pga tour average 4 iron distance

Golf Club Distance Chart For Every Club and Every Player

Here are the average distances every type of golfer hits every club in the bag

• DESCRIPTION Golfer pulling driver out of club bag
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According to a 2019 USGA report, the average male amateur golfer hits their driver 217 yards. That same year, the PGA Tour average driving distance was 293.9 yards. That 77-yard gap illustrates that all different types of golfers hit their clubs all different yardages. Here are the average distances men, women, seniors and juniors of all abilities hit every club in the bag.

Average Golf Club Distance Chart

The average distances, in yards, various players hit every club

• DESCRIPTION Golf club distance chart for every club and every player profile
• SOURCE KHON SUPAN
• PERMISSION Shutterstock license

We evaluated data from Shot Scope, Trackman, and tour statistics for this average golf club distance chart. We'll go into more depth within these categories a little later.

It's important to note that these figures represent averages from large numbers of players and generalizations. Every individual hits the ball different distances and there are certainly outliers both longer and shorter than these averages.

From the 15 handicap male amateur to recreational female players and professionals on the top tours, here are the average distances golfers hit every club. Distances are in yards.

Key Factors to Achieve Distance

The total distance achieved by a golf club is based on several factors, including:

• Swing speed
• Smash factor (a measurment that evaluates quality of strike by dividing ball speed by club head speed)
• Loft and length of the club

Swing Speed

The faster your swing speed, the greater the distance. According to TrackMan , the average PGA Tour player has a driver club speed of 115 MPH, resulting in a 282 yard carry. Meanwhile, LPGA Tour players average 96 MPH with driver, and carry the ball 223 yards. 

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

If you want to hit the ball farther, you can actually train your swing speed just like any other facet of the game, and see relatively quick and significant results that will impact every full-swing club in the bag. 

Golf Speed Training & Why It's Guaranteed to Work

Loft & Length

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

The lower the loft on the club, the more distance it will produce, while higher-lofted clubs, like short irons and wedges, churn out shorter distances. 

Lower-lofted clubs also have longer shafts than higher-lofted clubs. Longer shafts produce more clubhead speed, and there for more distance.

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

Swing Speed and Distance Chart for Every Club

Average Distances for Men

Our average distances for men data comes straight from Shot Scope, which tracks countless shots from users of all abilities. We used the average 15 handicap male to represent the average distances for males earlier, because according to the USGA, the average male has a handicap index of just over 14. Here's how 5 handicap and 25 handicap men compare compare.

Average Distances for Senior Tour Players

The Best Drivers for Senior Golfers in 2024

Average Distances for PGA Tour Players

Average distances for women.

The 9 Best Drivers for Women of 2023

Average Distances for LPGA Tour Players

Tip: chart your distances for all your clubs.

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

The distance achieved by a specific golf club will vary from player to player and from day to day based on the conditions.

How to Accurately Measure How Far You Hit Your Clubs

REVEALED: PGA Tour average CARRY DISTANCES - how do YOURS compare?!

How far do you hit each of your clubs? See how you compare to the average PGA Tour pro.

Ever wondered how far the average PGA Tour pro carries the ball with each of the clubs in their bag? Well you're in luck as the table below gives you the latest numbers from the circuit. 

Okay, not everyone hits the ball as far as the likes of Bryson DeChambeau - who incredibly once carried a drive last season 400 yards - but the below list at least gives you a broader idea as to how far the average PGA Tour pro is carrying their golf ball in 2021. 

I know for one that GolfMagic Equipment Editor Alex Lodge, who plays off a low single-figure handicap, can hit the below numbers for fun - so some of you guys and girls out there may also be in the same boat. 

Personally speaking, as a 14-handicap hacker, my total distances equate to the current carry distances of the average PGA Tour pro. But with a dodgy back and a few grey hairs starting to appear now, I will take that. 

See how your carry numbers compare to the world's best on the PGA Tour in the table below, starting with the driver and moving down to the pitching wedge. 

PGA TOUR AVERAGE CARRY DISTANCES 2021

DRIVER - 275 YARDS

3 WOOD - 243 YARDS

5 WOOD - 230 YARDS

HYBRID - 225 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

Stats: GOLFTV

How do your carry numbers compare to the averages on the PGA Tour? Come and share your thoughts over on our social media channels - Facebook, Instagram and Twitter - or head over to our YouTube channel.

