

Which Clubs Should You Carry in Your Golf Bag?

Types of Golf Clubs: The Complete Guide

The Sheraton Cable Beach Resort

8 Things for Golfers to Know About Single-Length Irons

Easy Experiences in Phoenix and Scottsdale

Meet the Wedges: An Intro for Golf Beginners

Sensei Porcupine Creek in Palm Springs Elevates the Standards for Wellness

How High Should the Golf Ball Be on the Tee?

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

The 9 Best Beach Games for Adults

Golf Courses and Resorts in Naples and Fort Myers, Florida

Trackman Tour Averages

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

How We Gathered the Data

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

Explore the New Tour Averages

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

What's Changed Since Last Time

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

The Impact of Trackman

Trackman's role in driving performance gains cannot be understated. From influencing club manufacture to revolutionizing training methods and making data more accessible, Trackman continues to shape the future of golf.

Stay Informed

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

Get the New Tour Assets

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

Key Insights:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Swing Speed and Distance Chart for Every Club

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

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

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

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

Tour Player Swing Speed and Distance Chart

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

What Is the Average Distance With Each Golf Club?

Amateur Golf Swing Speed Chart by Gender and Handicap

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

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

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

8 Clubhead Speed Drills to Help You Hit More Bombs

Male Amateur: Average Club Head Speed Chart

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

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

Bogey Golfer Official Handicap and Stats

Female Amateur: Average Club Head Speed Chart

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

Golf Iron Distances Chart (Club-by-Club)

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

There are five different types of clubs you can use on the golf course. They include woods, wedges, putters, hybrids, and irons. Despite there being no restriction on the types of clubs you can select, most golfers use distance as their selection criteria. Keeping this in mind, what are the different golf iron distances?

Golf iron distances can range from 95 yards to about 200 yards, and even higher for professional golfers using the best players irons on the market. For example, elite PGA male golfers can achieve a golf iron distance of up to 220 yards. However, several factors come into play when determining how far you can hit the ball, making it essential to consider these when selecting which golf irons to include in your bag.

I suggest you keep reading below to get the most out of this article, but if you’re short on time, here’s a quick golf iron distance chart:

Stick around to discover the distances you can achieve with golf iron clubs and the factors that influence how far you hit the ball.

What Are The Golf Iron Distances?

Typically, you will use golf irons when you are about 200 yards to the hole. If you’re a beginner, check out the most forgiving irons to help straighten out your shot.

Additionally, you can use three categories of irons, each with varying capabilities.

Below is a breakdown of each category’s capability to help you get the right combination for your next game.

Average Distances for “Short Irons”

These clubs are best for when you are closest to the hole. This is because their design only allows for height and spin instead of distance.

Clubs considered “short irons” are your 8-iron and 9-iron.

The table below shows the average distances you can achieve, depending on your skill level.

The 8-iron is ideal for chip and approach shots, while the 9-iron is more suited for shots where you want more height.

In addition, you should include these clubs in your golf bag if you are playing a short par three game. This is because these games require you to make accurate shots over a short distance. 

Average Distance for “Mid Irons”

Clubs under this category are your 5,6, and 7-irons. The “mid irons” are ideal for hitting the ball at a higher trajectory, and you will find them in use for the second shot at par four or par-five holes.

In addition, modern mid irons now feature a graphite shaft, which gives you greater distance since the club is easier to control.

Here are the golf mid iron distances you can expect:

Average Distance for “Long Irons”

Long irons get their name from their long shafts and feature your 3 and 4-iron clubs. Their design allows you to hit the ball over long distances with a lower launch angle. Typically, most golfers use long irons when on the rough or fairway. 

Additionally, they can be helpful when you want to get out of tight spots, such as when you have trees over your ball trajectory.

Below are the average distances you can expect when using golf “long irons”:

Long irons can be challenging to use if you are an average player since they are less accurate. As such, you will not find them in regular use by casual players. Furthermore, golfers no longer rely on the 3-iron, instead opting for the 3-hybrid club that achieves greater distances.

5 Factors that Impact Your Golf Iron Distances

You need to have the lowest number of shots to win a golf game. Therefore, you should maximize your golf iron distances on every shot.

We’ve listed several factors below that can prevent you from reaching your furthest golf irons distances:

1. Your Fitness Level

You need to be at a peak fitness level to achieve greater golf iron distances. This involves working on your flexibility and generating enough muscle power for your shots.

For example, most pro golfers practice yoga to develop their core muscles and improve flexibility. As such, they can execute the turns and extensions necessary for the perfect shot.

Furthermore, you need to have the correct balance to achieve greater golf iron distances.

Most amateur golfers waste their energy preventing themselves from falling. As such, the energy they transfer from the club to the ball is not sufficient to achieve the distance they require. 

2. You are Using the Wrong Golf Irons

Depending on your golf technique, there is a huge variety of golf irons to choose from. As such, you need to select the type that best matches your skill level. For example, cavity back irons offer you a larger sweet spot on the clubface, allowing you to hit the ball further. 

Similarly, you can choose between three categories of golf clubs according to your skill level. These are player irons for elite players, game improvement irons for average players, and super game improvements irons for amateurs. 

3. Your Golf Iron Shaft Length is Wrong

Your golf iron shafts need to be the appropriate length if you want to achieve longer distances with your shots.

Most golf shops feature a golf club size guide to help you select the best set of golf irons for your height. For example, if you are 5ft 6 inches, your golf iron shaft length should be 0.5 inches shorter than the standard length of 44.5 inches.

4. Your Swing Speed is Low

Your swing speed also plays a crucial part in how far you will hit the ball. Typically, the faster your swing speed, the greater your golf iron distance.

This statement only remains true if you hit the ball correctly, meaning you should always strike the ball with the sweet spot of your clubface.

5. Your Gender

Finally, your gender can also be a determining factor in your golf iron distances. From the tables above, you will notice around a forty-yard difference between male and female golfers.

This gap is closing because better equipment and training methods are now reducing gender differences.

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.

How Far You Should Be Hitting Your 3 Iron (Based on Skill)

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

View all posts by Brittany Olizarowicz

When hitting a 3 iron, you may notice some inconsistency in total distance. The lower loft in this club makes it a bit less forgiving, and golfers often can’t hit the ball quite as far. These distances are based on shots that are well struck and have the ball flight that they should.

