How Far Do Average Golfers Actually Hit It?

A quick look at the driving statistics on the PGA Tour shows an average driving distance of 299.8 yards.

Many club golfers would like to think they can hit the ball that kind of number, but these figures from our data partner, Shot Scope, tell a very different story.

Okay, so we might be able to get one out there close to 300 yards on the odd occasion - if we hit the perfect drive and benefit from some ground assistance - but most club golfers average something significantly lower, as shown in the table below.

As you would expect, it's the same story through the bag, from woods and long irons, to mid irons and wedges.

And, it should also come as no surprise to see that lower handicap players hit the ball further.

To clarify, we have used the 'Performance Average' supplied by Shot Scope, which takes out outliers (for example, topped shots that only travel a short distance) to give a true representation of the distance a well struck golf shot travels.

So, whilst the scratch golfer might not find themselves too far adrift of the average PGA Tour player off the tee, a 15-handicap player would be around 60 yards further back - and probably quite a bit more if the tour pro really decided to open their shoulders.

Of course, today's best drivers and modern technology have helped club golfers to hit the ball further, as have the best distance golf balls.

However, solid fundamentals and sound technique are what really counts, and it's why the best players in the world record such impressive distances - that and a certain amount of golf gym work.

How Far Do Average Female Golfers Hit The Ball?

Just as distances drop as the handicap level increases for male golfers, it's the same trend for female players.

As with the male golfer data above, we've taken the 'Performance Average'.