Jun 20, 2018 Hale Irwin hits it farther today (253.6) at age 72 than he did in 1980, when he was 35 (250.2). SPEED KEYS DISTANCE (BALL SPEED, THAT IS) The average male amateur's swing speed is 93.4 miles per. As you can see, the club speed for the average PGA Tour pro is 113 mph with driver. Cameron Champ currently leads the club-head speed charts this season with a 129.72 average. Still, there is only about a 10 mph club head speed difference between the guys in the 60-to-69 age category and the main tour average of about 113 mph. In my work as a Swing Speed Trainer, I can definitely tell you it’s possible to add 10 mph of speed to swing through swing speed training.
Whether you’re a professional golfer or you just play for relaxation or as an amateur, one of the most important skills you need to perfect is your swing speed.
You may not realize it, but the speed of your golf swing, your handicap, and your clubhead speed are all connected, so if you want to become a better golf player, you need to have better swing speed. Players with better speeds are those that others look up to, admire, and envy.
It is not simple to compare swing speeds between people, because there are a lot of factors to consider. No two people will have the same speed, so it is better to not compare yourself to others’ speeds.
With that said, it is a good idea to know the average swing speeds, so you can know whether you should be more focused on improving your speed. So let’s take a look at how to determine your swing speed and what the average is in your age group.
And sometimes all it takes is just hitting your golf ball squarely each and every time, that’s what the Stress-Free Golf Swing is all about.
How to Determine Your Golf Swing Speed
To find out exactly what your swing speed is, take your average drive distance and then divide that number by 2.3. You will then have your average clubhead speed in miles per hour.
A simple example is if your drive distance is 202 yards, it will be divided by 2.3, which gives you about 87.8 miles per hour.
Overview of Average Golf Swing Speeds
The following is a very basic look at the average speeds that amateur golfers could reach. We will look at the yard distances reported by golfers on average.
- Ages 20 to 30 – 238.68 yards
- Ages 30 to 40 – 231.21 yards
- Ages 40 to 50 – 220.52 yards
- Ages 50 to 60 – 211.93 yards
- Ages 60 and up – 196.40 yards
It is clear to see that the younger golfers can boast of better swing speeds and for obvious reasons — they are fitter and have more power than their older counterparts. But that doesn’t mean older golfers can’t compete — you’d be surprised what an experienced golfer can do given the chance!
Now that you know the average speeds that most amateur golfers can reach depending on their age, perhaps you will find that you are below average or above average. If you are below average, you shouldn’t despair. There are ways to better your speeds, and, if you are determined to do so, you will get there.
Some Tips to Getting Better Speeds When it Comes to Your Golf Swing
Many golfers mistakenly think that, if they swing harder, they will get better speeds. In truth, this will result in slower speed, because when you swing harder, there is what is referred to as a ‘breakdown in mechanics,’ and this affects your speed negatively.
Tension also affects clubhead speeds. If there is less tension, there is more speed. You can sense this for yourself by doing the ‘baseball drill.’ Swing your club on a horizontal plane, without a ball. This will help to condition your body to control the club with the swing of your arms and hands.
A mistake that some golfers make that results in them having slower swing speeds is swaying off the ball in their backswing. This swaying causes inconsistencies at impact. You can address this by practicing at home and using an alignment rod against your right hip (if you’re right-handed). This way you will remember to turn rather than sway, and you will have more power and better speed as a result.
Finally, you may have been told that a wide swing is a powerful swing, and this is true, but by just tracing a wide arc, you will not get speed added to your swing. If you take your club back with your left arm extended (if you’re right-handed) and keep your grip away from your head and then snap the grip close to your body at the start of your downswing, you will notice a difference in your speed, just don’t overkill it on the wide part.
Practice to Improve Your Swing Speed
You can practice the following suggestions to help you achieve better speeds with your swing. It will, as with everything else, take some time, but, if you practice regularly, you will soon find yourself with a better average speed than you previously achieved.
- Position yourself and gently push your hips forward and lean away from your target. This will make you feel like you are putting your chest behind the ball, and this gives you more space and time to build up better speed.
- Keep your shoulders angled up — this will promote a more fluent sweep upwards and is better for efficient energy transfers.
- If you want to boost the efficiency of your impact, bend your knees towards your target and position yourself so your leading hip feels like it sits higher — do not let your head move with your hips. This will allow for a swing that has an improved impact on the ball.
- Take notice of your upper body tilt. You want to be certain that you are bending from your hips and that your spine is extended. Your hands must be positioned under your chin, and you must maintain a gap between your hands and thighs — about the size of a fist.