A beginner golfer will likely get about 160 yards out of a 3 iron. I’ve taught many beginners that love their 3 iron because it gives them a low and penetrating ball flight that rolls for a long time.

At the beginning stages of the game, this may be appealing, but at some point, you will want a club that helps the golf ball get up in the air. The beginner golfer struggles with consistency and proper turf interaction.

These issues in the game end up creating problems with total launch and ball flight, so many beginner golfers have a hard time getting this club off the ground.

High Handicap

High-handicap golfers often have the same issues that beginners do with inconsistency. However, not all high handicappers are those with slower swing speeds. The range for high handicappers to hit a 3 iron is usually between 160 and 180 yards.

Again, most high handicappers will switch to a 3 hybrid simply because they are looking for a higher ball flight. The extra flight gives them increased distance and certainly more forgiveness.

Mid Handicap

The mid handicappers start to have more consistency in how they strike the golf ball. If you are a mid handicapper, chances are you are striking the center of the clubface more often than not.

In the mid handicap range, expect to see the distance of the 3 iron to be around 180 and sometimes even 190 yards. The longer distances would be for those that are playing with game improvement style clubs that are built for distance.

Hitting the ball on the sweet spot also gives you a few more yards, regardless of swing speed. The total distance that anyone can hit a 3 iron is greatly impacted by the accuracy of the strike.

Low Handicap

Low handicap golfers have the accuracy factor down. In addition, most lower handicappers are faster swing speed golfers. With this combination f accuracy of strike and higher club speed, the smash factor for low handicap golfers is quite impressive.

The total distances we see for these players usually start at around 200 yards for a 3 iron and continue up from there.

Some lower handicap golfers use a 3 iron utility club , and they see similar distance with a bit more forgiveness built in.

A professional golfer hits a 3 iron anywhere from 205 to 225 yards. Some players may get even more distance than that, depending on shaft length, launch angle, and swing speed. Pros can get a tremendous amount of length from their shots, but they are more concerned with accuracy.

One of the things that you will notice about professional golfers is that they don’t all carry the 3 iron. Some will use it, but others use a utility or even a hybrid to replace the 3 iron. This has been a change that has occurred only in the last few years.

When to Use Your 3 Iron

It may seem as though I’ve been a little leery calling the 3 iron a fantastic golf club. I have just seen too many golfers try to use this club for the wrong things.

So many newer players believe the 3 iron is helping them simply because it scoots along the ground quite far. I understand that it may seem as though it’s helpful, but this is a shot that you won’t need for long and one that doesn’t make much sense to keep around.

Here is where I would suggest using a 3 iron, and some tips on who should be using it.

Approach From Fairway on Par 5

If there is not much trouble between you and the flag, the 3 iron can be a great club to use. Even if you miss it a little and the ball stays low along the ground, you may get all the distance you need for the ball to make it to the hole.

Par 4 Tee Shot

One of the benefits of the 3 iron is that it can be good for a stinger-type shot where you keep the ball low and straight. If you are playing a par 4 with a lot of trouble and want to just place something in the fairway that rolls for a while, the 3 iron can be a good shot.

A long par 3 is another situation where you may need to pull the 3 iron out of the bag. With the long par 3, pay close attention to your total distance on the 3 iron so that you don’t run the ball through the green.

Other Clubs That Could Replace a 3 Iron

The 3 iron is one of the most popular clubs in the bag to remove and replace with something easier to hit. Here are the clubs that golfers use to replace the 3 iron.

If you like the look of the 3 iron but need a bit more forgiveness with your golf shots, the 3 utility is a great club to choose. With a 3 utility in place, you can still get impressive clubhead speed and the iron-like feel. However, chances are the ball flight will be higher, and total distance could be higher as well.

I also find that the utility clubs are easier to hit out of the rough.

The 3 hybrid is one of the most common replacements for the 3 iron. Hybrids offer high launch, impressive total distance, accuracy, and some of the best performance out of the rough. If you have a 3 hybrid in the bag, you will have more versatility than you do with the 3 iron.

A 5 wood is another common replacement for the 3 iron . With a 5 wood, you can expect a much longer total distance, plenty of roll, and a different feel coming off the clubface.

I prefer the 5 wood, and I keep one in my bag. One of the things I notice on a full swing with the 5 wood is that the room for error in the final shot is a bit higher. The graphite shaft and the longer length of the club make it a bit harder to control.

However, overall, forgiveness in the clubhead of the 5 wood makes up for it.

I played a 3-iron for a long time and enjoyed that lower stinger like shot. However, over time I decided that it was not the ball flight I was looking for, and it was not versatile enough to keep in the bag.

Tips for Hitting Your 3 Iron Further

If you are carrying a 3 iron currently and want to make sure that you are maxing out total distance, here are a few of my best tips for hitting your 3 iron further .

• Make sure your stance is not too wide, and play the ball up a little further in the stance, closer to the left heel (for right-handed players).
• To get more consistency in the distance, you hit a better strike, take a ¾ swing and let momentum carry the club the rest of the way.
• Don’t stand too close to the ball when hitting a 3 iron. It’s longer than other clubs in your bag, and standing too close will cause you to hit behind your shot.
• It may be worthwhile having a graphite shaft installed in your 3 iron. The graphite can help increase total launch and distance.
• Many golfers start to move inefficiently when they put a 3 iron in their bag because they think they have to really go after it to get a good shot. If you have to try that hard, take the 3 iron out, and you will get good results.
• The longer the 3 iron is up in the air, the further it will go. Make sure to strike down and through the ball if you want the greatest total distance with this club.

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

• 75 Hilarious Golf Puns and One-Liners That Don’t Suck
• Where Should You Position The Ball When You’re Putting?
• 10 Cheap Golf Gifts: Ideas Under $10, $20, or $30
• 13 Best Golf Clubs for Beginners – Ranked & Reviewed [2024]
• 5 Tips to Finally Stop Hitting Your Golf Balls Fat
• Callaway Supersoft vs Chrome Soft: Head-to-Head Comparison
• An Honest BirdieBall Putting Green Review
• 10 Best Outdoor Golf Simulators to Check Out [2024 Guide]
• An Honest Review of The Flightscope Mevo Plus
• How to Clean Golf Gloves to Make Them Feel Brand New

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.

Ultimate Golf Club Distance Chart for Seniors [All Skill Levels]

Our website is supported by our readers. We may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. For more details see our disclaimers page .

Table of Contents

Regardless of age, any golfer’s shot distance is a significant concern. So a golf club distance chart for seniors holds the same importance at any age.

