Golf Swing Speed Calculator
Estimate your golf swing speed from driver distance, 7-iron distance, or ball speed. Get shaft flex recommendations based on your speed.
Swing Speed Reference Chart
Driver swing speeds and expected distances by player type
| Player Type | Swing Speed | Driver Carry | Shaft Flex |
|---|---|---|---|
| PGA Tour Average | 114 mph (183 kph) | 275 yds (251 m) | X-Stiff |
| Scratch Golfer | 106 mph (171 kph) | 250 yds (229 m) | X-Stiff / Stiff |
| LPGA Tour Average | 94 mph (151 kph) | 218 yds (199 m) | Stiff / Regular |
| Average Male Golfer | 93 mph (150 kph) | 215 yds (197 m) | Regular |
| Senior Male | 85 mph (137 kph) | 195 yds (178 m) | Regular / Senior |
| Average Female Golfer | 78 mph (126 kph) | 175 yds (160 m) | Senior / Ladies |
Getting Accurate Measurements
- • Carry distance: Use range balls on a flat range; GPS/laser to the landing spot
- • Ball speed: Best measured with a launch monitor (TrackMan, FlightScope, etc.)
- • 7-iron distance: More consistent than driver for most golfers
- • These are estimates — professional fitting provides the most accurate results
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About the Golf Swing Speed 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 estimate their swing speed and find the right equipment.
Understanding Golf Swing Speed
Swing speed is the primary determinant of your distance potential. This calculator estimates your driver swing speed based on your distances or ball speed, helping you understand your power and select the right equipment.
Knowing your swing speed is essential for proper shaft flex selection, club fitting, and setting realistic distance expectations.
How Swing Speed Relates to Distance
There's a predictable relationship between swing speed and carry distance. The general rule is 2.3-2.5 yards of carry per mph of clubhead speed with a driver.
Driver Carry (yards) ≈ Swing Speed (mph) × 2.4
Swing Speed Reference Chart
| Player Type | Swing Speed | Driver Carry | Shaft Flex |
|---|---|---|---|
| PGA Tour Average | 114 mph | 275 yards | X-Stiff |
| Scratch Golfer | 106 mph | 250 yards | Stiff |
| LPGA Tour Average | 94 mph | 218 yards | Stiff/Regular |
| Average Male Golfer | 93 mph | 215 yards | Regular |
| Senior Male | 85 mph | 195 yards | Senior |
| Average Female Golfer | 78 mph | 175 yards | Ladies |
Measurement Methods
-
1
From Driver Distance
Divide your carry distance by 2.4 to estimate swing speed. Most accessible method.
-
2
From 7-Iron Distance
More consistent for most golfers. 7-iron speed is ~75% of driver speed.
-
3
From Ball Speed
Most accurate. Ball speed ÷ 1.47 (smash factor) = clubhead speed.
The Smash Factor
Smash Factor = Ball Speed ÷ Clubhead Speed
- 1.50: Tour-level efficiency (perfect center strike)
- 1.45-1.48: Good amateur strike
- 1.40-1.44: Average strike quality
- <1.40: Significant mishit
Higher smash factor = more distance from same swing speed
Shaft Flex Selection Guide
| Swing Speed | Recommended Flex | Driver Distance |
|---|---|---|
| 110+ mph | X-Stiff | 265+ yards |
| 95-109 mph | Stiff | 225-265 yards |
| 85-94 mph | Regular | 200-225 yards |
| 75-84 mph | Senior/A-Flex | 175-200 yards |
| <75 mph | Ladies | <175 yards |
Ways to Increase Swing Speed
- Speed training: Overspeed training with light clubs
- Flexibility: Better shoulder turn and hip mobility
- Strength: Core and rotational power
- Technique: Proper sequencing and lag
- Equipment: Properly fitted shaft and lighter overall weight
Pro Tip:
Distance estimates from this calculator assume reasonable strike quality. If you consistently hit center face, you might exceed these numbers. Poor contact can cost 10-20% of your potential distance, so improving strike quality often gains more distance than raw speed.
Note: For the most accurate swing speed measurement, use a launch monitor (TrackMan, FlightScope, SkyTrak) or a dedicated swing speed radar device.
Related Tools & Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Distance-based estimates are reasonably accurate for golfers who hit the ball solidly. The formula assumes average smash factor (1.45-1.48). For precise measurement, use a launch monitor or dedicated swing speed radar device.
Average male golfer: 93 mph. Average female golfer: 78 mph. PGA Tour average: 114 mph. LPGA Tour average: 94 mph. Scratch golfers typically swing around 105-108 mph with driver.
Faster swing speeds need stiffer shafts to prevent excessive flex during the swing. Under 75 mph: Ladies flex. 75-84 mph: Senior flex. 85-94 mph: Regular. 95-109 mph: Stiff. 110+ mph: X-Stiff.
Yes, through speed training with light clubs, improving flexibility and rotation, building core strength, and optimizing technique. Most golfers can gain 3-5 mph with dedicated speed training over several months.
How accurate is estimating swing speed from distance?
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