Last Updated on February 23, 2024 by Britt Olizarowicz
One of the greatest battles golfers face as they age is a reduction in swing speed. Losing swing speed is frustrating, and it’s something that senior golfers are continually battling. If you want to know if your swing speed is closer to the average golfer or a professional, you’re in the right place. As a golf professional, I’ll explain the various factors that go into the average golf swing speed by age and give you some tips to pick up a few extra yards.
Average Golf Swing Speed By Age
The average golf swing speed for a 50-year-old man is between 90 and 95. Most golfers reach their peak swing speed in their 20s and 30s. After that, they tend to lose swing speed with each decade.
| Age Group | Average Swing Speed (mph) |
| Under 20 | 95-100 |
| 20-30 | 100-105 |
| 30-40 | 99-104 |
| 40-50 | 95-100 |
| 50-60 | 90-95 |
| 60-70 | 85-90 |
| 70-80 | 80-85 |
| 80-90 | 75-80 |
What is The Average Swing Speed for a Woman Golfer?
The average swing speed for a woman golfer is between 65 and 75 mph with a driver. Swing speeds vary based on skill level and consistency of play. LPGA tour players have swing speeds of around 100mph with their driver.
| Skill Level | Average Swing Speed (mph) |
| Beginner | 60-70 |
| Intermediate | 70-80 |
| Advanced | 80-90 |
| Professional | 90-100+ |
Effect of Swing Speed on Golf Handicap
Have you ever wondered why golfers with higher club head speed are able to shoot lower scores?
The answer is distance.
Higher swing speeds can hit the golf ball further and, therefore, have shorter approach shots into the green. When you look at this charge based on swing speed (not skill level or time invested in the game), you’ll quickly see that the slower the swing speed, the higher the average handicap range.
Exceptions to this rule?
Golfers with excellent short games. If it takes you three to get on the green but you are leaving yourself a tap in putt, it’s entirely possible to be a single-digit handicapper.
| Swing Speed (mph) | Average Handicap Range |
| Below 80 | 20-36 |
| 80-90 | 15-20 |
| 90-100 | 10-15 |
| 100-110 | 5-10 |
| Above 110 | 0-10 |
Average Golf Swing Speed and Distance
To get a better idea as to how far golfers can hit a ball based on their swing speed, you can take a look at this chart. You’ll notice that with every 10 mph of swing speed you gain, you can see differences of up to 20 yards on the driver and 10 on the irons and wedges.
This is quite a bit of clubhead speed change. Because of that, you’ll be rewarded with extra yards.
You can use a commonly accepted formula to calculate the average distance a player can get based on their swing speed.
The formula is:
Clubhead Speed x 2.3 = Distance
The factor of 2.3 is used for amateur golfers who also tend to miss the center of the clubface from time to time. Professional golfers have a factor closer to 2.7 because of their impressive accuracy and the ability to make contact with the sweet spot.
| Swing Speed (mph) | Average Driving Distance (yards) | 7 Iron Distance (yards) | Wedge Distance (yards) |
| Below 80 | 200-220 | 120-130 | 70-80 |
| 80-90 | 220-240 | 130-140 | 80-90 |
| 90-100 | 240-260 | 140-150 | 90-100 |
| 100-110 | 260-280 | 150-160 | 100-110 |
| Above 110 | 280-300+ | 160-170+ | 110-120 |
Increasing Swing Speed – A Guide Based On Your Age
Increasing swing speed in golf can happen in a variety of ways. I see a lot of recommendations for physical fitness to help increase speed. I wholeheartedly believe in this, but there is more to it than simply physical fitness. In addition, it makes sense to find tune this process based on your age range. How a 20-year-old adds distance to their game and how a 70-year-old does will be different.
Young Golfers – Under 20 Years Old
Young players grow (physically) at a high rate of speed. When your body is growing and you are working on trying to learn the game at the same time, it can be tricky. Here are a few things to consider:
- Get the proper technique down first; add speed later
- Regular stretching and flexibility exercises are important to increase and enhance the range of motion.
- Use strength training with a trainer to focus on the core, legs, and back.
