How Fast Does a Golf Ball Go

The speed at which a golf ball travels can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the speed of the golfer’s swing, the type of club used, the aerodynamics of the ball, and the conditions of the course.

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Professional golfers can hit a golf ball at speeds of up to 170 mph (274 km/h) with a driver, while amateurs generally hit the ball at slower speeds. The average swing speed for male golfers is around 93 mph (150 km/h) and for female golfers, it is around 62 mph (100 km/h).

However, the actual speed of a golf ball as it travels through the air is also affected by air resistance and spin. Generally, a golf ball will travel at speeds between 100 and 170 mph (160 and 274 km/h) after it is hit by a golfer.

TGolf Ball Speed by Club Type and Distance (in mph)

Club TypeAverage SpeedMax SpeedCarry Distance (yards)Total Distance (yards)
Driver160-170180+240-280260-320
3 Wood145-160170+215-245235-295
5 Wood135-150160+195-225215-275
3 Iron120-140160+170-200190-240
6 Iron100-120150+150-180170-220
9 Iron70-90130+115-140130-170
Pitching Wedge60-80120+95-120110-150
Sand Wedge50-70100+70-10090-120
Lob Wedge40-6090+50-8070-100
Putter5-1020+Less than 10Less than 10

Golf Ball Speed by Golfer Skill Level and Launch Angle (in mph)

Golfer Skill LevelAverage SpeedMax SpeedLaunch Angle (degrees)Spin Rate (rpm)
Professional160-170180+10-142200-2800
Low Handicap140-160170+12-162500-3000
Mid Handicap120-140160+14-183000-3500
High Handicap90-120140+16-203500-4000

Golf Ball Speed by Gender and Ball Type (in mph)

GenderAverage SpeedMax SpeedBall TypeCompression
Male120-150170+Distance70-100
Female70-100130+Soft50-70

Golf Ball Speed by Age and Swing Tempo (in mph)

Age RangeAverage SpeedMax SpeedSwing Tempo (seconds)Swing Path (degrees)
Under 18100-120150+1.8-2.22-6
18-35120-140170+2.0-2.43-7
36-50110-130160+

Golf Ball Speed by Wind Conditions and Club Type (in mph)

Wind ConditionsDriverIronsWedges
Calm160-170100-12070-90
Headwind140-16090-11060-80
Tailwind180+120-14080-100
Crosswind150-17090-12060-80

Golf Ball Speed by Altitude and Ball Type (in mph)

Altitude (feet)Distance BallSoft Ball
Sea Level120-15070-100
5,000130-16080-110
10,000140-17090-120

Golf Ball Speed by Swing Speed and Ball Type (in mph)

Swing Speed (mph)Distance BallSoft Ball
Under 8090-11060-80
80-100110-13070-90
100-120130-15080-100
Over 120150+90-110

Golf Ball Speed by Temperature and Club Type (in mph)

Temperature (°F)DriverIronsWedges
Below 50140-15080-10050-70
50-60150-16090-11060-80
60-70160-170100-12070-90
Above 70170+120-14080-100

Golf Ball Speed by Club Head Speed and Launch Angle (in mph)

Club Head Speed (mph)Launch Angle (degrees)Ball Speed (mph)
801060-70
901070-80
1001080-90
1101090-100
12010100-110
13010110-120
14010120-130
15010130-140

Golf Ball Speed by Spin Rate and Club Type (in mph)

Spin Rate (rpm)DriverIronsWedges
Low160-170100-12070-90
Medium150-16090-11060-80
High140-15080-10050-70

Golf Ball Speed by Swinging Tempo and Ball Type (in mph)

Swinging TempoDistance BallSoft Ball
Slow80-10050-70
Moderate100-12070-90
Fast120-14090-110
Very Fast140+110+

Golf Ball Speed by Compression Rating and Club Type (in mph)

Compression RatingDriverIronsWedges
70-80140-15080-10050-70
80-90150-16090-11060-80
90-100160-170100-12070-90
100-110170+120-14080-100

How Fast Does a Golf Ball Go

Author

  • Ray Barnes

    Ray Barnes, our Senior Staff Writer and a Golf Analyst with a PhD in Sports Analytics, is a beacon of insight in the golfing world. With a deep understanding of the sport's nuances, statistical analysis, and a talent for demystifying complexities, he provides in-depth analysis and captivating narratives that engage golf enthusiasts worldwide.

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