The golf hype · Follow
8 min read · Sep 26, 2023
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Golf is a sport that people of all ages enjoy. However, as we age, our ability to generate clubhead speed and hit the ball long distances often declines. Knowing the average driving distance for each age group can help golfers evaluate their performance compared to their peers. Here is an overview of the average club distances by age for male and female amateur golfers.
Male teen golfers are at the prime age for generating fast clubhead speeds and maximum driving distance. The average driving distance for male golfers between 13–19 years old is:
13 years old: 205 yards
14 years old: 215 yards
15 years old: 225 yards
16 years old: 235 yards
17 years old: 245 yards
18 years old: 255 yards
19 years old: 265 yards
The average peaks at around 265 yards for 19-year old male golfers. Many of the long hitters on high school teams and in elite junior events can drive the ball over 300 yards thanks to their youthful athleticism and swing speed.
For most male golfers, the 20s are the decade where driving distance peaks or plateaus. Average driving distance for male golfers in their 20s is:
20 years old: 270 yards
21 years old: 275 yards
22 years old: 280 yards
23 years old: 285 yards
24 years old: 290 yards
25 years old: 295 yards
26 years old: 300 yards
27 years old: 300 yards
28 years old: 300 yards
29 years old: 300 yards
The late 20s is the typical peak for driving distance for the average male golfer, maxing out at around 300 yards. Professional golfers and other elite players continue building speed into their early 30s, but most amateur players top out in their late 20s.
By the 30s, most male golfers start gradually losing a few yards off the tee each year as they age. Here are the average driving distances for men in their 30s:
30 years old: 295 yards
31 years old: 290 yards
32 years old: 285 yards
33 years old: 280 yards
34 years old: 275 yards
35 years old: 270 yards
36 years old: 265 yards
37 years old: 260 yards
38 years old: 255 yards
39 years old: 250 yards
The loss is gradual, with most male golfers losing about 10–20 yards between their late 20s and late 30s. Keeping up with strength training, flexibility, and swing speed training can help offset this distance decline.
By the time most male golfers reach their 40s, they are clearly past their driving distance prime and the decline becomes more significant. Here are the typical driving distances for men in their 40s:
40 years old: 245 yards
41 years old: 240 yards
42 years old: 235 yards
43 years old: 230 yards
44 years old: 225 yards
45 years old: 220 yards
46 years old: 215 yards
47 years old: 210 yards
48 years old: 205 yards
49 years old: 200 yards
Losing about 10 yards per decade is common for male golfers from their 40s into their 60s as age and declining athleticism take their toll. Many golfers try to compensate by shortening swings and focusing more on accuracy over distance.
For golfers reaching the 50s and beyond, distance becomes even more challenging. Here are the usual driving distances for male golfers in their 50s:
50 years old: 195 yards
51 years old: 190 yards
52 years old: 185 yards
53 years old: 180 yards
54 years old: 175 yards
55 years old: 170 yards
56 years old: 165 yards
57 years old: 160 yards
58 years old: 155 yards
59 years old: 150 yards
Most male golfers are not able to generate the same swing speed in their 50s as they did in their 20s and 30s. Flexibility and strength loss also hinder distance. Hitting drives over 200 yards becomes an accomplishment for many over-50 players.
For senior male golfers in their 60s and 70s, distance expectations decline further but the enjoyment of the game remains. Typical driving distance averages:
60 years old: 145 yards
61 years old: 140 yards
62 years old: 135 yards
63 years old: 130 yards
64 years old: 125 yards
65 years old: 120 yards
66 years old: 115 yards
67 years old: 110 yards
68 years old: 105 yards
69 years old: 100 yards
70 years old: 95 yards
71 years old: 90 yards
72 years old: 85 yards
73 years old: 80 yards
74 years old: 75 yards
75 years old: 70 yards
76 years old: 65 yards
77 years old: 60 yards
78 years old: 55 yards
79 years old: 50 yards
While distance fades, enjoyment and passion for golf remains strong for seniors who adjust expectations and focus more on finesse and strategic play.
Female golfers follow a similar pattern to male golfers in terms of peak driving distance and eventual decline with age. However, because females naturally have lower swing speeds than males on average, their driving distances are shorter across all age groups.
For young female golfers, the average driving distances are:
13 years old: 165 yards
14 years old: 170 yards
15 years old: 175 yards
16 years old: 180 yards
17 years old: 185 yards
18 years old: 190 yards
19 years old: 195 yards
The best junior female players still have the ability to hit drives over 200 yards thanks to their youth and athleticism. But for most teens, staying under 200 yards is normal.
Female golfers in their 20s can generate the most distance of any age group. Here are the averages:
20 years old: 200 yards
21 years old: 205 yards
22 years old: 210 yards
23 years old: 215 yards
24 years old: 220 yards
25 years old: 225 yards
26 years old: 225 yards
27 years old: 225 yards
28 years old: 225 yards
29 years old: 225 yards
The peak tends to be in the mid-20s, topping out at around a 225 yard average at best before starting to decrease slightly.
