There has been much discussion over the appropriate swing speed in golf, and that argument will no doubt continue in the future.
The aerodynamics and other aspects of golf club designs continue to be modeled by manufacturers around the potential to improve swing speeds, and swing speed devices have recently become essential components.
When it comes to the nitty-gritty of the golf swing, swing speed is a critical metric. On the practice tee, as well as in the gym, professional golfers are always searching for new methods to speed up their swing speeds. Unfortunately, amateur golfers lack the time and resources that professionals have, but that doesn’t mean they can’t improve their swing speed.
In this article, we will go over the specifics of golf swing speed, as well as its significance and implications for a golfer’s performance.
Table of Contents
What is swing speed?
Swing speed is the amount of time the clubhead spends moving forward before it makes contact with the ball. The pace at which a player swings affects how far they can go.
Swing speed increases equate to extra distance; a one-mile-per-hour increase in swing speed may add up to three yards to your tee.
This video has additional information about swing speed.
How is swing speed measured?
One way to properly gauge swing velocity is to use an electronic launch monitor or radar device. Another option is to use an electronic golf club/swing sensor. A Trackman or Flight Scope launch monitor is most often used by professional players, coaches, and club fitters for determining swing speed.
For amateur golfers, club/swing sensors and swing speed radars continue to be more popular than launch monitors since they are less costly.
- Practice with purpose with this lightweight and portable 3D Doppler radar launch monitor.
- Practice Anywhere- Use Mevo to improve on the range, on the course, and at your home with video and data...
- 8 Data Parameters- Includes 8 full swing performance data parameters with direct spin measurements
Prior to the introduction of launch monitors, players had to make do with simple arithmetic to estimate their swing speed. To obtain an idea of your swing speed, multiply the average carry distance by 2.3. Although this approach has flaws, it is an excellent technique for estimating your typical swing speed.
Why is swing speed important?
The relationship between swing speed and distance is a simple one: faster swing speed equals longer distance. The domination of strong hitters like Dustin Johnson and Bryson Dechambeau shows that distance does make a significant impact on the course, but the distance does not guarantee lower scores.
Swing speed alone will not increase your added distance; you also need excellent control and rhythm to hit long straight shots on the course.
How does swing speed affect your game?
Swing speed is directly proportional to distance, as we’ve seen so far. When you strike the golf ball from the center of the clubface, you will be able to hit it farther if you swing the club more quicker.
The smash factor is a golfing statistic that measures how well a swing is. A club’s smash factor measures how much energy is transmitted from the clubhead to the ball when it makes contact with the ground.
Click here for additional information on the smash factor.
When shopping for golf clubs, consider your swing speed. It’s critical to use the proper club and ball for your swing speed to get the most out of your set.
You can also read a separate article about the different golf shaft types to discover more about which shaft type is best for you, depending on your typical driver’s swing speed.
The significance of swing speed cannot be overstated, but at the same time, it is critical to realize that speed alone means nothing if control, rhythm, and accuracy are not there as well. The swing speed of long drive pros doesn’t signify much if your smash factor is poor.
Swing speed training
Golfers may speed up their swing in a number of ways, and we’ll examine those choices and their differences in depth below.
Swing changes
The majority of the time, a minor swing adjustment may unleash extra swing speed. In golf, Rory McIlroy possesses one of the most remarkable hip rotations, which is what fuels his long drives.
Increasing the speed with which you swing the club may be as simple as working on your hip or shoulder turn.
When trying to alter your swing, work with a professional instructor. On top of that, they’ll be able to help you alter your swing so that you can hit the ball further and faster while still keeping accuracy.
Click here for more information on Rory McIlroy’s amazing hip turn.
Physical training
Modern professional golfers’ training regimens include extensive physical conditioning. Golfers exercise for many purposes, one of which is to increase their swing speed.
When the PGA Tour returned after Covid – 19 postponed tournaments, Bryson Dechambeau made quite a sensation by showing off his new body.
Dechambeau has improved his swing speed and strength, and as a result, he currently has the best driving distance on the PGA Tour.
However, you don’t have to train like Bryson to improve your golf game. Spending some time in the gym to enhance your core strength, mobility and flexibility can do wonders.
Please visit the TPI library to learn more about golf-specific workouts.
Swing speed training aids
Five years ago, SuperSpeed’s Overspeed golf training aid caught the golfing world by storm. Players of all levels utilize the SuperSpeed method, and the results they get while practicing with it are impressive.
Increase your swing speed with SuperSpeed if you are serious about it. Click here for additional information about the SuperSpeed system.
Club fitting
The market is plenty of drivers, so choose one that’s ideal for your swing before purchasing it. It’s critical since making the incorrect choice may lead to years of hardship.
While speed and distance are important characteristics of a good club, accuracy is another important feature as well.
Golf pros often swap up their drivers’ shafts until they find one that is more comfortable.
