Measuring and Increasing Your Golf Swing Speed: A Comprehensive Guide

 

If you've been following the PGA Tour recently, you might have heard about Bryson DeChambeau's increase you golf swing speed and distance. DeChambeau has taken a unique approach to mastering golf courses by using advanced metrics and statistics to analyze the challenges that come with playing a round of golf. He has also gained muscle mass to boost his swing speed and hit the ball even further.

Although he appears to be trying to hit the ball as hard as possible off the tee, there are several elements to his swing that contribute to his success. His goal is to make the course shorter by increasing the distance of his drives and iron shots. One of the key factors in achieving this is by increasing his swing speed.

Research has shown that there is a direct relationship between driving distance and swing speed. The faster your swing speed, the further you can hit the ball. This is why DeChambeau swings with such force. However, it is important to note that this approach may not yield immediate results for everyone.

In order to help you understand the importance of swing speed, this article will delve into its significance, the averages for amateurs and professionals, and what you can do to increase your own swing speed.

What is Swing Speed?

The velocity of your club during the moment of collision is referred to as swing speed or club head speed.Swing speed is directly related to ball speed. The faster your club head speed, the faster the ball speed that is generated, assuming good contact. However, swinging as hard and fast as you can doesn't always guarantee a great shot. Your mechanics have to be in line, and you need to keep your hands and arms straight as you're coming through; otherwise, you're most likely going to slice or shank it. It's not advisable to play a baby fade if you have a sharp hook that lands on another hole's fairway. It's essential to find the right swing speed for you before trying to master the art of the long ball.

Average Swing Speed (Swing Speed Charts)

Aspiring golfers often look up to the pros and strive to achieve their level of play. However, matching their swing speed can be a challenge. While Bobby Jones and Walter Hagen didn't have access to advanced metrics, Tiger Woods has been relying on them for years to improve his club head and swing speed. The PGA Tour has been tracking golf swing speeds using the TrackMan Combine data since 2007.

On average, male amateur golfers have a swing speed of 93 mph, while PGA Tour players average 114 mph and scratch golfers average around 106 mph. The swing speed decreases as the club gets shorter. According to TrackMan data, PGA Tour players have an average swing speed of:

- Driver: 114 mph

- 3-wood: 107 mph

- 5-wood: 103 mph

- Hybrid: 100 mph

- 3-iron: 98 mph

- 4-iron: 96 mph

- 5-iron: 94 mph

- 6-iron: 92 mph

- 7-iron: 90 mph

- 8-iron: 87 mph

- 9-iron: 85 mph

- Wedge: 83 mph

The average male handicap in the United States has been around 15 since 2005. TrackMan has released swing speed chart data that shows the club speed for average male golfers. As you can see, anything above 90 mph is within the average for male golfers. Knowing your swing speed will help you understand where you stand compared to other golfers.

Average Swing Speed by Age

A study conducted by Par4Success gathered data from golfers across the US, including North Carolina, between 2015 and 2019. They analyzed the swing speeds of male and female golfers across various categories, from juniors to seniors. Based on their findings, the study presents percentiles for different golfer groups. If you are not in the 99th percentile, you may want to understand how to improve your swing speed. Though the sample sizes are small, this study provides valuable insights into swing speeds. To measure your own swing speed, you'll have to explore various options.

How to Increase Swing Speed

Increasing your swing speed can improve your distance, but swinging out of your shoes is not the best approach. There are smarter ways to do it. Tried and true methods include lifting weights or using weights to speed up your swing. Baseball players often use weighted donuts on their bat during practice swings to make their bat feel lighter during games. The SuperSpeed Golf Training System is also an option for golfers of all ages. This system includes three specifically weighted clubs to help maximize your speed, power, and consistency. It's great to introduce your kids to these new ways of improving their game as well. Using swing training aids like the Orange Whip Golf Swing Trainer can also help strengthen your swing muscles. This trainer has a patented counterweight system to increase your flexibility and boost your strength. It delivers instant feedback on your tempo and balance, helping you avoid injury and improve your range of motion. To generate more power, focus on exercises that target your arms, torso, and core. Use dumbbells or free weights, but make sure to lift the proper weight to avoid injury. Resistance band training is also helpful. Core exercises like planks and sit-ups can improve your swing speed too.

How to Measure your Swing Speed

There are multiple ways for you to find out what your swing speed is. You can invest in a personal launch monitor that helps you track swing speed as one of its metrics. You can set it up on the driving range with you or in your backyard as you’re hitting into a net to get a better idea of just how fast you’re swinging.

The Garmin Approach G80 is a terrific option that can do a lot for you on and off the course. It will track club head speed, ball speed, smash factor, swing tempo, and estimated distance to allow you to keep tabs on how you’re doing. This has practice and game modes, so you can utilize it any time you pick up a club. 

Another way you can measure swing speed is by using a high-end swing simulator that tracks swing speed. This may be available at a driving range nearby or any professional club fitting store. This will allow you to hit golf balls with sensors in them to get better readouts of how fast you’re swinging. Premium simulators can be pricey, so getting a proper club fitting is a great way to measure swing speed without coughing up a lot of money.

Going to a store or a pro shop can be smart to get the right clubs for you to swing faster. Getting fitted properly for golf clubs will give you the best opportunity to put forth your best swings. You can work with a fitter to get the proper length on your clubs to best suit your height and swing. This will lead to more consistent swings and allow you to pick up your swing speed once your mechanics are down. 

Wrapping It Up and Heading to the Clubhouse

In the modern game of golf, swing speed is one of the many metrics that players measure. The more power and strength you possess, the higher swing speed and club head speed you can generate. To monitor your swing speed, you can use a personal launch monitor or a high-end simulator.

There are various ways to boost your swing speed, such as lifting weights, using swing aids, and strengthening your core. However, swinging as hard as possible won't be beneficial if you cannot make good contact with the ball. Therefore, while increasing your swing speed can enhance your game's distance, you should gradually build it up as a consistent part of your swing.