30 years old: 220 yards
31 years old: 215 yards
32 years old: 210 yards
33 years old: 205 yards
34 years old: 200 yards
35 years old: 195 yards
36 years old: 190 yards
37 years old: 185 yards
38 years old: 180 yards
39 years old: 175 yards
Yardages steadily regress as female golfers head through their 30s. But the drop is gradual, similar to the path for male golfers.
40 years old: 170 yards
41 years old: 165 yards
42 years old: 160 yards
43 years old: 155 yards
44 years old: 150 yards
45 years old: 145 yards
46 years old: 140 yards
47 years old: 135 yards
48 years old: 130 yards
49 years old: 125 yards
Losing about 10 yards per decade accelerates for women in their 40s compared to the gradual decline in the 30s. Strength training can help offset this.
50 years old: 120 yards
51 years old: 115 yards
52 years old: 110 yards
53 years old: 105 yards
54 years old: 100 yards
55 years old: 95 yards
56 years old: 90 yards
57 years old: 85 yards
58 years old: 80 yards
59 years old: 75 yards
The average female golfer in her 50s loses significant distance compared to earlier decades. Accuracy and finesse become more important as distance declines.
Senior female golfers can still enjoy the game despite limited distance. Typical averages include:
60s:
60 years old: 70 yards
61 years old: 65 yards
62 years old: 60 yards
63 years old: 55 yards
64 years old: 50 yards
65 years old: 45 yards
66 years old: 40 yards
67 years old: 35 yards
68 years old: 30 yards
69 years old: 25 yards
70 years old: 20 yards
71 years old: 15 yards
72 years old: 10 yards
73 years old: 5 yards
74+ years old: less than 5 yards
While distance evaporates, golf remains a fulfilling activity focused more on finesse than length. Seniors adapt strategies, use forward tees, and still enjoy challenging themselves on the course.
While some driving distance loss is inevitable as we age, proper training and practice can help moderate the decline. Here are some tips for maintaining driving distance longer into your golf career:
Implement a fitness program focused on flexibility, core strength, and swing-specific training to preserve your capability for speed.
Utilize strength training aids like wrist weights and speed swings to continue building clubhead speed as you age.
Get custom club fittings regularly to ensure your driver shaft, loft, and length are optimized for your current swing speed.
Take lessons and get swing adjustments to compensate for age-related loss of flexibility. Shorter backswings can help.
Focus on technique and keep golf enjoyable as your distance changes. Course strategy and accuracy become more important.
No matter your age or driving distance, golf is a sport for a lifetime. Understanding the averages can help you evaluate your own performance and set appropriate goals to prolong your power as you swing into your golden years.
Young male golfers in their teens can drive the ball over 200 yards on average, peaking at around 265 yards.
Male golfers in their 20s and 30s see driving distance plateau and peak at around 300 yards.
Distance declines gradually for men from age 40 into their 60s, losing about 10 yards per decade on average.
Senior male golfers in their 70s often drive the ball less than 100 yards.
For females, teens average around 175–190 yards. 20s see a peak of around 225 yards.
Female golfers lose 10–15 yards per decade from age 30 onwards.
70+ female senior golfers average less than 25 yards off the tee.
Fitness, proper technique, and equipment fitting help moderate distance loss from age. Golf remains enjoyable throughout life.
why do i keep topping the golf ball
Q1: What is the average club distance by age?
The average club distance by age can vary significantly based on factors like physical fitness, swing technique, and golf club choice. However, as a general guideline, younger golfers in their 20s and 30s tend to hit the ball farther, with an average driver distance of 230–290 yards. Golfers in their 40s and 50s may see a slight decline, averaging around 210–250 yards. Golfers in their 60s and beyond often hit the ball between 180–220 yards.
Q2: How can I increase my average club distance as I age?
To increase your average club distance as you age, it’s essential to maintain your physical fitness and flexibility through regular exercise and stretching. Also, consider getting a professional golf swing analysis to improve your technique. Upgrading your golf equipment, including your clubs and balls, to ones that match your swing speed and style can also help maximize your distance.
Q3: Are there any age-related techniques to enhance club distance?
Yes, there are age-related techniques to enhance club distance. As you age, consider using more forgiving and higher-lofted drivers to compensate for any loss of swing speed and power. Focus on maintaining good tempo and balance in your swing. Using a softer golf ball may also help improve distance for older golfers.
Q4: What are the key factors affecting club distance as I get older?
The key factors affecting club distance as you get older include decreased muscle strength and flexibility, a potential decrease in swing speed, and changes in your overall physical condition. It’s important to adapt your game to these changes and possibly consult with a golf professional for guidance.
Q5: Can technology help older golfers maintain their club distance?
Yes, technology can assist older golfers in maintaining their club distance. Modern golf equipment, such as clubs with adjustable settings and golf balls designed for distance, can provide significant benefits. Additionally, swing analysis tools and launch monitors can help older golfers optimize their swing and maximize their club distance.