With the necessary knowledge under your belt, here are some helpful golf swing tips:
Body rotation
Swing speed is greatly influenced by the amount of upper-body rotation in relation to lower-body rotation. It’s important to remember that your hips rotate just half as much as your upper body while facing upwards towards the target at the top of the screen.
Torque is generated by the differential between these two angles, which gives your swing its power. You may significantly improve your swing speed by fine-tuning your body rotation.
Use your wrist as a lever.
While you’re swinging your golf club, see your wrists as levers. As you remove the club, your wrists will bend. Wrists must stay hinged until contact for the optimum golf swing.
As long as you maintain your wrists hinged this way and didn’t let go of the angle, you won’t be squandering any additional energy while casting the club.
Your wrist levers may provide a last-minute energy boost via the impact, too!
Hit naturally
Beginners in golf have the misconception that is swinging harder increases clubhead speed. While this is sometimes true, tension is created as a result of swinging harder, which decreases the clubhead speed.
Another drawback is that you run the risk of setting your speed in the incorrect direction, which would reduce your accuracy even more. The most crucial thing is to maintain your body relaxed and to allow it to swing freely.
Add some lag
When I say lag, I’m referring to the angle formed by the golf club’s shaft and your forearm on the backswing. It has the ability to transform a smooth swing into one that packs a punch!
As a result, the greater the angle, the greater the amount of rush through the ball.
You may now enhance your swing speed by releasing the angles in your elbow and wrist afterward.
Mindset
People trying to swing harder is a frequent swing flaw. If you want to increase your speed, swing quicker rather than harder.
Swinging more forcefully may increase tension and alter the swing’s pace. The idea is to keep your body flexible and free to swing.
Imagine great players such as Fred Couples or Ernie Els while attempting this shot. In spite of both players seeming to be swinging easily, they are nonetheless reaching tremendous swing speeds.
It’s important to keep in mind while taking the course that you should only play with what you have on hand that particular day.
The best method to increase the speed of your golf swing is to work on your mechanics, club fitting, speed training, and physical conditioning when you’re not on the course.
You can’t expect to increase speed by swinging harder if you don’t do anything else. As long as you use all of the choices listed above, you may feel good about your progress and follow a strategy that will help you hit the ball further, resulting in longer drives and shorter approach shots.
Swing speed chart
A player’s average driver swing speed is used in the chart below to help determine what shaft flex to use and what kind of golf ball to use.
| Swing Speed (mph) | Shaft Flex | Golf Ball Compression |
| Under 75 | Ladies flex (L) | Low |
| 75 – 85 | Senior flex (A) | Low |
| 85 – 95 | Regular (R) | Mid |
| 95 – 110 | Stiff (S) | High |
| 110 + | Extra stiff (X) | High |
Conclusion
The golf swing has many moving parts, and swing speed is only one of them. To hit the ball further with your woods and irons, it helps to have a fast golf swing.
Swing speed may be increased by working out in the gym, using technology, and making little changes to your swing. In any case, be sure to work with a PGA or TPI-qualified professional to get the best results.
FAQs
How to improve club head speed will undoubtedly bring up a slew of subordinate concerns for you. When it comes to improving your golf swing speed, the more information you have, the more equipped you will be.
We’ll do our best to dispel some myths and keep you from falling down the rabbit hole of internet research.
Does swinging a weighted golf club help swing speed?
Swinging weighted golf clubs is generally not recommended. Rather than speeding up the golf swing using muscles, they tend to interfere with the feel and timing of the swing.
You won’t train the muscles that matter since your body will use other muscles to compensate for the weight of the club. You must keep in mind that timing and quickness are more important than raw strength.
Does golf shaft flex affect swing speed?
Your golf swing speed and timing may both be influenced by shaft flex. It’s a good idea to choose your shaft flex based on how fast and how briskly you swing.
In general, the stiffer your shafts, the faster your swing speed or tempo. Keep in mind that speed isn’t everything when it comes to golf.
A better outcome is always produced by a well-timed swing with the appropriate shaft flex that fits your swing speed and force.
What is the average golf head speed?
Many male amateur golfers swing their clubs at speeds ranging from 80 to 90 mph on average. Players on the LPGA Tour average 90-100 mph.
Golfers on the PGA Tour have swing speeds averaging 110-115 mph, while long drive competitors may reach 140 mph.
Your ball speed, on the other hand, is just as critical. Ask about your ball speed if you can hit your driver on a launch monitor. Ideally, it should be 1.5 times your swing speed.
This demonstrates your mastery of club speed. When it comes to ball speed, you can immediately see whether your swing is underutilized.
What is Tiger Woods’ swing speed?
Tiger Woods has a swing speed of around 120 mph on average and 130 mph at his strongest. Club head speeds on tour tend to be higher, but this one is towards the top of the scale.
Swing speeds on the PGA Tour are still far over 110 mph, even for the slowest of players.
Last update on 2023-05-14 / Affiliate links /
