Golf club distance, also known as yardages, is a crucial topic among golfers. Generally, golf is quite a complicated game, but it gets better with training and experience. As a senior golfer, you will ask yourself what average distance you are supposed to cover.
It is a question golfers of different ages, gender and skill level frequently ask. The answers are, however, not quite simple. The main reason being there are a lot of factors that need to be considered.
Factors such as your age and the type of golf club you use, play a significant role. You cannot ignore the golf course’s weather and conditions, not forgetting other crucial aspects such as gender, golf swing speed, and physical fitness.
Understanding the golf club chart
You are reading this article because you want to see the golf club distance chart. Before we get there, you need to understand that it doesn’t only matter how far you hit the ball, but how well you hit it. Finding out your distances will help you know if you are a long or short hitter.
Being a long hitter doesn’t necessarily mean your accuracy is at the best. You can be a short hitter with a higher score than a long hitter. Chances are you have better accuracy in getting the ball onto the green.
The golf club distance chart below shows the average distance or yardages for a senior golfer. Different types of golf clubs have different average yardages. In the chart below, the distance for senior golfers is compared against that of PGA champions. Check it out and see how far or close you are to them.
Golf Club | Senior’s average yardage (Yards) | PGA Tour Champions (Yards) |
Driver | 196 | 279 |
Three wood | 173 | 240 |
Five wood | 164 | 227 |
Hybrid | 160 | 222 |
2 Iron | 156 | 217 |
3 Iron | 151 | 209 |
4 Iron | 145 | 200 |
5 Iron | 138 | 191 |
6 Iron | 130 | 180 |
7 Iron | 123 | 169 |
8 Iron | 114 | 157 |
9 Iron | 105 | 146 |
Pitching wedge | 97 | 136 |
Sand Wedge | 82 | 108 |
Lob wedge | 74 | 97 |
How to measure golf club distance as a senior
Measuring golf distance is all the same with golfers of different ages. There is no particular technique specifically for senior golfers or junior golfers. With advances in technology, things have changed for the better.
Some time back, you had to measure the distance using markers arranged on the course manually. It was hectic, but technology saved us. In the modern world, it is more comfortable and faster to measure yardages.
You will find golfers holding handheld GPS distance trackers, smartwatches with GPS apps and even laser range finders. With the technology advances, seniors can measure their yardages without necessarily moving from one point to another. It is less hectic and way more accurate than the traditional methods.
How a senior golfer can achieve more distance
As you get older, expect your distance to reduce gradually. With age comes so many factors that affect your performance on the turf. It does not mean you become a terrible golfer. All you need to do is make some minor adjustments that will improve your golf club distance.
1. Pick the correct clubs.
If you have spent time on the golf course, you know how important it is to choose your golf club carefully. Most pro players succeed because the clubs are tailored for their game. As a senior, it would be best if you used a hybrid or 5- Iron golf club.
Reach out to a professional to fit your club with the right shaft and weight that perfectly suits your game. You can find shafts specifically designed for seniors in a golf store near you or online shop outlets.
2. Perfect you grip
Some senior golfers find improving their grip a challenge, while others find it an easy task to do. By strengthening your grip, you get more power that helps you draw the ball effortlessly. Having a better grip means greater distance covered and good control of the ball.
3. Improve your posture
As you get older, your posture tends to change. Therefore, you should work on your posture by standing as tall as you can and bending towards the ball from your waist. When turning, ensure that it is clean towards your right side.
On that note, you should also work on your alignment and aim. It is quite crucial in improving your distance. Carry your alignment stick with you whenever you go to the course. The stick will guide you to make accurate shots that cover longer distances.
Average driver distance of senior golfers
Professionally you are considered a senior once you hit the age of 50. According to statistics, you will notice that this is the age your driver distance starts to reduce gradually. However, some professional golfers seem always to get better.
Statistics say that the average driving distance for golfers of all ages is 218 yards. Young men below the age of 30 have the longest shot of about 239 yards. As we all know, the yardages decrease as one ages. It is estimated that after every ten years expect a decrease of about 10 yards.
We place the average driving distance for a senior golfer to range from 196 yards to 211 yards with these figures. When one gets older, the swing speeds also decrease, and this is what affects the yardages. The average distance was based on the ages of 50 to any age above 60 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How far should a senior golfer hit the driver?
The answer to this question is that it depends on many factors, such as the type of club, gender, and turf conditions. According to statistics, the average driving distance for a senior golfer is between 196 and 211 yards from 50 to 60 years upwards.
Q: What is the average swing speed for a senior golfer?
A senior player going on PGA tours should have an average of about 105-120 mph. Average senior female golfers have an average swing speed of about 70-75 mph, while their male counterparts have an average swing speed of 85 – 90 mph. The speeds, however, reduces with age.
Q: At what age are you considered a senior golfer?
When playing professional golf, you are considered a senior once you hit the age of 50 years. At this age, golfers are eligible to play in the senior PGA tour. Other entities consider you a senior at the age of 45.
By using the yardage chart above, you can compare your performance with PGA pros. It is, however, necessary to note that golf club distance doesn’t matter if you do not have accuracy. Therefore, we recommend that you focused more on accuracy to get better scores on the course.
Several factors affect golf club distance. As a senior, you probably have taken note that age is one of them. Other factors include the prevailing weather conditions and the condition of the golf course.
Last Updated on July 13, 2024 by Tom Fiore
Hey ! I'm Tom. I have been playing Golf for most of my adulthood and have an experience of about 10+ Years. I love to guide people on their golf journey and share my experience of playing Golf, using products and all the tips I have for people out there ! Thanks for reading my blog.
This is one of the best golf sites I have seen regarding yardage for seniors. I am 71 and this has been one of the most informative. Thank you!
Thanks for the feedback Gallagher 🙂