Every golfer, whether a beginner or a seasoned player, has asked the same question at some point: “How far should I be hitting my clubs?” The truth is, knowing the average distance of golf clubs isn’t just about bragging rights—it’s about playing smarter golf. The right distance knowledge helps you choose the right club, plan your shots more confidently, and shave strokes off your scorecard.
On average, most male golfers hit their driver around 200–240 yards, while female golfers average 160–185 yards. A 7-iron usually carries 135–155 yards for men and 95–115 yards for women. From 100 yards out, the pitching wedge is the most common choice for men, while women often reach for a 9-iron or wedge. These numbers aren’t rules, but they give you a reliable benchmark.
In this guide, we’ll break down the average golf distance by club, from drivers to wedges. You’ll also learn about the distance of golf clubs for beginners, which clubs are best for long shots, and why hybrids are such a valuable tool. By the end, you’ll know not just how far to hit each golf club on average, but also how to figure out your own personal yardages and use them to make better decisions on the course.
Why Distance Matters in Golf
Distance isn’t everything, but it plays a major role in strategy. If you know the distance of golf clubs for beginners or advanced players, you can plan shots more confidently. For example, choosing the right golf club for long shots can make the difference between reaching the green in regulation or leaving yourself with a tough recovery.
Consistency matters more than raw distance. Every golfer has their own range, but learning the average distance of golf clubs provides a useful starting point.
Average Golf Club Distance: General Benchmarks
Here’s a breakdown of the average distance of golf clubs for male and female golfers. Keep in mind that swing speed, technique, and ball type affect results.
Driver
- Men: 200–240 yards (average)
- Women: 160–185 yards
The driver is the ultimate golf club for long distance, but not every golfer needs to swing for maximum power—accuracy is just as valuable.
Fairway Woods
- 3-Wood (Men): 180–220 yards
- 3-Wood (Women): 150–175 yards
Fairway woods are often the go-to golf clubs for long shots from the fairway.
Hybrids
- Men: 170–200 yards (depending on loft)
- Women: 130–160 yards
The distance for hybrid golf clubs often overlaps with long irons or fairway woods, but hybrids are easier to hit, especially for beginners.
Irons
- 4-Iron (Men): 170–190 yards
- 7-Iron (Men): 135–155 yards
- 9-Iron (Men): 110–125 yards
- 4-Iron (Women): 120–150 yards
- 7-Iron (Women): 95–115 yards
- 9-Iron (Women): 70–90 yards
Learning how far to hit each golf club helps golfers build confidence in their iron play.
Wedges
- Pitching Wedge (Men): 90–110 yards
- Sand Wedge (Men): 70–90 yards
- Pitching Wedge (Women): 60–80 yards
- Sand Wedge (Women): 40–60 yards
Wedges are critical for precision. If you’ve ever wondered “what club would most golfers likely hit from 100 yards?”, the answer is usually a pitching wedge.
Putter
The putter isn’t measured in distance like other clubs, but consistency on the green is equally important for scoring.
Distance of Golf Clubs for Beginners
Beginners usually hit the ball shorter distances than experienced players because of slower swing speeds and inconsistent contact. For example:
- A beginner might drive the ball only 150–180 yards, compared to an experienced golfer who hits 220+.
- A beginner’s 7-iron might go 100 yards, while advanced players push closer to 150.
This is why understanding the distance of golf clubs for beginners is important—realistic expectations prevent frustration and help track improvement over time.
Golf Club for Long Shots: Choosing the Right One
When you’re facing a long par-5 or trying to reach the green in two, you’ll need the right golf club for long shots. Typically, this means:
- Driver off the tee for maximum carry
- 3-Wood from the fairway for distance with control
- Hybrid as a versatile option, especially if fairway woods feel too difficult to hit consistently
Choosing between these options depends on your confidence level. Sometimes the best golf club for long distance isn’t the one that hits the farthest, but the one you hit most consistently.
Distance for Hybrid Golf Clubs
Hybrids are designed to replace hard-to-hit long irons. The distance for hybrid golf clubs depends on loft:
- 3-Hybrid: 180–200 yards (men), 140–160 yards (women)
- 5-Hybrid: 160–180 yards (men), 120–140 yards (women)
Hybrids are especially useful for beginners who struggle with long irons, offering both distance and forgiveness.
How Far to Hit Each Golf Club
Golfers often ask: “how far should I hit each golf club?” The answer depends on swing speed and skill, but here’s a quick reference for average distances:
- Driver: 200–240 yards
- 3-Wood: 180–220 yards
- 5-Iron: 150–170 yards
- 7-Iron: 135–155 yards
- 9-Iron: 110–125 yards
- Pitching Wedge: 90–110 yards
This average golf distance by club is a guide—not a rule. Your own numbers might be shorter or longer, and that’s perfectly fine.
What Club Would Most Golfers Likely Hit from 100 Yards?
The 100-yard shot is one of the most common approach distances in golf. So, what club would most golfers likely hit from 100 yards?
For most men, the answer is a pitching wedge. For women, it’s often a 9-iron or even a sand wedge, depending on swing speed. This is why knowing the average golf club distance helps make better choices.
Tips for Improving Distance Control
While it’s helpful to know the average distance of golf clubs, consistency matters more than raw yardage. Here are a few tips:
- Get a Club Fitting – Custom-fitted clubs ensure you’re not losing distance due to poor equipment fit.
- Focus on Tempo – Smooth, controlled swings often produce better distance than overswinging.
- Use Launch Monitors – Tools like TrackMan or simulators can give you precise distance data for each club.
- Practice Wedges – Most scoring opportunities happen inside 100 yards, so dial in your wedges.
Conclusion
The average distance of golf clubs provides a useful benchmark, but remember: everyone’s swing is different. A driver might travel 220 yards for one golfer and 280 for another. What matters is learning your personal distances and using them to make smart choices on the course.
The key takeaways:
- The average golf club distance depends on skill level, gender, and swing speed.
- The golf club for long shots is usually the driver, fairway wood, or hybrid.
- The distance for hybrid golf clubs overlaps with long irons but is easier to achieve consistently.
- From 100 yards, most golfers use a pitching wedge or 9-iron.
So next time you’re out on the course wondering “how far to hit each golf club,” remember: averages are helpful, but your own numbers are the real guide to improving your game.
