How Do I Increase Golf Swing Speed?
In the world of golf, where precision and power coexist, one crucial element stands out—your golf swing speed. Golf swing speed can take your game to new distances, no pun intended.
We’ll explain the details of golf swing speed and how understanding it can be a game-changer for beginner and seasoned golfers.
As an avid golfer, swing speed is a fascinating, ever-changing topic. With new developments in golf club and golf ball technology, distance is always a topic of interest in golf. So, how can maximum golf swing speeds be achieved?
Golf swing speed can be increased by continuously working on strength and conditioning, swing mechanics, and correctly fitting golf clubs. However, we must understand what swing is before increasing our swing speeds.
Table of Contents
Understanding Golf Swing Speed
What Is Golf Swing Speed?
In its simplest form, golf swing speed measures how fast your clubhead moves during the swing. It’s a fundamental metric that can significantly impact your performance on the course. To put it in perspective, it’s like the RPMs of your golf game. The greater the RPM, the faster your vehicle goes.
Like a vehicle, the greater the clubhead speed, the greater the ball speed. Higher ball speed leads to greater carry distance. Also, like a vehicle, club head speed is measured in miles per hour (mph). For instance, the average swing speed of a male amateur golfer of all ages is 94 mph. Conversely, the average swing speed for PGA tour players is 115.20 mph.
Factors Influencing Golf Swing Speed
Your clubhead speed isn’t static; several vital factors, such as age, strength, and technique, influence it. Swing speeds, particularly driver swing speed, resemble a bell curve. As a junior golfer, the average speed will be lower. As you become an adult in your 20s and 30s, your average swing speeds are at their highest. As you get older, the swing speeds begin to decline over time slowly. Below are some (certainly not all) factors affecting average swing speed.
Body Strength and Fitness
Your body plays a pivotal role in generating speed. A solid and fit body can generate more power, translating into higher swing speeds. Today’s Golfers place a strong emphasis on physical fitness. One of the first professional golfers to do such was Tiger Woods.
Tiger changed the landscape for physical fitness and playing golf. Tiger started a trend in fitness that has only grown and has branched off into other avenues specifically for golfing fitness, such as TPI, Joey D Golf, and many others. These programs offer swing speed training and have a proven speed training system for the average golfer and the PGA tour player.
Strength and fitness are essential in golf today; PGA tournaments now have workout trailers for players to work out at each event. Engaging in golf-specific fitness routines and speed training can help you maximize your potential.
Swing Technique
Your technique is another major determinant of your swing speed. Proper mechanics and grip strength can help you optimize your speed while maintaining control and accuracy. Think of it as the finesse behind the force. How you move your body and handle your golf club during a swing directly impacts the speed at which the clubhead travels through the air and makes contact with the ball.
Every aspect of your swing plays a role in determining your swing speed. A balanced and coordinated swing and proper weight transfer generate more speed. How your hips open up and use the ground as a power force plays significant roles in club speed.
It’s not just about raw power but finesse, timing, and technique, all coming together for a faster swing speed.
Flexibility
Flexibility is often underestimated in golf. Golf flexibility might sound like doing yoga on the fairway, but it’s essential. A supple body allows for a more extensive range of motion, enabling you to generate higher clubhead speed.
See, flexibility is how easily your body can move and stretch. And when it comes to golf swing speed, being flexible is like having hidden power.
When your body can move freely and your muscles aren’t tight, it helps you swing the golf club faster. Think of it like a rubber band – it won’t stretch very far if it’s too stiff. But an excellent, stretchy rubber band can go a long way. So, stretching and keeping your body flexible can help you swing the club faster and hit the golf ball farther.
Age
Age can be a big player in your golf club swing speed. As we grow older, our bodies change, affecting how fast we swing that club. When we’re young, like in our 20s and 30s, our bodies are usually more flexible and energetic. That means we can swing the club faster and hit the golf ball longer distances. But as we get older, like in our 50s and beyond, our muscles might weaken, and our joints might not move as quickly. Our swing speed might slow down.
But here’s the cool part – age isn’t the only thing that matters. You can keep your swing speed up by staying active and exercising to keep your muscles and joints in good shape. So, while age can play a role in golf swing speed, you can stay in the game by staying fit and enjoying golf for many years to come!
Importance of Golf Swing Speed
Golf swing speed is like the turbo boost button for your golf game. It’s all about how fast you can swing your club when teeing off. Another critical topic is the ever-growing list of the most used golf terms. Why is this important? Let’s explore three exciting reasons:
Increased Distance
One of the most noticeable benefits of a higher golf swing speed is increased distance off the tee.