As we get older, our performance on the golf course naturally changes. You might control some elements to an extent through exercise and nutrition , but certain factors are part of aging.

So logically, you shouldn’t be comparing how you play to those who don’t experience the same limitations as you.

Senior golf has its standard for what poor or great performances are. You should judge your skill level based on your group. You can look at distance charts to get an idea of the average distance players in your category.

This article will give you the best golf club distance charts for seniors.

🏌️‍♂️ Read Next: 13 Best Golf Clubs for Seniors [Expert Buyers Guide]

Golf Club Distance Chart Utilization

Distance charts essentially give the average distance covered by a club. Different charts focus on variable factors such as gender, age, experience, etc.

A golf club distance chart shouldn’t be viewed as a benchmark. It’s a helpful tool to compare your performance realistically, considering limiting factors. So don’t sweat it if your numbers don’t match the charts.

The better approach is knowing your yardage rather than focusing on how far each club can go. Different people get different numbers for the same club, so while a 7 iron is going far for your friend, maybe your 5 iron covers the same ground.

What I’m stressing about is that it’s all relative. Contrary to popular belief, being a long-hitter doesn’t guarantee a lower score. It’s understandable why people assume that long shots travel a greater distance, possibly lowering your score.

But that’s just not written in stone. A short-hitter could outdo you. It’s just a matter of knowing yourself and your skill.

😂 Read Next: 70+ Super Funny Golf Sayings That Will Keep You Laughing

Golf Distance Charts for Men & Women

First, we will look at the average distance that younger players of both genders cover. This gives an idea of how well a player can perform when all age factors are in their favor. 

You can take these numbers as the upper limit of how much yardage one can achieve.

Golf Club Distance Chart for Men

With experience, male golfers gain decent yardage in their shots. The more players practice, the higher they can take their swing speed, which is critical for covering long distances.

You can compare your performance with the table below (average golfer to pro).

Golf Club Average Distances of Women

For female players, the numbers are lower than for male players. Many factors come into play here, such as thinner and shorter clubs coupled with a slower swing speed. The distances covered are impressive nonetheless.

You can use the table below as a reference point for your yardage.

Golf Club Distance Charts for Seniors

Players who are 50+ in age fall under the Seniors category. They’re eligible to play in the Senior PGA Championship , on top of the PGA Tour .

Although they aren’t required to leave the PGA Tour, it’s clear that their performance will eventually fall behind over time than the younger players on the golf course. But that’s just how life goes.

Nonetheless, here’s a shocking fact. The world record for the longest drive is held by 64-year-old, Mike Austin . He hit a 515-yard drive in 1974! We didn’t even have the TaylorMade SIM 2 back then.

Regardless, there’s a significant gap in golf club distances among senior players. Those who play recreationally are shorter hitters compared to Senior PGA Tour players.

You can make the comparison through the table below.

Golf Club Distance Charts by Age | Drivers, Fairway Woods & Irons

Below you’ll find a breakdown of the average golf distance chart for irons and drivers by age.

While you may notice, there is a stark difference in average club distances between younger and senior players.  Professional golfers don’t rapidly lose their yardage because of old age.

Those who maintain their athleticism and continue playing stay in great shape. As Gary Player would agree, a lot can be done with a solid fitness routine. However, they’ll notice a slow dip in their numbers.

To understand the gradual shift in yardage, the table below shows the age-by-age decrease in shot distances.

Please note this golf club distance chart doesn’t account for whether a player is a professional.

Tips to Improve the Average Distance Golfers Hit

As a golfer, you can’t expect to stay on top of your game if you aren’t consistent. 

Many skills you learn will get rusty as the years go by. If you’re not paying attention, it can become harder to play as you used to.

To help you overcome your short yardage on the golf course, here are a few points you can focus on.

Read Next: Closed Coil Golf Swing for Seniors: 4 Quick Steps & Drills ⛳️

1. Use the Proper Golf Equipment for Senior Golfers

Your golf balls and clubs are both determinants of your performance. You should ensure you’re using the suitable fit for you and the level at which you play.

Sometimes, your previous club preference doesn’t give you the same results as it once did. This may be a sign to try other clubs and see if there is another that suits you better. The same goes for golf balls.

Having the right driver and irons is as important as possessing the right skills.

2. Improve Your Golf Grip & Posture 

To start, it’s essential to have the best golf grips for seniors .

As we age, a golfer’s grip and posture are often neglected parts of physical fitness. 

Players focus more on stamina, strength, and similar capabilities, but other factors equally influence their performance.

A good golf grip helps you transfer strength and control the ball. You may struggle with this at first, but it could be what’s holding you back.

As for posture, ensure that you’re standing as tall as you can and are bending from the waist, not the shoulders. You should also be careful about your alignment, which your posture can throw off.

⛳️ Read Next: 23 Best Golf Tips For Seniors to Enhance Your Game

3. Improve Your Golf Swing Speed

One of the many culprits for a shorter distance on your shots is your swing speed. This is essentially how fast your club moves before it hits the golf ball.

Your swing speed changes over time. In the table below, you can see what male and female golfers average at different ages.

As you can see, as we all age, we tend to have slower swing speeds. However, golf training aids and exercise can help with increasing swing speeds.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far should a 60 year old man hit a golf ball.

According to the senior distance chart, a 60 year old man, should hit approximately 211 yards with his golf driver.

Final Thoughts | Golf Club Distance Chart for Seniors

The finest aspect of golf is that age is not a limitation. You grow as you go, adapting your expertise according to your circumstances.

Using a golf club distance chart for seniors as a reference, you can continue enjoying your game and be motivated to progress further.

If you are looking for motivation, check out Gary Player’s amazing fitness routine .

Related Senior Golf Articles

10 Best Golf Swing Tips for Seniors That Actually Work

13 Best Golf Clubs for Seniors in 2023 [Expert Buyers Guide]

Ultimate Guide to the Senior Golf Tour: 5 Major Tournaments

The 6 Best Golf Grips For Seniors In 2022

7 Best Drivers For Senior Women To Increase Distance in 2022

Erin has spent over 17 years as a healthcare executive working with seniors in nursing homes, skilled nursing, assisted living, and independent living communities. She also holds a Masters Degree in Social Work and other advanced degrees related to seniors.

Erin grew up playing golf in a family of golf fanatics. She started this site to help others add more enjoyment to the game of life through golf.

