Golf Club Distance Calculator
Calculate expected carry and total distances for each golf club based on your swing speed or skill level.
Understanding Your Distances
- • Carry Distance: How far the ball flies in the air
- • Total Distance: Carry + roll after landing
- • Distances assume solid contact and optimal launch conditions
- • Wind, elevation, and temperature affect actual distances
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About the Golf Club Distance Calculator
Learn more about the calculator and its creator
Jonas
I'm a software developer and golf enthusiast. I built this calculator to help golfers understand their true distances for better course management.
Understanding Golf Club Distances
Knowing your true distances for each club is essential for better course management and lower scores. This calculator estimates your expected carry and total distances based on swing speed or skill level.
The relationship between swing speed and distance follows a predictable pattern, though individual results vary based on strike quality, launch conditions, and equipment.
How Distance is Calculated
Golf ball distance is primarily determined by three factors: club head speed, smash factor (quality of strike), and launch conditions.
Carry Distance ≈ Swing Speed × Efficiency Factor (2.3-2.5 yards/mph for driver)
Distance by Swing Speed
| Driver Speed | Driver Carry | 7-Iron Carry | PW Carry |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80 mph | 180-195 yds | 115-125 yds | 90-100 yds |
| 90 mph | 205-220 yds | 130-140 yds | 100-110 yds |
| 100 mph | 230-250 yds | 145-155 yds | 115-125 yds |
| 110 mph | 255-275 yds | 160-170 yds | 125-135 yds |
Carry vs. Total Distance
- Carry Distance: How far the ball flies through the air before landing
- Total Distance: Carry plus roll after landing
- Roll depends on landing angle, ground conditions, and spin rate
- Higher-lofted clubs have less roll; driver can roll 20-40 yards
Factors Affecting Your Distances
-
1
Strike Quality (Smash Factor)
Center strikes produce ~1.47 ball speed/club speed ratio; mishits lose significant distance
-
2
Launch Angle & Spin
Optimal launch varies by club; driver ~12-15°, irons depend on loft
-
3
Environmental Conditions
Altitude, temperature, and humidity affect air density and ball flight
-
4
Equipment
Ball type, club design, and shaft selection all influence distance
Pro Tip:
Focus on your carry distances rather than total distances for better course management. Carry numbers are more consistent and reliable for club selection, especially for shots over hazards.
Note: These estimates assume solid contact and optimal conditions. Track your actual distances during practice to build an accurate personal distance chart.
Related Tools & Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Carry distance is how far the ball flies through the air before landing. Total distance includes carry plus roll after landing. For course management, carry distance is more important as it determines whether you can clear hazards.
You can estimate swing speed from your driver carry distance (divide by 2.4) or measure it directly with a launch monitor or swing speed radar. Professional club fitters and many driving ranges have these tools available.
Calculator estimates assume solid center-face contact. Mishits, poor launch conditions, or equipment not suited to your swing can reduce distance by 10-20%. Focus on strike quality and proper fitting for maximum distance.
No, these are sea-level distances. At altitude, the ball flies farther due to thinner air. Use our Golf Elevation Calculator to adjust distances for courses above 2,000 feet elevation.
What is the difference between carry and total distance?
How do I find my swing speed?
Why are my distances shorter than the calculator shows?
Do these distances account for altitude?
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