For some, golf swing speed is everything. But this doesn’t mean you should practice hitting balls as hard as you can. In fact, a harder swing can be disastrous for your game. Your swing speed is what directly affects your shot distance. If you’re a beginner, then you may not know what you’re distance is or how it can affect your golf game.
Until recently, figuring out golf swing speed took a little work on the golfer’s part, although it is possible to estimate your swing speed on your own, based on how far the ball travels. But with the introduction of slow-motion cameras and handheld devices that are designed to measure swing speed, learning what is my golf speed is much easier. But if you don’t have hundreds of dollars to drop on a new golf speed sensor device, we’ll fill you in on how you can measure your swing speed and what you can do to improve it.
What is my golf swing speed? If you’re not sure what your golf swing speed is, you can visit your local golf retail store and use a launch monitor system to get the most accurate measurement of your swing speed. If you want to calculate your swing speed on your own, this can easily be accomplished by using your average distance and multiplying this by 2.3. To do so accurately, hit ten to twenty balls, choosing only the balls hit at roughly the same distance. Do not count the best or worst shots. This will give you a pretty accurate idea of what your current swing speed is, so you can get started on improving your speed and techniques for a better golf game.
Now that you know how easy it really is to calculate your average golf swing speed, nothing will stop you from practicing and making important changes to your swing technique, grip, and stance, which will allow you to instantly see major changes in your golf game.
Read on to learn how to determine your average golf swing speed and what you can do to increase it.
Just How Fast are You?
Just because you have a faster golf swing doesn’t mean you’re a great golfer. You need to strike the right balance between control and power in order to make use of your faster swing speed. But if you’re a fairly good player and looking for ways to improve your golf game, then learning what your swing speed is can definitely help.
Professional golfers have swing speeds that range from one hundred miles per hour up to one hundred and ten miles per hour. On average, a skilled golfer has a swing speed that ranges from seventy to ninety miles per hour.
If you want a fast and easy way to measure your swing speed, you can visit a local golf range or a golf store. In these environments, swing speed is measured using a radar that’s attached to the club as you swing. However, for home use, these devices can be very pricey. Fortunately, there are ways you can determine your golf speed on your own, without any fancy equipment, however, this method may not be quite as accurate.
Distance to Determine Speed
If you want to figure out your swing speed on your own, then visit your local course and hit off some balls.
Before you get started, make sure you warm up before you hit off the balls to measure your swing speed. Doing so without warming up first is just asking for an injury.
We recommend hitting between ten to thirty balls for a more accurate reading. After you’ve hit the balls you’ll measure the distance the balls traveled in order to determine your speed. What you’re looking for here is the average distance the balls traveled. This means you shouldn’t count the best shots or the worst shots, instead, look for your average distance.
Next, you’ll divide the average distance by 2.3 for your average swing speed. This is measured in miles per hour. So, why do you divide the distance by 2.3?
Generally, a ball will travel a little under two and a half yards for each mile per hour of club speed.
As you can see, you can easily figure out your average speed by measuring the distance you drive.
Other Ways to Measure Your Swing Speed
As we mentioned earlier, there are devices you can purchase for personal use that are designed to measure your swing speed. How accurate or inaccurate a device is usually depends on the device type and model. Before you run out and by the latest golf swing tech we recommend reading product reviews to get a feel for how accurate each model is.
If your local golf retail store doesn’t have a launch monitor, and you’re not sure you’re accurately measuring your swing speed via distance, then you can purchase a golf speed radar. There are several of these devices on the market, and while many of them may not be as accurate as a launch monitor, they can give you a rough idea of how fast you’re swinging.
Golf rangefinders can also be a great idea since they can measure the distance of each shot, making it easier for you to calculate your swing speed. We recommend the Laser Link Golf RH2 Rangefinder. This model has a reputation for accuracy, so you’ll get a more precise distance reading with each shot.
Speed swing clips are another popular option. These devices work by clipping to the shaft of the club, close to the clubhead. This device is designed to read swing speed based on the amount of force generated out toward the clubhead. Like the radar swing speed devices, a speed swing clip isn’t going to be as accurate as a launch monitor, but it will give you a fairly accurate idea of what your swing speed is.
