Golf Club Distance Charts for Seniors (Men vs Women by Age)

Age tremendously impacts how far we can hit a golf ball. As our bodies age, it’s hard to get the same distance from the shots you are hitting. 

Luckily advancements in equipment have made long distance possible for some players, but it’s always good to know where your game falls against the averages. 

Our golf club distance charts for seniors breaks down how far you can expect to hit a golf ball based on age. Remember, these are based on an average swing speed player in each category. 

A Chart Breaking Down How Far Seniors Typically Hit Each Club

The faster you swing the club, the easier it is to get more yardage on your golf shots. These golf club distance charts are based on the average swing speed of each golfer in that age group. 

Chart for 50-59 Year Olds

The distance chart for 50-59 year old male golfers is based on an average swing speed of around 90 mph with the driver. For women, the average swing speed is 70mph. 

Chart for 60-69 Year Olds

The golf club distance chart for seniors in the 60-69 year old range is based on a swing speed of approximately 80 mph for men. Women golfers are in the 60-70 mph swing speed range in this age group. 

Chart for 70-79 Year Olds

With senior men in the 70-79 year old age group, we assume an average swing speed of 70mph. For women golfers, the swing speed will drop below 60 to closer to 55 mph. 

Chart for 80+ Year Olds

Golfers that are older than 80 years old have an average swing speed of 60 mph for men, for women golfers, the swing speed is closer to 50 and sometimes even as low as 45 mph. Again, these are averages, as some 80 year old golfers still go after the ball exceptionally well. 

Factors That Will Affect These Estimates

Clubhead speed and accuracy are very important factors when determining the total distance a golfer can hit a ball. However, age does play a role as well. If you’re getting older and feel like you’re losing distance, you’re not alone. 

Although our senior golf club distance chart focused on age, here are a few other factors that will impact the distance of the shots you can hit on the course. 

Accuracy of Your Strike

Everyone wants to swing their clubs faster. I understand swing speed is important, but hitting a golf ball close to the center of the clubface is just as important. An accurate strike is key to being able to obtain maximum distance. 

The players on the PGA Tour all have fast swing speeds, but when you look at the total distance they get on their shots, the numbers are seriously impressive. 

These numbers are a result of the ability to hit the ball almost exactly in the center of the clubface. 

Your Handicap 

Although it is not a hard-fast rule, the lower a golfer’s handicap, the more likely it is they get good distance from their clubs. You don’t see too many lower-handicap golfers that really struggle with distance capability. 

The reason behind this is partly because lower handicap players have a better golf swing. 

The distance will be considerably better when you can groove your golf swing and learn to make consistent strikes. 

Your Swing Speed

Golfers with faster swing speeds hit the ball considerably further. In fact, swing speed can be broken down into mathematical formulas. If you have high swing speeds and are not getting a lot of distance, chances are there is a problem with the clubs you are playing or with your swing itself. 

For senior golfers, getting some extra swing speed typically requires doing exercises to gain strength and ensuring that your golf swing is incredibly balanced. 

Your Swing Mechanics

Golf swing mechanics play a big part in the total distances you can obtain in your game. If your mechanics are great, and you’re striking the ball with confidence and improved turf interaction, expect some big-time distances. 

Take a video of your swing and see if there are any issues that could be causing you to lose distance. Sometimes finding a PGA Professional that works with other senior golfers can help you get a few yards back in your game.

The Equipment You Use

The equipment you use to play golf must match your swing speed. When golfers play with equipment that’s too heavy, they can’t swing the club as fast and their results are not nearly as good. 

If you’re using lightweight equipment in a senior golf shaft, it could absolutely help you achieve more distance on the golf course. 

Weather/Elevation 

When the weather is humid, or the air is thick or cold, the golf ball does not travel as far. Expect to see more distance when it’s hot, dry, and sunny. 

I’ve played some golf in Colorado, and the elevation factor up there also plays into the total distance of the shots. For a well-hit driver, you can sometimes get as much as 15 yards more when compared to sea level. 

The Lie of Your Ball 

When your golf ball is buried in the rough, you won’t be able to make great contact with it. The result is less distance and typically lower ball flight. 

When testing how you compare to the distances on our golf club distance chart, consider how the lie impacts the total distance. 

Golf Course Conditions

Golf course conditions can impact how much roll you get when you play. When the golf course is playing hard and fast, you can sometimes see 20 or more yards of roll in addition to the carry distances you’re getting. 

If you play a course where they don’t mow the fairways as often, expect to have a more challenging time getting the same total distances. So many factors impact how far a golfer hits a ball, so don’t get too hard on yourself if you have a day where the ball travels just a few yards shorter. 

Chances are, your distance will be back the next time you hit the links. 

Brittany Olizarowicz

Britt O has been playing golf since the age of 7. Almost 30 years later, she still loves the game, has played competitively on every level, and spent a good portion of her life as a Class A PGA Professional. Britt currently resides in Savannah, GA, with her husband and two young children.