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Regardless of age, any golfer’s shot distance is a significant concern. So a golf club distance chart for seniors holds the same importance at any age.
As we get older, our performance on the golf course naturally changes. You might control some elements to an extent through exercise and nutrition, but certain factors are part of aging.
So logically, you shouldn’t be comparing how you play to those who don’t experience the same limitations as you.
Senior golf has its standard for what poor or great performances are. You should judge your skill level based on your group. You can look at distance charts to get an idea of the average distance players in your category.
This article will give you the best golf club distance charts for seniors.
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Golf Club Distance Chart Utilization
Distance charts essentially give the average distance covered by a club. Different charts focus on variable factors such as gender, age, experience, etc.
A golf club distance chart shouldn’t be viewed as a benchmark. It’s a helpful tool to compare your performance realistically, considering limiting factors. So don’t sweat it if your numbers don’t match the charts.
The better approach is knowing your yardage rather than focusing on how far each club can go. Different people get different numbers for the same club, so while a 7 iron is going far for your friend, maybe your 5 iron covers the same ground.
What I’m stressing about is that it’s all relative. Contrary to popular belief, being a long-hitter doesn’t guarantee a lower score. It’s understandable why people assume that long shots travel a greater distance, possibly lowering your score.
But that’s just not written in stone. A short-hitter could outdo you. It’s just a matter of knowing yourself and your skill.
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Golf Distance Charts for Men & Women
First, we will look at the average distance that younger players of both genders cover. This gives an idea of how well a player can perform when all age factors are in their favor.
You can take these numbers as the upper limit of how much yardage one can achieve.
Golf Club Distance Chart for Men
With experience, male golfers gain decent yardage in their shots. The more players practice, the higher they can take their swing speed, which is critical for covering long distances.
You can compare your performance with the table below (average golfer to pro).
| Clubs | Beginner | Average | Good | Pro |
| Driver | 190 yds | 220 yds | 250 yds | 280 yds |
| 3 Wood | 170 yds | 210 yds | 225 yds | 235 yds |
| 5 Wood | 150 yds | 195 yds | 205 yds | 220 yds |
| Hybrid | 145 yds | 180 yds | 190 yds | 210 yds |
| 2 Iron | 145 yds | 180 yds | 190 yds | 215 yds |
| 3 Iron | 135 yds | 170 yds | 180 yds | 205 yds |
| 4 Iron | 125 yds | 160 yds | 170 yds | 195 yds |
| 5 Iron | 120 yds | 155 yds | 165 yds | 185 yds |
| 6 Iron | 115 yds | 145 yds | 160 yds | 175 yds |
| 7 Iron | 105 yds | 140 yds | 150 yds | 165 yds |
| 8 Iron | 95 yds | 130 yds | 140 yds | 155 yds |
| 9 Iron | 80 yds | 115 yds | 125 yds | 145 yds |
| Pitching Wedge | 70 yds | 100 yds | 110 yds | 135 yds |
| Gap Wedge | 60 yds | 90 yds | 100 yds | 125 yds |
| Sand Wedge | 55 yds | 80 yds | 95 yds | 115 yds |
| Lob Wedge | 40 yds | 60 yds | 80 yds | 105 yds |
Golf Club Average Distances of Women
For female players, the numbers are lower than for male players. Many factors come into play here, such as thinner and shorter clubs coupled with a slower swing speed. The distances covered are impressive nonetheless.
You can use the table below as a reference point for your yardage.
| Club | High Handicap | Average Handicap | Low Handicap | Pro |
| Driver | 150 yds | 175 yds | 200 yds | 230 yds |
| 3 Wood | 125 yds | 150 yds | 180 yds | 210 yds |
| 5 Wood | 110 yds | 140 yds | 175 yds | 200 yds |
| Hybrid | 105 yds | 135 yds | 170 yds | 195 yds |
| 2 Iron | 105 yds | 135 yds | 170 yds | 190 yds |
| 3 Iron | 100 yds | 125 yds | 160 yds | 185 yds |
| 4 Iron | 90 yds | 120 yds | 150 yds | 180 yds |
| 5 Iron | 80 yds | 110 yds | 140 yds | 170 yds |
| 6 Iron | 70 yds | 100 yds | 130 yds | 160 yds |
| 7 Iron | 65 yds | 90 yds | 120 yds | 150 yds |
| 8 Iron | 60 yds | 80 yds | 110 yds | 140 yds |
| 9 Iron | 55 yds | 70 yds | 95 yds | 130 yds |
| Pitching Wedge | 50 yds | 60 yds | 80 yds | 115 yds |
| Gap Wedge | 45 yds | 55 yds | 70 yds | 95 yds |
| Sand Wedge | 40 yds | 50 yds | 60 yds | 85 yds |
| Lob Wedge | 35 yds | 45 yds | 50 yds | 70 yds |
Golf Club Distance Charts for Seniors
Players who are 50+ in age fall under the Seniors category. They’re eligible to play in the Senior PGA Championship, on top of the PGA Tour.
Although they aren’t required to leave the PGA Tour, it’s clear that their performance will eventually fall behind over time than the younger players on the golf course. But that’s just how life goes.
Nonetheless, here’s a shocking fact. The world record for the longest drive is held by 64-year-old, Mike Austin. He hit a 515-yard drive in 1974! We didn’t even have the TaylorMade SIM 2 back then.
Regardless, there’s a significant gap in golf club distances among senior players. Those who play recreationally are shorter hitters compared to Senior PGA Tour players.
You can make the comparison through the table below.
| Club | Senior Average Distance | Senior PGA Tour Champions |
| Driver | 196 yds | 279 yds |
| 3-wood | 173 yds | 240 yds |
| 5-wood | 164 yds | 227 yds |
| Hybrid | 160 yds | 222 yds |
| 2 Iron | 156 yds | 217 yds |
| 3 Iron | 151 yds | 209 yds |
| 4 Iron | 145 yds | 200 yds |
| 5 Iron | 138 yds | 191 yds |
| 6 Iron | 130 yds | 180 yds |
| 7 Iron | 123 yds | 169 yds |
| 8 Iron | 114 yds | 157 yds |
| 9 Iron | 105 yds | 146 yds |
| Pitching Wedge | 97 yds | 136 yds |
| Gap Wedge | 89 yds | 122 yds |
| Sand Wedge | 82 yds | 108 yds |
| Lob Wedge | 74 yds | 97 yds |
Golf Club Distance Charts by Age | Drivers, Fairway Woods & Irons
Below you’ll find a breakdown of the average golf distance chart for irons and drivers by age.
While you may notice, there is a stark difference in average club distances between younger and senior players. Professional golfers don’t rapidly lose their yardage because of old age.
Those who maintain their athleticism and continue playing stay in great shape. As Gary Player would agree, a lot can be done with a solid fitness routine. However, they’ll notice a slow dip in their numbers.
To understand the gradual shift in yardage, the table below shows the age-by-age decrease in shot distances.
Please note this golf club distance chart doesn’t account for whether a player is a professional.
| Club | 20 – 30 years | 30-40 years | 40-50 years | 50-60 years | 60+ years | All Golfers |
| Driver | 238 yds | 231 yds | 220 yds | 211 yds | 196 yds | 219 yds |
| Hybrid | 196 yds | 190 yds | 181 yds | 174 yds | 161 yds | 180 yds |
| 5 Iron | 179 yds | 174 yds | 165 yds | 158 yds | 146 yds | 164 yds |
| 6 Iron | 169 yds | 165 yds | 156 yds | 149 yds | 138 yds | 155 yds |
| 7 Iron | 160 yds | 155 yds | 146 yds | 139 yds | 128 yds | 145 yds |
| 8 Iron | 150 yds | 145 yds | 137 yds | 130 yds | 120 yds | 136 yds |
| 9 Iron | 139 yds | 134 yds | 127 yds | 120 yds | 110 yds | 126 yds |
| Pitching Wedge | 127 yds | 123 yds | 117 yds | 112 yds | 102 yds | 116 yds |
| Sand Wedge | 94 yds | 91 yds | 86 yds | 81 yds | 74 yds | 85 yds |
| Fairway Wood | 220 yds | 214 yds | 204 yds | 196 yds | 182 yds | 203 yds |
Tips to Improve the Average Distance Golfers Hit
As a golfer, you can’t expect to stay on top of your game if you aren’t consistent.
Many skills you learn will get rusty as the years go by. If you’re not paying attention, it can become harder to play as you used to.
To help you overcome your short yardage on the golf course, here are a few points you can focus on.
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1. Use the Proper Golf Equipment for Senior Golfers
Your golf balls and clubs are both determinants of your performance. You should ensure you’re using the suitable fit for you and the level at which you play.
Sometimes, your previous club preference doesn’t give you the same results as it once did. This may be a sign to try other clubs and see if there is another that suits you better. The same goes for golf balls.
Having the right driver and irons is as important as possessing the right skills.
2. Improve Your Golf Grip & Posture
To start, it’s essential to have the best golf grips for seniors.
As we age, a golfer’s grip and posture are often neglected parts of physical fitness.
Players focus more on stamina, strength, and similar capabilities, but other factors equally influence their performance.
A good golf grip helps you transfer strength and control the ball. You may struggle with this at first, but it could be what’s holding you back.
As for posture, ensure that you’re standing as tall as you can and are bending from the waist, not the shoulders. You should also be careful about your alignment, which your posture can throw off.
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3. Improve Your Golf Swing Speed
One of the many culprits for a shorter distance on your shots is your swing speed. This is essentially how fast your club moves before it hits the golf ball.
Your swing speed changes over time. In the table below, you can see what male and female golfers average at different ages.
| Age | Men | Women |
| 10-16 years old | 93 mph | 83 mph |
| 17-25 years old | 113 mph | 93 mph |
| 26-40 years old | 108 mph | 90 mph |
| 41-50 years old | 103 mph | 88 mph |
| 51-60 years old | 98 mph | 73 mph |
| 60+ years old | 90 mph | 70 mph |
As you can see, as we all age, we tend to have slower swing speeds. However, golf training aids and exercise can help with increasing swing speeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far should a 60 year old man hit a golf ball?
According to the senior distance chart, a 60 year old man, should hit approximately 211 yards with his golf driver.
Final Thoughts | Golf Club Distance Chart for Seniors
The finest aspect of golf is that age is not a limitation. You grow as you go, adapting your expertise according to your circumstances.
Using a golf club distance chart for seniors as a reference, you can continue enjoying your game and be motivated to progress further.
If you are looking for motivation, check out Gary Player’s amazing fitness routine.
thank you. some ideas and some information.