Andy first joined the brand on a month's work experience back in April 2011, and he now assumes the Editor role. When Andy joined GolfMagic it was a small site with potential.

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PGA Tour player average distances: Driver, irons, wedges through the bag

The average PGA Tour player doesn't hit their driver as far as Rory McIlroy , Justin Thomas or Tony Finau . However, they still hit the ball farther than most of you, even the shortest knockers, including the guys who struggle to drive the ball 270 yards.

How far PGA Tour players hit the golf ball with each club in their bag isn't an exact science, however. Every player is different, with a different swing, a different angle of attack, different swing speeds and more. Every situation -- off the tee, from the fairway or rough -- is different. So, we wanted to give you an idea of how far is far and how short is short among PGA Tour players.

We'll take you through the bag to show you PGA Tour players' average distances with their driver, irons and wedges.

Remember, these are general numbers that don't account for special late-in-tournament situations where a player may be particularly jacked with adrenaline and hit it farther than normal.

There's also been times there's one week per year where PGA Tour players hit the ball outrageously far. At the WGC-Mexico Championship, played in Mexico City at an elevation of 7,500 feet above sea level, the golf ball flew much farther because of the elevation change . The ball went some 12.5-15 percent longer. When the PGA Tour has an event in Denver, the ball flies closer to 5 percent farther.

PGA Tour player average distances: Driver, irons, wedges

• Driver: 275-350 yards
• 3-wood: 230-310 yards
• 3-iron: 210-260 yards
• 4-iron: 200-250 yards
• 5-iron: 190-230 yards
• 6-iron: 180-220 yards
• 7-iron: 170-200 yards
• 8-iron: 155-185 yards
• 9-iron: 140-170 yards
• PW: 120-140 yards
• SW: 80-110 yards

About the author

Ryan Ballengee

Ryan Ballengee is founder and editor of Golf News Net. He has been writing and broadcasting about golf for nearly 20 years. Ballengee lives in the Washington, D.C. area with his family. He is currently a +2.6 USGA handicap, and he has covered dozens of major championships and professional golf tournaments. He likes writing about golf and making it more accessible by answering the complex questions fans have about the pro game or who want to understand how to play golf better.

Ryan talks about golf on various social platforms:

X or Twitter: https://twitter.com/ryanballengee Facebook: https://facebook.com/ryanballengeegolf Instagram: https://instagram.com/ryanballengee YouTube: https://youtube.com/@ryanballengeegolf

Ballengee can be reached by email at ryan[at]thegolfnewsnet.com

Ryan occasionally links to merchants of his choosing, and GNN may earn a commission from sales generated by those links. See more in GNN's affiliate disclosure.

Golf Club Distance Charts – Find Your Average Yardages (2024)

Golf club distance charts are essential tools for golfers of all skill levels, offering a clear guide to typical distances for each club.

They’re particularly helpful for beginner golfers, aiding in club selection and course strategy without the need for expensive equipment like GPS rangefinders or launch monitors .

While individual distances can vary based on factors like swing speed and physical ability, these charts provide a foundational understanding of yardages and can boost your confidence on the course.

In this guide, we’ll dive into the significance of understanding your yardages, reveal key factors for increasing distance, and offer guidance on creating personalized yardage charts.

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:

Curious how far you should hit each club? We’ve got you covered.

Check out these general yardage charts for golfers of all levels, from beginners to PGA Tour pros.

See where you stack up and discover how far you can expect to hit each club based on your skill level.

Beginner Golfer Distance Chart

Average Golfer Distance Chart

Lady Golfer Distance Chart

Senior Golfer Distance Chart

Create Your Personalized Yardage Chart in 2024

While beginner golfers can use general distance charts as a starting point, don’t rely on them completely. Your own swing, how high you hit the ball, and even the specific clubs you use can make a big difference in how far you hit each shot.

That’s why it’s important to create your own personalized yardage chart .

It’ll give you a much more accurate picture of your distances, helping you make better club choices and play smarter on the course.