Conclusion
Although it is possible to determine the average swing speed by age, there are many factors to keep in mind. It should also be taken into consideration that you, as a golfer, may be very different from the average player. You could perhaps have many years more experience and have learned more tips and tricks over time, or you may have only just started out and are still figuring out how to properly hit the golf ball.
It is good, however, to have an idea of the average speed, so you can know how you compare and how much improvement you need. There are many ways to better your speed, and all of them include practice. If you practice the right methods often enough, you will be able to become a better golfer with better speed.
If there’s any one sport that is a game of inches, it has to be golf. Golf is a sport that’s simple to learn, but takes a lifetime to master.
Most people who try golf for the first time get hooked on making progress. It’s a game where you try and get better each day to improve your score.
Unlike other sports where you directly compete against other players, golf is a little different. The only player you need to focus on beating is yourself!
This is because the other competitors have zero effect on whether your end up with a low or high score.
In this article I’m going to explain exactly what it means to have a good and bad golf score.
What is the average golf score? An average golf score is 90 strokes for every 18 holes played. This score applies to an amateur golfer playing on a par 72 course. A good golf score is a maximum of 108 strokes, while a bad score is considered to be 120 strokes or higher.
Since golf is such a complex sport, there are many degrees of skill levels.
You have the professionals, once a year golfers, and many variations in between. What a good score is for an amateur player will be completely different for a professional.
Remember, it’s important not to compare your score to other players. Chances are, it took many years of practice to accomplish the scores they now get.
Golf Score Terms
Term | What Is It |
---|---|
Hole In One | Taking only 1 shot to get the ball in the hole. |
Par | A neutral score. (Taking 5 strokes to complete a par 5 hole) |
Birdie | 1 stroke less than the par. |
Eagle | 2 strokes less than the par. |
Albatross | 3 strokes less than the par. |
Condor | 4 strokes less than the par. |
Bogey | 1 stroke more than the par. |
Double Bogey | 2 strokes more than the par. |
Triple Bogey | 3 strokes more than the par. |
What is the Average Score for 18 Holes
When it comes to golf courses, they come in 2 different sizes. You have a full sized golf 18 hole course and a shorter course consisting of only 9 holes.
Average Clubhead Speed By Age Calculator
Professional and intermediate players will always play on a 18 hole course. Each round on an 18 hole course stretches out at a longer distance. The extra fairway allows golfers to hit some long shots, and while really testing their skills.
The average score a golfer will make after 18 holes is 90 strokes. This means it will take 90 total hits of the ball to complete the full 18 rounds. This figure averages out to be 5 shots per hole.
What is the Average Score for 9 Holes
Sometimes you just want to play a quick round of 9 holes. Par 3 golf courses are perfect for a fast game of golf. I find 9 holes to be the perfect action packed golf match that leaves you wanting more.
Many amateurs and beginners will play their first game of golf on a par 3 course. These courses contain 9 holes and are much shorter than a full 18 hole course. This means each hole requires a maximum of only 3 shots to reach par.
At least 2 of the holes in a 9 hole course will offer a hole in one chance. All golfers look forward to scoring a hole in one; especially beginners.
Golf can be challenging for beginners, and they tend to get excited when they come across a par 3 hole. This is because scoring a hole in one is a chance for the amateur to feel like they’re an amazing golfer!
What is a Good Golf Score
A good score in golf is anything below 120 strokes. This figure is higher than the average, but we are just talking about a respectable score here.
For example if you picked up a set of golf clubs for the first time tomorrow, a score of 120 would be very good. As you continue to work on your golf game, it won’t take you long to improve and reach the average score of 90.
120 and lower means you’re scoring no more than 30% higher than the average golfer.
What is a Bad Golf Score
I would say a bad score in golf is anything in the 121+ stroke range. Remember if you’re currently at this level, it’s nothing to be ashamed of. It just means you have some extra work to do.
A score of 121 means you’re taking at the minimum 30% more shots to complete a 18 hole course than the average golfer (90 strokes). I believe this skill level falls in the “bad golf score” range.
Average Golf Score (By Age)
Your golf score total is dependent on many factors. Your age, experience and handicap can all affect your expected average.
