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How far do average golfers hit their driver? This data show us
TL;DR
Average golfers hit their drivers varying distances, with data from Arccos providing insights into these metrics. Understanding driving distance can significantly impact gameplay and scoring.
Key points
- Average golfers have varying driving distances.
- Data from Arccos sheds light on driving metrics.
- Longer drives can lead to lower scores.
How far do golfers *really* hit their drives? Arccos found out.Getty Images
Welcome to Play Smart, a regular GOLF.com game-improvement column that will help you play smarter, better golf.
Driving distance can be a delicate subject in some corners of the golf world. Some argue that distance has gotten out of control and guardrails need to be implemented to slow the trend. Others say that this worry is much ado about nothing and that longer drives are actually good for the game.
No matter where you land on this spectrum, one thing is certain: hitting the ball longer makes the game much easier. You get the idea: When you hit less club into greens, the number of birdies you make is sure to go up, and with more birdies on the card, your scores will be lower.
So pros and amateurs are searching for any way they can increase their driving distance. But how successful have they been in this pursuit? Thanks to Arccosâ latest Annual Driving Distance report, we can see exactly how far recreational players are hitting their drives â and how this number has changed over the years.
How far golfers hit driver
Arccosâ shot-tracking system has amassed over a billion data points from an assortment of golfers of all skill levels. This is not only useful on the micro level to help amateur golfer improve, but it can also tell us a lot about the game in the macro sense. One such insight comes from their Annual Driving Distance report.
Arccos Golf
According to this yearâs report, the average menâs golfer â across all handicaps â drives the ball 224.1 yards, which is actually 0.6 yards less than they did a year ago. For women, that number is 175.7 yards, which is 0.5 yards less than the year prior. This is the second consecutive year that driving distance has decreased in the recreational game, although over the course of eight years Arccos has tracked this data, the number has remained relatively flat.
While itâs true that pro golfers get longer and longer every year, the same cannot be said for the recreational game. Thatâs good news for you because it represents an opportunity. So get in the gym or start speed training: If you do, youâre sure to pick up gains over your playing competitors.
The post How far do average golfers hit their driver? This data show us appeared first on Golf.
Q&A
What is the average driving distance for golfers?
The average driving distance for golfers varies, but specific data from Arccos provides insights into these metrics.
How does driving distance affect a golfer's score?
Hitting the ball longer generally allows golfers to use less club into greens, which can lead to more birdies and lower scores.
Why is driving distance a controversial topic in golf?
Driving distance is debated because some believe it has become excessive and may require regulation, while others argue that longer drives enhance the game.