Average Club Distance By Age

Golf is a sport that can be enjoyed by players of all ages. However, as we age, our club distances tend to decline. This is due to physical changes that occur as the body ages. Let's take a look at the average club distances for different age groups.

Teens (13-17 years)

Teens are just starting out in golf and are developing their swing technique. At this young age, flexibility, strength, and speed are typically at their peak. Teens can generate very fast swing speeds, leading to long club distances. 

The average driving distance for male teens is 220-240 yards. For female teens it is 180-200 yards. On shorter clubs like a 9-iron, average distance is 115-135 yards for male teens and 85-105 for females. Teens are still perfecting their swing, so significant variation in distances is common. But their athleticism allows for very long shots compared to older players.

20s

Golfers in their 20s are in the prime of their athletic careers. At this age, strength, flexibility, and coordination are fully developed. Swing speeds remain very high, leading to long club distances that rival those of teens.

Average driving distance for males in their 20s is 230-260 yards. For females it is 190-210 yards. 9-iron shots range from 130-150 yards for males and 100-120 for females. Minor improvements in technique allow golfers in their 20s to gain a few more yards versus their teenage distances. But they are still near the peak of distance capabilities.

30s 

By the 30s, golfers have achieved excellent technique and consistency in their swings. However, minor declines in flexibility, speed, and strength start to occur. Average driving distances decrease slightly versus the 20s age range.

Male golfers in their 30s drive the ball 220-250 yards on average. Females range between 180-200 yards. 9-iron shots are 120-140 yards for men and 95-115 yards for women. The reductions versus the 20s age group are modest, usually around 5-10 yards. But it represents the start of gradual declines in distance.

40s

In their 40s, golfers continue mastering their technique and strategy. But athletic ability continues its slow decrease due to natural aging processes. Clubhead speed and power generation see bigger drops compared to the 30s.

Average male driving distance falls to 200-230 yards in the 40s age range. Female driving distance is 165-185 yards. 9-iron shots are 110-130 yards for men and 85-105 yards for women. The reduction in distance is more significant versus the 30s, especially for longer clubs like the driver. Flexibility exercises can help maintain strength and power.

50s

For golfers in their 50s, maintaining distance gets more challenging. Slower swing speeds combine with reduced flexibility and strength to take a toll on distance. However, technique improvements help combat the aging effects on distance.

Male average driving distance is 180-210 yards in the 50s, while female average distance is 145-165 yards. Average 9-iron shots measure 100-120 yards for men and 80-100 yards for women. Again, we see a noticeable decrease versus the prior decade. It requires effort to maintain strength, flexibility, and clubhead speed.

60s

Golfers in their 60s face significant distance declines as flexibility and strength deteriorate with age. But keeping active provides both physical and mental benefits. Playing from shorter tees can help offset some of the distance loss.

Average driving distance for men in their 60s is 160-190 yards, while women average 130-150 yards. For a 9-iron, men average between 90-110 yards versus 70-90 yards for women. The reduction in average distances is significant from the 50s age range. But focus on technique, fitness, and strategically playing shorter tees helps compensate.

70s and Beyond

In their 70s, golfers see driving distances under 150 yards on average. As flexibility and strength decline, there is greater reliance on skill and strategy. Switching to lighter and more flexible shafts can provide an extra boost in distance.

Male average driving distance falls to 140-170 yards in the 70s age range, while female averages range from 110-130 yards. For a 9-iron, men average 80-100 yards compared to 60-80 yards for women. Playing the appropriate tee boxes and using distance-enhancing equipment helps older golfers continue enjoying the game.

Key Takeaways

Teens and 20-somethings have the fastest swing speeds and longest average distances. Male drivers over 240 yards and female drivers over 200 yards are common.

Golfers in their 30s and 40s start to lose some distance gradually. But average driving distances still exceed 200 yards for men and 165 yards for women before age 50.

Significant declines in average driving distance occur through the 50s, 60s and beyond. Flexibility, strength training, and equipment adjustments help offset loss.

Skill and strategy become increasingly important as golfers age to offset declining distance. Tee choice, club selection and shot shaping can counteract some loss of yardage.

While average distances decrease with age, proper technique, fitness, and equipment fitting allows golfers to continue playing at a high level well into their 70s and beyond. Distance is just one aspect of an excellent overall game.

who are the biggest drinkers on the pga tour

average golf ball speed by age

how to become a better golfer in 30 days