The distance we can hit a golf club is greatly affected by our age. As our bodies age, it’s hard to get the same distance from the shots you are hitting.
Luckily advancements in equipment have made long distance possible for some players, but it’s always good to know where your game falls against the averages.
The senior golf club distance charts show you how far you can expect to get a golf ball, based on your age. These distance charts are based upon an average swing speed for each category.
Table of Contents
- Below is a chart that shows how senior citizens typically score in each club.
- These Estimates Will Be Affected by Factors
Below is a chart that shows how senior citizens typically score in each club.
The faster you swing your club, the easier it becomes to get more yardage on your holes. These distance charts for golf clubs are based upon the average swing speed for each age group.
Chart for 50-59 year olds
The distance chart below is for male golfers aged 50-59 years old. It is based on an average swing speed with the driver of around 90 mph. The average swing speed for women is 70 mph.
Club | Men (Distance in Yards). | Women (Distance in yards) |
Driver | 230 | 180 |
3 Wood | 219 | 150 |
5 Wood | 185 | 145 |
3 Hybrid | 180 | 140 |
5 Iron | 155 | 120 |
6 Iron | 145 | 115 |
7 Iron | 135 | 105 |
8 Iron | 130 | 100 |
9 Iron | 120 | 90 |
Pitching Wedge | 110 | 85 |
Chart for 60-69 year olds
The golf club distance chart below is for seniors between 60 and 69 years of age. This chart uses a swing speed for men of around 80 mph. This age group has women golfers in the 60-70mph swing speed range.
Club | Men (Distance in Yards). | Women (Distance in yards) |
Driver | 210 | 155 |
3 Wood | 195 | 130 |
5 Wood | 175 | 125 |
3 Hybrid | 165 | 120 |
5 Iron | 155 | 105 |
6 Iron | 140 | 100 |
7 Iron | 130 | 95 |
8 Iron | 115 | 85 |
9 Iron | 105 | 80 |
Pitching Wedge | 100 | 75 |
Chart for 70-79-year-olds
Senior men aged 70-79 years old should expect a swing speed of 70 mph. For women golfers, the swing speed drops below 60 to 55 mph.
Club | Men (Distance in Yards). | Women (Distance in Yards)) |
Driver | 180 | 145 |
3 Wood | 150 | 125 |
5 Wood | 145 | 120 |
3 Hybrid | 140 | 115 |
5 Iron | 120 | 100 |
6 Iron | 115 | 95 |
7 Iron | 105 | 90 |
8 Iron | 100 | 80 |
9 Iron | 90 | 75 |
Pitching Wedge | 85 | 70 |
Chart for 80+ Year Olds
Older golfers have a swing speed of 60 mph on average. Women, on the other hand, have a swing speed closer to 50 mph, and sometimes even as low at 45 mph. These averages are not the best, as some 80-year old golfers still get after the ball with extraordinary skill.
Club | Men (Distance in Yards). | Women (Disability)Yards tance |
Driver | 155 | 135 |
3 Wood | 130 | 115 |
5 Wood | 125 | 105 |
3 Hybrid | 120 | 100 |
5 Iron | 105 | 90 |
6 Iron | 100 | 85 |
7 Iron | 95 | 75 |
8 Iron | 85 | 65 |
9 Iron | 80 | 60 |
Pitching Wedge | 75 | 55 |
These Estimates Will Be Affected by Factors
Clubhead speed and accuracy are important factors in determining how far a golfer can hit the ball. Age plays a part, however. If you’re getting older and feel like you’re losing distance, you’re not alone.
Our senior golf club distance chart focuses on age. However, there are a few other factors which can affect the distance of the shots that you can hit on the course.
Accuracy in Your Strike
Everyone wants to swing faster. Swing speed is important, but hitting the ball in the middle of the clubface is equally important. To get maximum distance, you must hit the ball accurately.
The PGA Tour players all have fast swing speeds but the total distance they travel on their shots is quite impressive.
These numbers are due to the ability of hitting the ball almost perfectly in the middle of the clubface.
Your Handicap
It is not a hard-and fast rule, but it is a good rule of thumb. golfer’s handicapThe higher their handicap, the more likely they are to get good distance with their clubs. You don’t see too many lower-handicap golfers that really struggle with distance capability.
This is partly due to the fact that lower handicap players are more adept at golf swing.
You will get a better distance if you can swing your golf swing well and make consistent shots.
Your Swing Speed
Golfers who swing faster hit the ball much further. Swing speed can actually be broken down into mathematical formulas. If you are unable to get a lot of distance with your swing, or have high swing speeds, it could be due to a problem in the clubs you are using.
Senior golfers often require an increase in swing speed. Doing exercisesTo increase strength and ensure that your golf swing is perfectly balanced.
Your Swing Mechanisms
Your ability to swing the golf ball well is a major factor in how far you can get in your game. If your mechanics are great, and you’re striking the ball with confidence and improved turf interaction, expect some big-time distances.
Take a video of you swing to see if there are any issues. Finding a PGA Professional who works with senior golfers can help you gain a few yards back in the game.
The Equipment You Use
You must match your swing speed with the equipment you use when playing golf. When golfers play with equipment that’s too heavy, they can’t swing the club as fast and their results are not nearly as good.
If you’re using lightweight equipment in a senior golf shaft, it could absolutely help you achieve more distance on the golf course.
Weather/Elevation
The golf ball travels less far when the weather is humid or the air temperature is low. Expect to see more distance when it’s hot, dry, and sunny.
I’ve played some golf in Colorado, and the elevation factor up there also plays into the total distance of the shots. You can sometimes get up 15 yards more if you are a good driver.
The Lie of Your Ball
When your golf ball is buried in the rough, you won’t be able to make great contact with it. This results in a lower ball flight and less distance.
Consider the impact of the lie on the total distance when comparing your results to the distances shown on the club’s distance chart.
Conditions on Golf Courses
The conditions on the golf course can affect how much roll you get. When the golf course is playing hard and fast, you can sometimes see 20 or more yards of roll in addition to the carry distances you’re getting.
If you play a course where they don’t mow the fairways as often, expect to have a more challenging time getting the same total distances. So many factors impact how far a golfer hits a ball, so don’t get too hard on yourself if you have a day where the ball travels just a few yards shorter.
Your distance may increase the next time that you hit the links.