Distance Covered by a Typical Amateur Golfer with a 7-Iron Club
In the world of golf, the distance a player can hit a ball with their clubs is an essential factor that separates the pros from the amateurs. Shot Scope, the official data partner, has supplied valuable data that gives us a better idea of how far the average club golfer hits their clubs.
Let's delve into the numbers. The average 8-iron distance for club golfers is 146 yards. Moving on to the shorter irons, the average lob wedge (LW) distance is 75 yards, and the gap wedge (GW) distance is 104 yards. When it comes to the longer clubs, the average 3-hybrid distance is 197 yards, and the average 7-iron distance is 169 yards.
However, the story changes when we compare these distances with those of PGA Tour players. For instance, Dustin Johnson, a renowned PGA Tour professional, boasts an average 7-iron carry distance of about 200 yards. In contrast, the average male club golfer hits a 7-iron around 138 yards, a significant difference of 60 to 70 yards.
This disparity is primarily due to the pros' higher swing speeds, optimized technique, custom-fit equipment, and superior athletic conditioning. Club golfers typically swing slower and thus carry irons significantly shorter. For instance, golfers with driver swing speeds in the 75-90 mph range usually hit their 7-iron between 110 and 150 yards, whereas Tour pros achieve higher swing speeds resulting in greater carry distances.
Here's a summary of the average carry distances for both PGA Tour pros and average male club golfers:
| Golfer Type | 7-Iron Carry Distance (yards) | |--------------------|-------------------------------| | PGA Tour Pro (e.g., Dustin Johnson) | ~200 | | Average Male Club Golfer | ~130-140 |
The research conducted by golf.com in 2021 revealed that the average handicap index among golfers in the United States was 14. The average pitching wedge (PW) distance for club golfers is 121 yards, while the average driver distance is 236 yards. The average 5-iron distance is 169 yards, and the average 6-iron distance is 162 yards.
For a more specific comparison, a 15-handicapper hits their 7-iron an average distance of 138 yards, according to data supplied by Shot Scope. Meanwhile, a 5-handicap golfer can achieve an average distance of 164 yards with a 7-iron.
It's also worth noting that tour professionals have better ball-striking skills that set them apart from club golfers. Modern technology, including GPS devices, lasers, and Toptracer, provides a more accurate picture of golf ball distance, which can help club golfers improve their course management.
Lastly, it's essential to mention that club golfers have a significant drop off in distance compared to tour players, not just for the 7-iron, but right through the bag. This is a testament to the skill and dedication required to compete at the professional level.
Club golfers often find a significant difference in their distances compared to PGA Tour professionals, especially with the 7-iron. For instance, while a PGA Tour pro like Dustin Johnson might hit a 7-iron around 200 yards, the average male club golfer covers approximately 138 yards.
Moreover, club golfers can benefit from utilizing modern technology, such as GPS devices, lasers, and Toptracer, to enhance their course management and potentially close the distance gap with tour professionals.