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) Launch Monitors

Launch monitors offer the easiest way to create your own distance charts. They track various metrics like clubhead speed, ball speed, launch angle, and spin rate. This data is captured and the yardage chart is automatically created for you. Just set it up on your next range session and hit your clubs! The software will do the rest.

Best Golf Club Distance Calculators 2024

2) 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.

18 Best Golf Apps of 2024 (Free & Premium)

3) Rangefinders

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.

Top 10 Best Golf Rangefinders for Improved Accuracy and Performance

The Evolution of Distance Charts

In the past, golfers depended on basic distance charts found in magazines or scorecards, which offered general information often based on average swing speeds and lacked personalization.

Thankfully, technology has revolutionized how golfers track their distances.

With golf gadgets like launch monitors and GPS devices, golfers can now access personalized data based on their own swing speed, launch angle, and ball strike.

This translates to far more accurate distance charts tailored specifically to each player’s abilities.

The Importance of Knowing Your Distances

Knowing your yardages in golf is crucial for several reasons:

• Club Selection: Golf involves selecting the right club for each shot based on the distance to the target. If you don’t know your yardages for each club, you’ll struggle to choose the appropriate one, leading to shots that are too short or too long.
• Course Management: Understanding your yardages allows you to plan your shots and navigate the course strategically. You can identify layup areas, avoid hazards, and position yourself for better scoring opportunities.
• Consistency and Confidence: Knowing your distances helps you develop a consistent approach to the game. You’ll have a clearer understanding of your capabilities, leading to more confident shot selection and execution.
• Lower Scores: By making informed club choices and playing strategically, you’ll improve your chances of hitting greens, getting up and down, and ultimately lowering your scores.

Key Factors Influencing Golf Club Distances

Several factors play a role in finding out how far you hit each club, some of the top reasons include:

#1 – Swing Speed

Swing speed is the biggest factor in how far you hit the ball. A faster swing means a faster clubhead, which means a faster ball and more distance.

Every 10 mph increase in swing speed can add a lot of yards to your shots.

#2 – Ball Speed

Swing speed is important, but the speed of the ball when it leaves the clubface is what really determines how far it goes.

Hitting the ball squarely in the center of the clubface gives it the most speed and sends it flying farther than off-center hits.

#3 – Smash Factor

Smash factor measures how well you transfer energy from your club to the ball when you hit it.

It’s calculated by dividing the ball’s speed by the clubhead’s speed. A higher smash factor, closer to 1.5, means a more efficient transfer and longer shots.

• Scenario 1: A golfer swings their driver with a clubhead speed of 100 mph and achieves a ball speed of 140 mph. Their smash factor would be 1.4 (140 mph / 100 mph = 1.4). This indicates a good energy transfer and likely a solid drive.
• Scenario 2: Another golfer also swings their driver at 100 mph, but their ball speed is only 130 mph. Their smash factor would be 1.3 (130 mph / 100 mph = 1.3). This suggests a less efficient energy transfer, perhaps due to an off-center hit or other factors, resulting in a shorter drive compared to the first golfer.

In essence, smash factor helps quantify the “quality” of your strike. Even with the same swing speed, two golfers can achieve different distances due to variations in smash factor.

A higher smash factor generally leads to longer shots, highlighting the importance of solid contact and efficient energy transfer.

#4 – Age and Skill Level

Age and skill play a role in how far you hit the ball.

As we get older or less fit, we might swing slower and hit it shorter.

On the other hand, experienced golfers usually swing faster and hit it farther than beginners.

#5 – Weather Conditions

Weather can affect your distances, although not as much as other factors.

Headwinds will make your shots shorter, while tailwinds can give you a boost.

Cold weather might make the ball fly a bit less far, and playing at higher altitudes can actually help you hit it longer because the air is thinner.

Distance charts are a valuable tool for all golfers.

They help you understand how far you hit each club and improve your game in several ways:

• Make smarter choices on the course by knowing your distances and avoiding hazards.
• Confidently choose the right club for every shot.
• Identify areas where you need to improve your distances or adjust your clubs.
• Practice more effectively by setting specific distance goals.

By creating and using your own distance chart , you’ll gain a deeper understanding of your game and make better decisions on the course, leading to lower scores and more enjoyment.

🤔 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.

Downloadable Distance Charts: