Golfer teeing off

Reference Guide

Club Distance Guide

Average carry distances in yards by skill level. Use this as a starting point — your actual distances will vary based on swing speed, conditions, and equipment.

ClubBeginner<85 mph swingIntermediate85-95 mph swingAdvanced95+ mph swing
Driver180 yds220 yds260+ yds
3 Wood160 yds200 yds235 yds
5 Wood150 yds190 yds220 yds
3 Hybrid145 yds185 yds215 yds
4 Hybrid140 yds175 yds205 yds
4 Iron130 yds170 yds200 yds
5 Iron120 yds160 yds190 yds
6 Iron110 yds150 yds180 yds
7 Iron100 yds140 yds170 yds
8 Iron90 yds130 yds160 yds
9 Iron80 yds120 yds145 yds
Pitching Wedge70 yds110 yds135 yds
Gap Wedge60 yds100 yds125 yds
Sand Wedge50 yds90 yds115 yds
Lob Wedge35 yds70 yds95 yds

Tips for Better Distance

Get fitted. Properly fitted clubs can add 10-20 yards with no swing changes.

Focus on contact. Center-face strikes matter more than swing speed for consistent distance.

Know your actual numbers. Spend time on a launch monitor or track shots on the course. The chart above is a guide — your numbers are what matter.

Account for conditions. Wind, elevation, temperature, and humidity all affect distance. A 10 mph headwind can cut 10-15%.

Understanding Distance Gaps

Ideally, you want consistent yardage gaps between clubs — typically 10-15 yards. If you have big gaps or overlapping distances, consider adjusting your set makeup. Many golfers benefit from replacing long irons (3, 4) with hybrids and adding an extra wedge for better scoring from 100 yards and in.