X (Twitter) | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube | Pinterest

1 thought on “Ultimate Golf Club Distance Chart for Seniors [All Skill Levels]”

thank you. some ideas and some information.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

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

© 2024 Senior Golf Source

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:.

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 .

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.

⛳ View 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.

⛳ View 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.

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

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)

Tee Precision

3 Iron Distance [How Far Does The Average Golfer Hit It?]

3 iron distance is an important topic for many golfers, as it can greatly impact their game. For those unfamiliar with golf, a 3 iron is a type of golf club that is typically used for long shots. The average distance that a golfer can hit a 3 iron varies based on several factors, including swing speed, skill level, and other factors.

Table of Contents

Understanding 3 iron distance, club selection for 3 iron distance, improving your 3 iron distance, 3 iron distance for different skill levels.

For many recreational golfers, hitting a 3 iron can be a difficult club to master. However, with the right clubs and a bit of practice, it is possible to hit the ball a good distance with this club. Many golfers turn to a golf club distance chart to get a rough idea of how far they should be hitting each club, including the 3 iron. Other factors such as the type of golf ball used, the launch angle, and the sweet spot of the club face can also impact the distance that a golfer is able to hit the ball.

PGA Tour players and experienced golfers are often able to hit the ball much further with a 3 iron than average golfers. However, even beginner and mid-handicap golfers can improve their 3 iron distance with the right technique and club selection. It is important for golfers of all skill levels to understand the key factors that impact 3 iron distance, such as clubhead speed, shaft length, and loft. By focusing on these factors and practicing regularly, golfers can improve their 3 iron distance and overall game.

Average Iron Distance

Knowing the average iron distance is crucial for golfers to improve their game. On average, male golfers hit their 3 iron 180-210 yards, while female golfers hit their 3 iron 110-140 yards. However, this can vary depending on skill level, swing speed, and other factors.

3 Iron Distance vs. Other Club Distances

When it comes to golf club distance, the 3 iron is considered a difficult club to hit for many golfers. While it can be a great club for experienced and skilled golfers, high handicappers may struggle with it. In comparison to other clubs, the 3 iron typically has a lower loft and longer shaft length, making it harder to hit consistently.

On the golf club distance chart, fairway woods and hybrids are often recommended over long irons, including the 3 iron. For example, a 3 wood or hybrid can be used for shots in the range of 170-210 yards, while a 3 iron is typically used for shots in the range of 180-210 yards.

Factors Affecting 3 Iron Distance

There are several factors that can affect 3 iron distance, including club face, sweet spot, lower loft, graphite shaft, and launch angle. A well-struck shot with the sweet spot of the club face can result in a longer distance, while a shot with a lower loft can result in a lower ball flight and shorter distance. Graphite shafts can also help increase distance due to their lighter weight, while a higher launch angle can result in a longer carry distance.

It’s important for golfers to experiment with different clubs and factors to find the right clubs and swing for their game. Only your distance and skill level can determine the right clubs and factors for you.

Choosing the Right Clubs

When it comes to club selection for 3 iron distance, there are a few key factors to consider. One of the most important is the golfer’s skill level. For many golfers, a 3 iron can be a difficult club to hit consistently. However, for more experienced golfers with higher swing speeds, it can be a great club for long par 3s or tight fairways.

Another important factor is the course itself. If the course has a lot of hazards or rough, it may be better to use a fairway wood or hybrid to ensure a better chance of hitting the ball cleanly. On the other hand, if the fairways are wide open, a 3 iron may be a good choice for its accuracy and control.

Finally, it’s important to consider the other clubs in the golfer’s bag. If they already have a fairway wood or hybrid that they hit well at the 3 iron distance, it may be redundant to carry a 3 iron as well. Conversely, if they struggle with their fairway woods or hybrids, a 3 iron may be a better choice for consistent distance and accuracy.

3 Iron vs. Fairway Woods and Hybrids

One common question when it comes to 3 iron distance is whether to use a 3 iron or a fairway wood or hybrid. While fairway woods and hybrids may be easier to hit from different lies than a low lofted club like a 3 iron, they may not be as accurate or controllable. Additionally, some golfers may prefer the feel of a traditional iron over a wood or hybrid.

Ultimately, the decision between a 3 iron and a fairway wood or hybrid will depend on the golfer’s personal preference and skill level. It may be helpful to try out both options on the driving range or during a round of golf to see which club performs better for the individual golfer.

3 Iron vs. Pitching Wedge and Sand Wedge

Another consideration when it comes to 3 iron distance is whether to use a 3 iron or a pitching wedge or sand wedge. While these clubs are typically used for shorter shots around the green, they can also be effective for longer shots when the ball needs to be hit high and stopped quickly.

Again, the decision between a 3 iron and a wedge will depend on the golfer’s personal preference and the situation on the course. If the ball is in the rough or a hazard, a wedge may be a better choice for getting the ball out and onto the green. However, if the ball is in the fairway and a longer shot is needed, a 3 iron may be a good choice for accuracy and control.

For many golfers, hitting a 3 iron can be a difficult club to master. However, with the right technique and practice, it is possible to improve your 3 iron distance and accuracy. Here are some tips to help you improve your 3 iron game:

Swing Speed and Clubhead Speed

One of the most important factors in improving your 3 iron distance is your swing speed and clubhead speed. The faster your swing speed, the more distance you will get on your shots. To improve your swing speed, try incorporating exercises that focus on building strength and flexibility in your core, arms, and legs. Additionally, make sure to use the right shaft length and flex for your swing speed and skill level.

Hitting the Ball on the Sweet Spot

Another key factor in improving your 3 iron distance is hitting the ball on the sweet spot of the club face. This will help maximize your smash factor and launch angle, resulting in longer and more accurate shots. To improve your sweet spot accuracy, try practicing with a pitching wedge or sand wedge and focus on hitting the ball in the center of the club face. Additionally, make sure to use the right golf ball for your skill level and swing speed.

Factors Affecting Launch Angle

Finally, there are several other factors that can affect your launch angle and 3 iron distance. These include the loft of the club, the type of golf ball you are using, and the course conditions. To improve your launch angle, try experimenting with different club lofts and ball types to find the right combination for your swing. Additionally, make sure to practice hitting from different lies, such as the rough or fairway, to get a better feel for how your 3 iron performs in different course conditions.

