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Whether you’re a professional or recreational golfer, having a reliable tee shot can help save putts from your score, and the farther you hit it, the more you can lower your handicap.
That’s because driving distance is one of the key stats when it comes to determining earned hits, and on top of that it’s a skill with less fluctuations from round to round than other aspects of the game like putting green speed, slope, and pin placement can have a huge impact.
Now, if you’re wondering how your game on tee stacks up to other golfers in your handicap range, and if you’re under or over done, check out this data from Arccos Golf.
Driving distance for men
The report tells us that the maximum distance between drivers and golfers is between the ages of 20 and 29, and from that point on, there is a steady decline in the total distance. This applies not only to regular golfers in the 15-25 handicap range but also to all golfers regardless of handicap.
The data also supports the accepted theory that golfers who are further off the tee have the potential to have a lower handicap, because based on the data, a 0-5 golfer hits a handicap approximately 25 yards longer than a golfer with a 10-14.9 handicap. The gap is increasingly increasing with increasing discrepancy in disability.
Even at the highest levels, golfers who added speed and distance showed greater potential for results; There is no better example of this than 2022 US Open winner Matt Fitzpatrick.
I just ordered the stack system…it may have something to do with the fact that I played Matt Fitzpatrick today and we talked about his gains in distance for two holes 😂 😂 180 speed ball here I come in!
(I may live tweet results when I go through this process)
– Michael S Kim (@ Mike_kim714) June 25, 2023
Driving distance for women
When it comes to women, the general trends from the men’s data are also present – that is, as age increases and disabilities increase, the distance to the tee starts to decrease. The only notable difference in the women’s data is that the driving distance between golfers in the 20-29 and 30-39 age groups is not only closer, but overlaps in multiple handicap ranges.
So whether you’re a man or woman looking to lower your score, it may be time to discard the old adage “drive for the show and hit the batter” and look into trying to get that extra distance off the tee to increase your potential from better golf.
Looking to fix your equipment? Head to the industry-leading True Spec Golf fit studio near you, and for more information on the latest equipment-related news and information, check out www.truespectgolf.com Fully equipped Podcast.