- Consider a golf swing speed trainer like SuperSpeed Golf; it’s a tool you can continue to use for many years.
Golfers in Their 20s and 30s
Golfers in their 20s-30s have the easiest time achieving faster swing speeds. This is your prime because of a few key factors, but you’ll want to make the right moves now to keep swing speeds up as the years progress. It may not seem like it now, but that 65-year-old in the group in front of you once had a smash factor just as good as yours!
- Do a mix of strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular training; this will help more than just your golf game.
- Work on hitting the center of the clubface to get greater distances; over time, your speed will fade, but your accuracy doesn’t have to.
- Launch monitors and swing speed trainers will help you perfect things like launch and spin rate to gain maximum speed and distance.
- Warm up every time you go to play; golfers of all ages should be following this advice very closely.
Golfers in Their 40s and 50s
Golfers in their 40s and 50s will start to notice a reduction in swing speed for the first time. Those that had high swing speeds, to begin with, will likely not be all that impacted. However, if you can take steps in your 40s and 50s to stay in shape, do some speed training, and work on consistency, your golden years of golf will be so much better!
- Flexibility is of utmost importance; set up a stretching routine that you do daily, and find something you can stick with.
- Work on exercises that help you with stability, core strength, and balance.
- It may be time to hang those stiff shafts up and switch to a regular; that’s ok!
- Work on a more compact and efficient swing technique that allows you to repeat it with some consistency.
Golfers Over 60
Golfers in their 60s are notorious for having slower swing speeds. This is just where you start to see the bigger dips on the golf swing speed chart. However, with a mix of proper swing mechanics, the right equipment, and a little time invested, you don’t have to say goodbye to the 200+ yard drives.
- Walk a lot! Walk the golf course and walk on the days you aren’t playing. It will keep you in better overall health.
- Find some golf-specific exercises, like swinging with a lightweight medicine ball, that help you maintain your strength.
- Swing speed trainers are fine to use, but look for flexibility and tempo trainers as well, like the Orange Whip.
- Manage your expectations on the course; instead of just focusing on pure club speed, consider your accuracy and execution.
- Switch to a lighter club, and check to see if it helps increase your swing speed – use proper technology to confirm.
General Tips for All Ages
Here are a few of my other tips and things that I use to help me gain a few extra yards. I’ve always had higher-than-average speeds when compared to other female golfers. However, I’m short, and that certainly works against me.
- Learn about ground forces and where your weight is shifting within your feet. If your weight is in the toes, heels, or even on the outside edge, you don’t have as efficient a golf swing as you could.
- Get a launch monitor (it doesn’t need to be fancy) and keep track of your swing speed. For older golfers, this is important to see if swing speeds are increasing or decreasing based on the steps you are taking.
- Stay hydrated on the course, sleep well, stretch before, and eat some protein. It may not have you hitting Rory-like drives, but it’s a crucial factor.
- Sometimes, you need a day off from golf! Take time to rest, let your body recover, and go out there strong again the next day.
- Investigate both new equipment and new golf balls to make sure you are playing with the right clubs. Club fitting is important.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average swing speed for a 60-year-old man?
Most 60-year-old men have a swing speed of 85 to 95 miles per hour. Those that work on physical strength tend to get more distance. It could be time to move up a tee when you get closer to 60 years old.
How fast is Rory McIlroy’s swing speed?
Rory McIlroy is one of the longer hitters on the PGA Tour, and he’s getting close to 120mph in swing speed depending on the club in his hand and the shot he is hitting.
What is my swing speed if I hit a driver 230 yards?
If you hit a driver 230 yards your swing speed is likely in the 90 mph range.
How far does a 70 year old man hit a 6 iron?
An average swing speed 70 year old man hits a 6 iron around 130 yards.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you now have a better idea as to the average golf swing speed by age. If you are interested in this topic, take a look at certain PGA Tour players and how their driving distance has changed as they’ve aged. You may be surprised by how much age plays into speed . When you lose a little speed and distance, move up a tee, invest in a new driver and a distance ball, and hang in there as long as possible. Put some time into your distance game, and you will get better results.