Improving your 3 iron distance takes time and practice, but with the right technique and equipment, you can start hitting longer and more accurate shots on the course. Remember to focus on your swing speed, hitting the ball on the sweet spot, and adjusting for launch angle based on the course conditions. By incorporating these tips into your practice routine, you can take your 3 iron game to the next level.

PGA Tour Players

PGA Tour players are known for their exceptional skills and abilities on the course. On average, they hit their 3 iron around 217 yards with a swing speed of around 105 mph. However, it’s important to note that each player’s distance can vary based on their individual swing and other factors such as launch angle and ball flight.

Amateur and Recreational Golfers

For the average golfer, hitting a 3 iron can be a difficult club to master. Many golfers struggle to hit the ball consistently with this club, resulting in shorter distances and less accuracy. According to golf club distance charts, the average distance for a 3 iron for recreational golfers is around 135-170 yards.

Beginner Golfers and High Handicappers

Beginner golfers and high handicappers may struggle even more with hitting their 3 iron. It’s important for these golfers to focus on using the right clubs for their skill level and swing speed. Fairway woods or hybrids may be a better choice for these golfers as they are easier to hit and can provide good distance. It’s also important for these golfers to work on improving their swing and overall skill level to eventually work up to using a 3 iron.

Overall, the 3 iron can be a difficult club to master for many golfers. It’s important to use the right clubs for your skill level and swing speed, and to focus on improving your overall skill level to eventually work up to using a 3 iron. Other factors such as clubhead speed, shaft length, and sweet spot can also play a role in the distance you can hit with a 3 iron. By focusing on these key factors and practicing regularly, you can improve your 3 iron distance and become a better golfer .

Understanding the distance of a 3 iron is an important aspect of golf for golfers of all skill levels. While the average distance of a 3 iron varies depending on many factors such as swing speed, skill level, and club selection, it is generally considered to be between 16-52 yards.

Many golfers struggle with hitting long irons such as the 3 iron, and may opt for fairway woods or hybrid clubs instead. However, for experienced golfers with high clubhead speeds, the 3 iron can be a great club for hitting long par 3s or for use off the tee on tight fairways.

When selecting the right clubs for your game, it is important to consider factors such as club distance, launch angle, and shaft length. Additionally, hitting the ball with the sweet spot of the club face and achieving a high smash factor can greatly increase your distance and accuracy.

Overall, while the 3 iron may be a difficult club for some golfers to hit, it can be a great club for others. By understanding the key factors that affect distance and club selection, golfers can make informed decisions and improve their game on the course.

• 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

Davis Riley WITB May 2024: 27-Year-Old PGA Tour Pro's Golf Bag Explored

What does davis riley hold in his bag, what does his bag hold when it comes to wedges and putters.

• Smart Sensors
• Smart Grips
• NEW Link Pro
• Major Bundle: Save $100
• Smart Grips Bundle: Save $100
• 5 Sensor Bundle
• SuperStroke Putter Grip Accessory
• Single Smart Sensor
• Single Smart Grip
• NEW Collection
• Digital Gift Card
• Membership Gift Card
• Strokes Gained Analytics
• Rangefinder
• Caddie Advice
• Smart Club Distances
• Automatic Shot Tracking
• Arccos Invitational
• Arccos Link
• Apple Watch
• Arccos Pro Insights
• Srixon/Cleveland Golf
• Shop Best Sellers Smart Sensors Smart Grips NEW Link Pro Major Bundle: Save $100 Smart Grips Bundle: Save $100 Accessories 5 Sensor Bundle SuperStroke Putter Grip Accessory Single Smart Sensor Single Smart Grip Arccos x H&B Apparel NEW Collection Shop All Digital Gift Card Membership Gift Card
• Experience Arccos App Strokes Gained Analytics Rangefinder Caddie Advice Smart Club Distances Automatic Shot Tracking Arccos Invitational Arccos Link Apple Watch Arccos Pro Insights
• --> Sign in

New Feature... Coming Soon

You’re sitting nicely in the fairway, the ball perched up perfectly on the fine-cut blades of grass, dressed in light dew. You clock the pin, which is nestled in the front right corner, at 163 yards. You reach for your 8 iron, but a gust of wind hits your back, leaving you a touch unsure… Arccos' plays like distance notes 157; you stick with your 8, but decide not to power your swing too much. It’s a perfect swing, it’s a perfect impact. 

You look up to find your ball gracefully gliding through the air, aligning with where the pin is. “Go.. Go.. Go!” Thud, the ball lands, thud… thud… thud…, as you watch the ball rolling towards the pin, is it about to go in? … just shy, but soo close! You’ve marked the pin and proceed to line up your putt, tap… clink! Back of the cup. That was easy. Now if only every shot was like that! 

Reflecting on the round later, you can't help but marvel at that incredible 157-yard, 8 iron shot that nestled just 3 feet from the pin. The highlight of the day, no doubt! You’re showing your buddies after the round, even take a screenshot to remember it for later. 

Now what if we told you that that 157-yard, 8 iron that was stuck to 3ft beat 97% of shots on the PGA TOUR? 

What if you got rewarded every time you hit a shot similar to it, with a badge? 

And what if we made it super shareable? 

Coming soon… the newest feature available only to Arccos Members, PGA TOUR Quality Approach. With PGA TOUR Quality Approach, you can now compare your approach shots to PGA TOUR players! We can’t wait to see your amazing PGA TOUR-level shots! The pros are constantly tracking their game; you should be too!

Follow Playing Through online:

• Follow Playing Through on Twitter
• Follow Playing Through on Instagram
• Follow Playing Through on Facebook

Site search

• Champions Tour
• DP World Tour
• Latest News

Filed under:

Nelly Korda makes a shocking 10, all but ending U.S. Women’s Open hopes early on

Nelly Korda made a litany of errors on the par-3 12th, as she made a jaw-dropping 10 at the U.S. Women’s Open.

Share this story

• Share this on Facebook
• Share this on Twitter
• Share this on Reddit
• Share All sharing options

Share All sharing options for: Nelly Korda makes a shocking 10, all but ending U.S. Women’s Open hopes early on

Nelly Korda did not get off to a great start at the U.S. Women’s Open , bogeying the first hole—the tough par-4 10th.

She then steadied herself somewhat with a par on the difficult par-4 11th, as she completed the most challenging stretch Lancaster Country Club has to offer.

But she had no idea what would hit her on the downhill, scenic par-3 12th, which measures 161 yards.