Imagine your golf ball as a rocket and your swing speed as the rocket’s engine. The faster the engine, the farther the missile goes. Well, the same principle applies to golf. When you swing faster, the ball travels longer distances.
Studies show that for every 1 mile per hour (mph) increase in your swing speed, you can gain up to 2.5 yards in distance. That means you could gain ten extra yards if you add four mph to your swing! Want to see how your swing speed stacks up?
Improved Accuracy
You might think swinging faster means losing control, but that’s not always true. Picture a race car driver. They can go super fast yet stay on track. In golf, the right swing speed can boost your accuracy.
Contrary to popular opinion, a higher swing speed can also improve accuracy. When you have better control over your speed and technique, you can place the ball precisely where you want it.
When you control your swing speed and technique, you can place the ball exactly where you want it. It’s like aiming a sand wedge from 100 yards instead of three wood from 250 yards.
Club Selection
Choosing the right club is like picking the right tool for a job. You wouldn’t use a hammer to screw in a lightbulb, would you? Well, the same goes for golf clubs. Your swing speed determines which club you should use.
Here’s a simple rule: the faster your swing, the more distance you can cover. So, if you’re a speedster, you might need clubs that can handle the distance. But if you’re more of a steady cruiser, different clubs might suit you better. To simplify, golf club distance charts can guide you in choosing the right club for your swing speed.
Golf swing speed is your secret weapon for success on the golf course. It can make your shots fly farther, land more accurately, and help you pick the perfect club for each situation.
Golf swing speed is the secret that can transform your golf game from ordinary to extraordinary. We’ll explore the tools and techniques to help you increase club head speed.
How to Measure Your Golf Swing Speed
Using A Launch Monitor
Launch Monitors are like magic machines for golfers. They’re devices that precisely measure your clubhead speed and other numerical metrics. A launch monitor can be used inside or outside, providing immediate, real-time data when you hit the ball.
Statistical data, which we often use, can significantly benefit the average golfer and the PGA tour player. Launch monitors can also use shot tracer technology, thus providing instantaneous video feedback of your swing.
Here’s how you can use them:
- Find a Launch Monitor: You can usually find one at your local golf course or practice range. Some popular brands include TrackMan, FlightScope, and GCQuad. Other popular brands that you can personally purchase and are more budget-friendly include the Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor, Garmin Approach, and the Swing Caddie SC4. I use the Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor.
Set Up: Turn on the device, position yourself in the designated area, and calibrate the launch monitor. Set up is easy and takes only a couple of minutes.
Swing Away: Take your best swing; the launch monitor will do the rest. It’ll measure your swing speed and provide other valuable data, like ball speed, launch angle, and smash factor.
Our recommendation for a starting launch monitor is the Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor.
At Swingcrafters, we highly recommend the use of a launch monitor. It will help new golfers understand how far they hit each club in the bag while permitting seasoned players to fine-tune their game.
Golf Simulators
Indoor golf simulators have gained significant popularity in recent years, offering golf enthusiasts a unique and convenient way to practice their game regardless of weather conditions or location.
They are pretty expensive and do take up a decent amount of room in your basement or outdoor space. However, they are worth the price as they will improve your club head speed and golf game overall.
Below are some of the advantages and disadvantages of golf simulators.
Advantages
- Accessibility- Can play day or night, snow or rain
- Controlled and comfortable Environment
- Versatility and access to golf courses you Could never play
- Valuable statistical data on every shot.
- You can make data-based improvements to your game
- Provides launch angle, spin rates, carry distance, total distance, attack angles, etc.
Disadvantages
- High cost (Low Budget $3,000 to $5,000)
- Only partially replicates playing an actual golf course
- Lack of authenticity
- Takes up a decent amount of space
Golf Swing Speed Charts
The following charts provide numerical data that has been collected over the years. Data was collected from the PGA Tour, Trackman Golf, and Par4Success.
The charts demonstrate various swing speeds by handicap, age, and PGA Tour swing speed statistics at the professional level.
Golf Swing Speed Chart By Age
The chart below shows the average swing speed by age.
Statistical Data Provided By Par4Success.com
Golf Swing Speed Chart By Handicap
The chart below demonstrates the average male and female amateur golfer’s swing speed based on their handicap. To learn more about a handicap, check out our article on handicaps in golf.
PGA Tour Swing Speed Chart By Tour Average
The chart below tracks the average PGA tour swing speed over the last 17 seasons. As you can see by the chart, there has been a nearly three-mile-per-hour increase in the average PGA tour player’s swing speed.
The latest average for the 2022/2023 season was a whopping 115.20 MPH.