Age | Average Score (18 holes) |
---|---|
7-10 Years Old | 144-180 |
10-20 Years Old | 89-180 |
20-30 Years Old | 89-90 |
30-40 Years Old | 91-92 |
40-50 Years Old | 91-92 |
50-60 Years Old | 91 |
60-70 Years Old | 91 |
<70 | 93-94 |
As you can see from the table above, there’s a clear disadvantage to children golfers. Kids score an average of 144 to 180 shots per 18 holes. This averages out to be 8 to 10 shots each hole, 5 more strokes than adult golfers.
This is obvious as children lack the strength and coordination skills golf requires.
As the golfer gets older, the average stroke different is minimal. The difference between a 20 year old golfer and a 70 year old is only 4 strokes per game.
This is why you see many older men and women playing golf on the pro circuit. Experience and skill are easily the most important traits in a good golfer.
While it’s true that older pro players can compete on the same level as younger players, it’s still important for them start playing golf at a young age.
It can take years of practice to excel at the sport of golf. You have to learn the correct habits and playing techniques in order to play a professional level.
Taking in everything you need to become an excellent golf player is much easier at a young age. This is because your brain is more malleable when you’re young. Your neurons fire at a much faster rate, whilst neural pathways are formed quicker.
If you’re not looking to become the next Tiger Woods, don’t let this deter you. I believe golf is one of the best sports to get involved in at any age!
Not only does golf keep your body fit, it also sharpens your mind. Problem solving, and calculating external environmental factors is all part of the fun of golf!
Steady Progress Is the Key
If I can push one key point in this article it would have to be progress. While it’s human nature to want to run before you can walk, it’ll do you no good in golf.
Don’t compare yourself to other players who may have played golf longer than you. Don’t even compare your results to that annoying friend who can pick up any sport and do well quickly.
While it’s useful to know and understand the average scores I have discussed with you, only use it as a guide.
Many golfers tend to focus on reaching par. This is a completely wrong approach that’ll have you disappointed every single time. Instead, play your normal game and assess your results at the end of the 18 holes.
For example, if a course has a total par of 72, that means you would need to average 5 strokes per hole to reach par. But remember, if you’re a beginner this is a completely unrealistic result!
What does Above Par Mean in Golf
A good par score for a beginner is scoring a bogey on every single hole! This is also known as scoring above par.
In the case of a par 72 course, that means it would take you 6 shots to sink each hole. That would result in a total of 108 strokes for a standard 18 hole course.
108 is a far cry from the 90 strokes it takes to reach par, but it does show great promise.
Scoring a bogey on each hole may not seem like a result to celebrate, but it actually shows you have potential to go on to become a great golfer!
It’s true that nobody likes scoring a bogey. Bogey places a label on a golfer that screams “you suck”.
That’s at least how most golfers feel about bogeys. However please keep what I have said in mind. All you need to do to get better is focus on realistic results and progress.
What does Par Mean in Golf
Once you have mastered scoring the bogeys, you can then move on to the next level. This involves you trying to complete each hole in only 1 less stroke than before. If you can achieve 5 shots instead of 6, this is when you reach the level of a “good golf score”.
One tip is to always focus on one hole at a time. Dig even deeper and calculate exactly how you’ll achieve that one less stroke on each hole.
Reaching par is a big achievement. If you achieve par, you should pat yourself on the back for a job well done. However most golfers aren’t even pleased about scoring a par. Scoring a par is simply a relief and creates a feeling of neutrality.
What does Under Par Mean in Golf
Average Clubhead Speed By Age 62
What every golfer really wants to do is score no worse than a birdie! A birdie is scored when it takes you 1 stroke less than the par number for that particular hole.
Even more impressive is when a golfer is able to score 1 under par. This involves average a birdie on every single hole. This takes many years of practice and is not expected within the first 5 years of you starting golf.
Conclusion
I understand as golfer that you want to become the best golfer you possibly can be. In my experience, this is achievable by having realistic expectations.
As you now can see, the average score is only a ball park figure dependant on many factors. Your age, experience level and handicap will all influence the averages. It’s important to understand your current situation, and then match it to the expectations I’ve outlined here.
If you do feel like you’ve lost your golf swing and confidence, I can help. I have written another article that helps you regain your golf swing.
While the average golf score is 90 strokes per 18 holes, you may need to work towards this if you’re a beginner.
If you’ve been playing golf for 6 to 12 months regularly, then your results need to be better. Having some time on your side, you should be at the par or 1 under par level after 12 months of regular play.
Average Clubhead Speed By Age Lowered
Having said that, whatever your score may be, the key is to have fun out on the green. You have fun by making small and steady progress. This is done by focusing on one hole at a time!
Average Clubhead Speed By Age Percentile
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