The tee shot plays 20 yards downhill, greatly exposing the hole to the winds. Therefore, judging the distance—and selecting the right club—is a challenge.

The green also makes things rather tricky. It slopes severely from back to front, and a creek meanders across the front of the putting surface.

“The par-3 over the water, from the tee box, you can’t see how sloped of a green that is, but then once you get onto that green, you’re like, oh, my gosh, you’re coming in with a 6-iron,” Korda said of the 12th on Tuesday, during her pre-tournament press conference.

“If you’re long, in a sense, you’re kind of screwed. If you’re short, you’re screwed too.”

When Korda arrived on the 12th tee early Thursday morning, she had plenty of time to decide what to do.

“We waited for like 25 to 30 minutes on that tee, too,” Korda explained after her opening round.

“I was in between a 7-iron and a 6-iron. I just didn’t really know what to hit. Sometimes, it’s not really good seeing the girls play in front of you because two of them went into the water.”

She decided on a 6-iron, which pierced through the wind, took one hop on the back of the green, and settled into the back bunker. She did herself no favors by putting her tee shot in such a precarious position.

With the pin on the front portion of the green, she had to play her second shot gently.

But Korda got too aggressive. Her bunker shot trickled down the slope, finally coming to rest in the creek.

She then had to go back across the bridge and play her fourth shot from the fairway on the other side. But then disaster truly struck.

Korda tried to bump and run her chip into the slope, but she did not put enough on it. That, too, found the water.

The top-ranked player in the world then made the same mistake twice, shockingly putting her sixth shot into the stream. An enormous number loomed, and her chances of winning back-to-back majors had completely washed away.

She then placed her eighth shot above the hole, failed to make the putt coming back down the hill, and tapped in for a 10, a jaw-dropping score that would leave an amateur depressed. It also marked the highest score of her career , per golf stat guru Justin Ray.

Here’s video of Nelly’s 10: pic.twitter.com/Qn6CTUSgv1 — Playing Through (@_PlayingThrough) May 30, 2024

Her early-round blunder immediately evoked memories of Jordan Spieth’s meltdown on the 12th hole at Augusta National in 2016.

Like Spieth then, Korda walked off the 12th on Thursday looking rattled, and rightfully so. Like that, she began her U.S. Women’s Open at 8-over through three holes, making things rather difficult for her the rest of the way.

“Making a 10 on a par-3 will definitely not do you any good at a U.S. Open,” Korda said.

“I started off really poorly but played pretty well on the back nine. But overall, yeah, just a bad day in the office.”

She would go on to shoot a 10-over 80 on day one, leaving her well out of contention. But Korda was not the only player to struggle at Lancaster. Many other players recorded double-bogies or worse on the par-3 12th while also laboring elsewhere.

For the morning wave, the scoring average hovered around 75, five shots over par.

Nevertheless, Korda has a serious uphill climb just to make the cut, let alone win the golf tournament.

Jack Milko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through. Be sure to check out @_PlayingThrough for more golf coverage. You can follow him on Twitter @jack_milko as well.

Next Up In Golf

• RBC Canadian Open: Round 3 tee times, as Robert MacIntyre, Ryan Fox co-lead
• Nelly Korda redeems herself on 12, but fails to make U.S. Women’s Open cut
• Lexi Thompson emotionally reflects on career after tough U.S. Women’s Open finish
• Robert MacIntyre, playing with special caddy, snatches RBC Canadian Open lead
• 15-year-old Asterisk Talley shining in U.S. Women’s Open debut, making memories
• Record U.S. Women’s Open purse shows USGA, Ally’s devotion to women’s golf

Loading comments...

Sign up for the newsletter sign up for the playing through daily roundup newsletter, thanks for signing up.

Check your inbox for a welcome email.

Oops. Something went wrong. Please enter a valid email and try again.

Scoring Average

Birdie Average

Driving Distance

SG: Approach the Green

Greens in Regulation Percentage

SG: Putting

Rory McIlroy’s return leads biggest storylines at PGA Tour’s 2024 RBC Canadian Open

Rory McIlroy will be gunning for his third RBC Canadian Open trophy as the PGA Tour heads north.

Michael Corvo

The PGA Tour ventures up to Ontario this week for the 113th edition of the RBC Canadian Open at Hamilton Golf Club. Two-time champion Rory McIlroy headlines the 156-person field in Ancaster.

Last year's event at Oakdale in Toronto was initially overshadowed by the surprise framework agreement between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. It ended up producing arguably the most entertaining finish of the season.

On the third playoff hole, Winnipeg native Nick Taylor denied Tommy Fleetwood of his long-awaited first tour victory with a 72-foot eagle putt.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wpu0X9XWrt8

The PGA Tour can only dream of a repeat in excitement — but maybe without the unhinged security measures . It can get a bit rowdy up there.

The winner of the non-Signature event will earn $1.7 million of the $9.4 million purse and 500 FedEx Cup points. More importantly, they'll get a confidence boost heading into a Signature event ( the Memorial ) followed by the U.S. Open at Pinehurst (June 13).

Davis Riley, winner of this past week's Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial, is in the field. McIlroy ( +360 on FanDuel ) is the heavy favorite.

Here are three storylines heading into PGA Tour's excursion to the north.

RBC Canadian Open preview

3. canadian representation.

Taylor became the first Canadian to win the event 69 years. Can the Canucks go back-to-back?

Taylor is the highest ranked Canadian in the field (no. 30), but he has just one top 10 since winning the WM Phoenix Open. Corey Conners hasn't contended on the PGA Tou in 2024, but his ball-striking should behoove him in Ancaster.

Mackenzie Hughes (no. 68), a Hamilton native, is fighting for a spot on Team Canada for the Paris Olympics. Adam Svensson, Taylor Pendrith, and Adam Hadwin are regular top-25s, too.

International team spots for the 2024 Presidents Cup (being played in Montreal) could be on the line, too.

2. Course reno

Like Colonial, Hamilton has undergone a full-scale renovation since it last hosted a PGA Tour tournament.

The celebrated 2023 update of the short par 70 course emphasized ball-striking and optionality. There are par-3s and par-4s of all distances. Contenders will need to be sharp with their irons on approach.

The course still features “ The Rink ” — a hockey-themed party hole at the par-3 14th.

1. Rory McIlroy is back

McIlroy didn't just win the last time this event was at Hamilton — he rolled by seven strokes thanks to a final-round 61 (that included two bogeys!). He also won the 2022 RBC at St. George's.