Average Driving Distance and PGA Tour Average Distance
The following chart provides statistical data showing the correlation between club head speed and driver carry distance. The second chart will demonstrate the average PGA Tour driving distance in yards over the last twenty years.
Average Driver Carry Distance By Swing Speed
This chart shows the relation of swing speed to total carry distance in yards with a driver.
PGA Tour Average Driving Distance
This chart demonstrates the PGA Tour average driving distance over the last twenty years.
Tips for Increasing Golf Swing Speed
Now that we know what swing speed is and what the average golf swing speed is, these are the three tips that will have you achieving maximum speed in your swing and greater driving distance.
Strength and Conditioning
You don’t have to be a bodybuilder to improve your swing speed. Simple exercise and flexibility movements can make a big difference. Some of our favorites are:
Exercise
Lunges With Rotation
Single Leg Deadlift
Squat with Medicine Ball Rotations
Sit-Ups
Medicine Ball Sit-Up Rotation
Stretching/Flexibility
Shoulder Stretch
Standing Forward Bend
Standing Quad Stretch
Hip Flexor and Psoas Stretch
Hip and Lower Back Stretch
These are just a few of the exercises and movements our team uses frequently in the gym. For more workouts and programs, check out Joey D Golf or TPI.
Swing Mechanics and Golf Instruction
Your swing technique matters more than you might think. Proper swing mechanics and hand position at impact play a significant role in speed within the golf swing. Your swing must be at the highest speed before impact when you hit the ball. This will directly impact the carry distances of all clubs in your golf bag.
Below are ways to improve your average golf swing speed.
And here is another great video
Golf instruction is a surefire way to improve your average club head speed. Working with a PGA Golf Professional will help you obtain more swing speed, and with proper speed training, you will swing faster in no time. Driver distance will improve as well as your driving efficiency. Many golfers take lessons, but rarely do you see a golfer taking lessons to get more speed, regardless of skill level.
Create your personal swing speed chart to track your progress in increasing your average club head speed.
Custom Club Fitting
Getting properly fit golf clubs is crucial for increasing speed and overall performance on the golf course. One of the main reasons for this importance lies in the relationship between club specifications and the golfer’s unique biomechanics.
An adequately certified club fitter takes this into account.
Golfer’s height
Arm length
Wrist-to-floor measurement
Swing Tempo
When these factors align with the club’s length, shaft, shaft flex, and clubhead design, it optimizes the golfer’s ability to generate maximum clubhead speed.
According to True Spec Golf, the shaft flex you need is based on your clubhead speed. Here is a quick breakdown:
- X-stiff – This is the range where most high-level players fall. If you’re swinging the driver above 105 mph, it might be time to get some X-stiff shafts in your set.
- Stiff – If you’re between 97 and 104 mph with the driver, you need a stiff flex.
- Regular – This is where most recreational golfers fall. Regular flex will be best for you if you’re between 84 and 96 mph.
- Senior – Slower swingers fall into this category. Between 72 and 83 mph signifies you need to be hitting senior flex.
- Ladies – Not all women’s golfers fall into this category. This range will be for anyone with a swing speed slower than 72 mph.
A club that is too long or stiff can hinder a golfer’s swing, reducing power and control. Conversely, a club that is too short or flexible can lose distance and accuracy. Therefore, club fitting is crucial in unlocking a golfer’s full potential and achieving more incredible club head speeds.
Additionally, properly fit clubs can enhance a golfer’s confidence and consistency on the course. When a golfer has trust in their equipment, they are more likely to make an aggressive and controlled swing, which can translate into increased clubhead speed.
The right club length and shaft flex can also help with shot dispersion, reducing the likelihood of wayward shots and penalties.
As swing speed increases with a well-fit club, so does the potential for greater distance off the tee and better approaches to the green. Ultimately, getting correctly fit clubs is not just about swing speed but improving overall performance, making the game more enjoyable, and helping golfers reach their full potential.
Golf Swing Speed Conclusion
Golf swing speed is your newfound secret weapon for shortening the course. More club head speed will increase carry distance, accuracy, and performance. Now that you can measure and enhance your club head speeds, it’s time to see how your average swing speeds improve.
Track the average distance your ball goes with each club. Over time, and with continued practice on the driving range improving your speed training, you can create your personal swing speed chart and track your improvement over time.
Remember, golf is a journey, and increasing your average swing speed is one of the exciting stops. Watching your average driving distance improve will boost your confidence and lower your scores. Having shorter shots into the green increases the chances of getting closer to the hole, leading to better scores and more fun.
