How Far You Should Be Hitting a 6 Iron (Based on Skill)

One of the best things about a 6 Iron is its versatility. You can use it for several shots on the green. A 5 iron can feel a little awkward due to its shorter length and lower loft. With the 6 iron, that won’t be a concern.

You need to know how far you can hit your 6 iron with your hands before you can start to incorporate it into your game. You can improve your contact, which makes it easier to get distance. But there are other factors.

If you’re curious about the distance you should be hitting your 6 iron based upon skill, this is the information for you.

 

How far you should be hitting a 6-iron

The squareness of your strike and the speed at the which you swing the golf clubs are two major factors in how far you can hit a golf ball. You will get a lot more distance if you can hit the center of your golf club with a lot of speed.

This is easiest to do. Sort golfers by handicap. Let’s look at how far you should be hitting a 6 iron based on your current handicap.

For beginners

A beginner male golfer can hit a 6 Iron for around 140 yards. Once they are comfortable with the club and how it works, they can hit the ball 150-155 yards. Beginners golfers will struggle to get a high ball flight. You need to be careful when you line drive.

A 6 iron with a wide sole is the best choice for beginners. It will improve and increase your shot’s launch. As a beginner, if your set only comes with a 7 iron and lower, don’t worry about it; for now, you can add a 6 iron in later.

It is normal for your 6 iron to travel the same distance as your 7 iron. As your clubhead speed increases you will see the total distance.

High Handicap

High handicap golfers often struggle to hit the center of their clubface consistently. Many high handicappers have trouble getting the best distance from their shots because it is difficult to make contact with the clubface.

The 6 iron will travel an average of 145-150 yards for high handicappers. This club’s distance issues are more due to accuracy than swing speed.

High swing speeds are a hallmark of higher handicappers. However, if it isn’t applied correctly, the results can be disastrous. If you find that you have more success with hybrid type clubs, don’t be afraid to take the 6 iron out of the bag and switch to something a bit more forgiving.

Mid Handicap

Mid-handicapped players tend to have average swing speeds, and can hit their 6 Iron in the 150-160 yard zone. You can expect to average 155 yards with a modern game improvement 6-iron.

One thing that can have a significant impact on the mid handicapper’s total distance is the loft of their irons. Your carry distance may be longer if your iron loft falls a little too low.

Mid handicappers have seen more distance with their mid to long irons, and a higher flight of their ball due to recent changes in the center position of gravity.

Low Handicap

One reason why golfers reach the low handicap range is their ability to hit the ball long. If you can hit the ball well, it is easier to cover a longer hole in a shorter time.

Low handicap golfers have fast swing speeds, which allow for yardages of between 170-180 yards for a 6 Iron. Low handicappers who have slower swing speeds might be in the 160-169 area.

The majority of low-handicap players will use a 6 Iron, while some high handicappers might look for alternatives. However, most lower handicappers will use at least a 4-iron in their set.

Professional

180 yards is the average distance a 6 iron can travel on the PGA Tour. While some golfers can hit it at 190, others may hit it closer to 178. However, this is the average range for a 6-iron. LPGA Professionals see averages that are slightly lower in the 160-170 range. This is again related to swing speed.

Professional golfers use clubs that are higher up than theirs. This means they are hitting longer distances with clubs with higher lofts.

They could hit the ball farther if they used a game improvement iron.

 

When to Use Your 6 iron

The 6 iron is a versatile tool. In fact, it is my favorite club for controlling ball flight. I don’t like the 6 iron for my short game, although I have seen some golfers learn how to do a bump-and-run shot with the 6. Here are some ways to use your 6iron for better results on the green.

Approach Shot To The Green

The 6 iron is best for a full swing approach shot to green. The total yardage you can hit the 6, and swing away to center of the green will be revealed. You can fade or draw the ball with the responsive 6 iron.

A 6 iron approach shot should be struck correctly to produce a high ball flight and plenty of spin.

Knock Down Shot

The knockdown shot lowers the ball’s flight so that it can fly under the wind. You can expect a little more roll when the ball hits the green, but you can still get the distance even under the most challenging conditions.

The 6-iron’s loft is ideal for a knockdown shot. It provides the perfect combination of forgiveness and control to hit a shot like this.

Try a knockdown shot on your driving range and you’ll be amazed at the results.

Controlled Shot from Tee Box

When standing on the tee box, it’s essential to learn how to control a golf shot. Par 3s are difficult because you only have one chance at perfection. Some golfers can perfect a ¾ type swing with their 6 iron which results in some impressive overall accuracy and control.

I would highly recommend learning how to take a little off of your 6 iron (i.e., not a full swing) and keeping it as accurate as possible; it’s a shot you will continually use on the course.

 

Other Clubs that Could Replace a Six Iron

The 6 iron may not be the right fit for you. Many golfers struggle with the 6 iron and its ability to get them from A to B. Some golfers don’t like the lower loft and the overall look of the club head, while others just don’t feel comfortable.

Here are a few alternatives if you need those exact yardages but don’t want to keep the 6 iron in the golf bag.

6 Hybrid

A 6 hybrid is a great option for those who aren’t sure if they want to use a 6 iron. The 6 hybrid is easier to launch, has an even deeper center of gravity, and can help golfers achieve a greater distance.

I like the 6 hybrid because it is so much easier to hit from the rough than the 6-iron. The 6 hybrid is a great investment if you find yourself constantly hitting your approach shots into rough greens.

Although it is not difficult to hit a 6 hybrid and 6 iron, it is a lot easier for those with higher handicaps.

13 Wood

Golfers that don’t like the iron or hybrid look can also consider adding in an additional fairway wood. The loft perspective of the 13 wood will be the same as the 6 iron, but it has some unique playability.

The 13 wood allows you to swing more sweepingly and has a more direct ball flight than the hybrid.

The 13 wood is slightly longer than the 6 iron, so some golfers notice a little more distance.

Utility Club

There are a few   that may get you close in loft and yardage to a 6 iron. Most companies will stop making utility clubs after the 5 iron loft. Utility irons can sometimes produce a more precise turf interaction.

They have a wider sole and promote a higher launch rate than the 6 iron.

 

Tips to Hit Your 6 Iron More

Clean strikes are essential if you want your 6 iron to fly further. These are the best way to ensure your 6 iron gets the most distance possible and the best overall results.

• Always ensure the ball is in the center of your stance; a half-inch forward of the center works as well, but don’t play this off your front or back foot.
• The 6 iron requires plenty of acceleration through impact, don’t slow the swing down to try and increase accuracy; go after the ball.
• Amateur golfers often forget to transfer their weight through a ball and this can lead to poor finishing.
• Practice stability and balance on the course to be able to go after the ball a little more when you’re on it.
• Remember that distance is only important if the ball is hit straight. Make sure your hands and body work together to achieve high ball flight and accurate shots.