McIlroy, one of four top-20 players in the field, hasn't teed it up since an underwhelming result (T12) at the PGA Championship encircled by off-course drama .

Entering Valhalla, Rory had won consecutive PGA Tour events — the Zurich Classic of New Orleans and Wells Fargo Championship — on the back of strong iron play and tee-to-green work.

After a whirlwind few weeks, where will McIlroy's game be as the next major approaches?

My pick: Alex Noren. The Swede has eight straight top-25s and hasn't missed a cut this season. He's due.

Michael Corvo is ClutchPoints' Senior Associate Editor of golf + culture. He was the Lakers beat reporter from 2021-24. One day, he hopes to see the New York Jets win another playoff game. Inspirations: Paul Giamatti, Shane Falco, Phife Dawg.

• CBSSports.com
• Fanatics Sportsbook
• CBS Sports Home
• Triple Crown 
• Champions League
• Motor Sports
• High School

Football Pick'em

College Pick'em

Fantasy baseball, fantasy football, fantasy basketball, fantasy hockey, franchise games, 24/7 sports news network.

• CBS Sports Golazo Network
• PGA Tour on CBS
• UEFA Champions League
• UEFA Europa League
• Italian Serie A
• Watch CBS Sports Network
• TV Shows & Listings

The Early Edge

A Daily SportsLine Betting Podcast

Beyond the Arc

It's NBA Playoff Time!

• Podcasts Home
• The First Cut Golf
• We Need to Talk Now
• Eye On College Basketball
• NFL Pick Six
• Cover 3 College Football
• Fantasy Football Today
• My Teams Organize / See All Teams Help Account Settings Log Out

MacIntyre, Fox lead at halfway point in Canada

Charges dropped against scheffler, korda cards career-worst 80 at u.s. open, lexi thompson, 29, to retire at end of 2024 lpga season, u.s. open odds: scheffler stands as heavy favorite, riley wins first pga tour solo title at charles schwab, thorbjornsen joins åberg earning card from pga tour u, pro golfer grayson murray, 30, dies by suicide, schauffele, korda in line to defend olympic gold medals.

MacIntyre, Fox lead at the halfway point in Canada

By: patrick mcdonald.

2024 U.S. Open odds, picks, best bets, field

By: cbs sports staff.

2024 RBC Canadian Open: TV schedule, where to watch

Burns, McIlroy in the mix after Round 1 in Canada

Korda cards 10-over 80 in Round 1 of U.S. Open

2024 RBC Canadian Open expert picks, bets, odds

2024 RBC Canadian Open odds, picks, computer sims

All charges dropped against Scheffler in Louisville

2024 RBC Canadian Open One and Done expert picks

CBS Sports HQ Newsletter

We bring sports news that matters to your inbox, to help you stay informed and get a winning edge., thanks for signing up, keep an eye on your inbox., there was an error processing your subscription., shop golf gear fanatics.com.

Sports Betting

2024 RBC Canadian Open expert picks, odds: Rory McIlroy favored to win it again

Rory McIlroy has teed it up at the RBC Canadian Open only three times, but he’s twice won the crown. Will he make it three for four this weekend?

This week, the PGA Tour heads north to Canada for the RBC Canadian Open. The 2023 RBC Canadian Open was one for the history books as a native son, Nick Taylor, won dramatically in a playoff over Tommy Fleetwood. Taylor’s winning putt has been immortalized as part of the RBC Candian Open’s logo in 2024. Taylor will defend his title at Hamilton Golf and Country Club, which last hosted the Canadian Open in 2019.

Advertisement

Rory McIlroy won here in 2019, but he will be facing a different golf course than he did that day. Since the 2019 edition, Hamilton Golf and Country Club has been redesigned by architect Martin Ebert. Bunkers have been removed and the greens have been enlarged with the collars taken out while featuring shaved runoff areas. The golf course only measures 7,084 yards.

In 2019, the leaderboard was packed on Saturday, with Matt Kuchar, Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry, and Webb Simpson all poised to push for a title while Adam Hadwin had his best shot to capture a Canadian Open. McIlroy overpowered the golf course on Sunday to win by 7 strokes over his good buddy, Shane Lowry, and Webb Simpson. While the golf course has changed since then, I’m not sure it has been Rory-proofed when it comes to length off the tee being able to overpower it.

How I’m building my projection model this week: Course history and historical statistics are taking a backseat. Current form takes center stage, and I’ve built two different models to come up with the best scenario for DFS lineups. The first model will feature driver distance, while the second will weigh accuracy off the tee a little more. Both models will feature strokes gained on approach, strokes gained from 100-125 yards, and strokes gained from 150-175 yards. The old setup of the course seemed to bring out the best in the short-game specialists, so I will include putting in the models.

Course information

Course: Hamilton Golf and Country Club — Ancaster, Ontario, Canada

Designed by: Harry S. Colt, Redesigned by Martin Ebert

Yardage: 7,058 Yards

Average green size: 6,000 square feet

Features: Martin Ebert’s redesign took out 16 bunkers on the golf course and enlarged the greens while changing the areas around the greens. The greens are bent grass while not allowing the Poa annua to creep in. The golf course has continued to take out trees that changed the landscape while also cutting down the rough a bit. The weather was wet early in the week, so I expect the rough to be lush. The routing through the West and South courses should work well, and I am excited to see the changes to the golf course.

Odds for RBC Canadian Open winner

All odds from  BetMGM .

Betting Slip

Rory McIlroy (+400) was a cold putter away from contending at the PGA Championship. A T12 isn’t too shabby when you consider he lost strokes on the greens. He won the Zurich Classic alongside Shane Lowry and the Wells Fargo Championship leading up to that PGA Championship. He gained over 11.5 strokes off the tee and 9.5 strokes on approach combined over his last two tournaments. The field is weak, and Rory has won two of the last three RBC Candian Opens contested. I don’t love taking short favorites, but Rory outclasses this field by a landslide.

Alex Norén (+2500) is playing some of the best golf of his career with eight straight top-25 finishes, including a T12 at the PGA Championship, where he gained over 4.7 strokes on approach. Noren won’t overpower this golf course, but he can use his iron play and excellent around-the-green game to contend.

Cameron Young (+2500) struggled with his approach shots at the PGA Championship more than he has in his entire PGA Tour career. He lost over 5 strokes on approach on the weekend. I expect him to bounce back from those numbers this week and use his off-the-tee game to set himself up for success. He has gained over 4 strokes on the field off the tee in three of his last five tournaments.

Keith Mitchell (+4000) has gained strokes off the tee and on approach in ten straight measured tournaments. He has been cold with the putter so his name falls a little lower than it should in my model this week. He’s been slightly better around the green since the Zurich Classic and is a hot putter away from contending.

Davis Thompson (+5500) has gained over 2.5 strokes off the tee in four of his last five measured events and three straight. He backed up his T2 at the Myrtle Beach Open with a solid T17 at the Charles Schwab Challenge last week.

Rory McIlroy ($12,100) See above.

Sahith Theegala ($10,500) has four top-12 finishes in his last eight events, including a T12 at the PGA Championship, where he gained more than 4 strokes ball-striking for the week. He has been inconsistent around the green, but he has popped with his putter in three of his last six measured events.

Alex Noren ($9,900) See above.

Cameron Young ($9,800) See above.

Maverick McNealy ($9,200) has gained strokes off the tee in nine straight measured events. His price is a little steep this week, even with his improved form. He was only $7,700 last week and finished T17. I’m a big fan of his game and am so happy he is healthy, but I will be underweight on him this week.

Adam Scott ($9,000) has gained strokes off the tee in six of his last seven measured events and has gained strokes on approach in four of his last five measured events. He bounced back from a missed cut at the PGA Championship with a T12 at the Charles Schwab Challenge.

Aaron Rai ($8,900) has two straight top-13 finishes at the RBC Canadian Open. He likes life north of the border. He has gained over 12 strokes combined on approach in his last three tournaments. His putter has gone cold, losing over 6 strokes combined in his last two tournaments, but his ball-striking numbers can’t be ignored.

Keith Mitchell ($8,700) See above.

Tom Kim ($8,600) has found his swing off the tee, gaining over 7.5 strokes combined off the tee in his last two tournaments. He still hasn’t been able to string four consecutive rounds together, as he only has two top 25s in his last 10 tournaments. I think this could be the week he finally puts four rounds together and contends.

Adam Hadwin ($8,500) has two top-12s in his last three RBC Candian Open tournaments including a 6th place here in 2019. He has six straight-made cuts and three top-six finishes in 2024. I’ll use Adam Hadwin this week, but his numbers don’t look great.

Davis Thompson ($7,800) See above.

Taylor Pendrith ($7,600) missed the cut on the number at the PGA Championship but was playing unreal golf before that. I can forgive him for that and take him at this low price, hoping he can overpower the golf course a bit.

Doug Ghim ($7,400) has two straight top-18 finishes at the RBC Candian Open, and he has made four out of his last five cuts on the PGA Tour. His T35 at the PGA Championship was a nice surprise as a $5,500 play that week.

Adam Svensson ($7,300) has made seven straight cuts and has gained over 3 strokes ball-striking in three straight tournaments. I think he’s a sneaky play as a low Canadian this week after posting his first top 25 since his T10 at the Genesis Invitational.

Séamus Power ($7,200) hasn’t teed it up since his T16 at the Wells Fargo Championship, where he gained over 8.3 strokes ball-striking.

Ryo Hisatsune ($7,000) gained almost 7 strokes on approach at the PGA Championship and is always a decent play if a tournament becomes a putting contest. You have to like his upside at this price.

C.T. Pan ($6,700) gained more than a stroke off the tee at the Charles Schwab Challenge for the first time since the Mexico Open in February. He finished 3rd in 2023 at the RBC Candian Open.

Kevin Tway ($6,700) has five straight made cuts on the PGA Tour and is coming off a T24 at the Charles Schwab Challenge. He is doing a lot of his damage with his short game, so he won’t pop in my models where ball-striking is weighed heavily.

Mac Meissner ($6,500) has six top-26 finishes in his last nine events. He has gained over 9 strokes on approach in his last two events combined. He gained strokes across the board last week, finishing T5 at the Charles Schwab Challenge.

Bud Cauley ($6,400) is coming off of two straight missed cuts, but he is the type of ball striker I am targeting this week. He will need to fix his putter to pay off, but he has produced decently when he is priced this low in weak events.

Patton Kizzire ($6,300) has four straight top-28 finishes. He has gained over 10 strokes combined on approach in his last two tournaments. He has gained over 2.4 strokes putting in two straight tournaments as well.

Gary Woodland ($6,200) has four straight made cuts in regular non-team events. He is finally putting well, as he has gained over 10.7 strokes putting combined in his last three tournaments. He has the length to make this course very small.

Ben Martin ($6,000) gained over 4.2 strokes on approach at the Charles Schwab Challenge. The last time he hit the ball that well he finished T7 at the Valero Texas Open the following week.

Pierceson Coody ($5,700) had his first top-5 finish on the PGA Tour last week at the Charles Shwab Challenge, where he gained over 3.3 strokes on approach. He struggled with his putter on Sunday.

Richard T. Lee ($5,500) is a decent dart throw at this low price with how well he has played on the Asian Tour. He has two top-13 finishes on that tour in his last three starts.

One and Done

Each week, we will pick in reverse order of the standings, and we can’t duplicate picks in the same week. Reference  this spreadsheet  tracking who we have used.

• Hugh Kellenberger: $7,250,018.63
• Brody Miller: $6,439,921.16
• Dennis Esser: $2,480,211

Dennis Esser: I’m currently riding a three-week streak of WDs and Missed Cuts while using some of the biggest names in the professional golf world. I need a little bit of luck, and what better place to look for luck than the Irishman, Shane Lowry .

Brody Miller:  Tom Kim is simultaneously not quite what we wanted him to be (yet) and still playing some consistent golf and hanging around leaderboards most weekends before falling off. In a relatively weak field, I like Kim to have a big week.

Hugh Kellenberger: A second-straight week where a renovated course has me downplaying course/event history, which I’ve leaned on the most so far this season to some success. So I’m looking for someone with a good body of work that’s gone undervalued — how about Alex Noren , who has a top 5, two total top 10s and eight top 25s in his last eight starts?

(Photo of Rory McIlroy: Matthew Maxey / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Get all-access to exclusive stories.

Subscribe to The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. Try a week on us.

Dennis Esser is a contributor to The Athletic, covering golf through the lens of sports betting and fantasy sports. A resident of New Jersey, Dennis' writing has appeared in numerous fantasy and betting outlets.