Increasing Your Swing Speed
You don’t have to swing harder in order to increase your swing speed. In fact, doing so will typically decrease your swing speed because it causes a breakdown in mechanics. If you want to increase your swing speed, this is commonly done by changing the way you strike the ball and adjusting your form.
Instead of swinging harder, try widening your stance at address. Next, take a more aggressive swing. With this position, you’ll find that you’re forced to keep your head to the right as you move through the shot, instead of swaying laterally toward the target through the downswing, a move which can negatively affect distance. As you swing, the clubhead gathers more speed as it moves through the center of your body, cleanly slicing through the air as it makes contact with the ball. This is a great way to instantly gain yards to your game.
If you’re new to golf and already frustrated by your lack of progress or your swing speed, the best solution is taking a lesson from a pro. You can usually find golf instructor services at a local public or private golf course, or a golf retail store.
With the right instructor or by practicing on your own, you can easily add forty yards to your drive. When it comes to distance, swing speed really matters. If you want to become a better golfer, then regularly practicing will be important.
Generating Speed
In order to increase your swing speed, you need to understand exactly where the power comes from when you swing.
When you’re working on your swing speed, make sure you focus on properly locking your wrists, body rotation, and lag.
When you’re holding the club, focus on the position of your wrists. Your wrists should remain hinged up until the point of impact. Releasing your wrists at the wrong time can result in wasted energy. Your wrists should actually provide an extra boost of energy at the last minute, through impact. Because of this, it’s important that you hold your wrists in a hinged angle for as long as you can.
Rotation is also important. In golf, when you take a swing, the upper body rotates against the lower body. If you have your upper body turning at a ninety-degree angle, then the hips should only rotate at a forty-five-degree angle. Power and torque are created because of the differences between these angles.
You’ll get your real power and speed from lag. Lag is the angle found between your forearm and the shaft in the downswing. You’ll get more whip through the ball with more lag. The angle in your elbow should be released first, followed by the hinge in the wrists in order to increase your swing speed upon impact.
If you really want to add more distance to your shots then you need to focus on increasing clubhead speed, hitting the ball flush with the clubface, and hitting the ball at an optimum angle using minimal spin. Obviously, increasing your swing speed will be the most effective way to add more distance to your shots, which is why it’s so important that you use the proper body mechanics when you take a shot.
Related Questions
Am I using the Right Size Clubs?
Are my golf clubs too long? The length of your clubs can definitely improve your distance, but they can also negatively impact your accuracy and control when you swing. If you’re not sure you’re using the right length of clubs, get fitted for clubs by a pro. When you’re getting fitted for the right size clubs, you will need to try out several different types of clubs. Often, golf retail stores also have a launch monitor, which will accurately gauge your swing speed. The fee for this service is typically included in the cost of the new clubs.
Will a Golf Simulator Measure Swing Speed?
Some golf simulators do measure your swing speed and distance, in addition to other important stats. Considering the high price tag, these systems are often reserved for the pro golfer, however, manufacturers are now producing more affordable models, making it possible to enjoy a golf simulator in the comfort of your home. However, the accuracy of a system’s swing speed sensors tends to vary from model to model. Obviously, higher priced models will feature top of the line technology.
Keep in mind, these systems can take up a lot of space, so before you take the dive and purchase a system, make sure you read the manufacturer’s spec sheet to learn about the golf simulator space requirements. Many models will require at least eight feet of ceiling clearance and a room that’s at least ten by ten feet. Having adequate space will allow you to swing freely for a more accurate swing speed reading.
To learn more about golf simulators, click here to read our buyer’s guide.
What Does a Stiff Shaft Do for Golf?
A standard flex club is designed for golfers who hit an average distance at around one hundred and thirty to one hundred and fifty yards, while a more flexible shaft is a better choice for the golfer who swings too hard. If you have a longer than average distance, an extra-stiff shaft with minimal flex will be the best option for you. Extra stiff shafts are usually designed for golfers who hit further than one hundred and seventy-five yards.
Final Thoughts
What is my swing speed? Most beginners don’t immediately understand the importance of a faster swing speed or how it can add distance to a shot. Additionally, they aren’t aware of the connection between proper body mechanics and increased range. Remember, to determine your swing speed on your own, visit your local golf course and hit off several balls. Use the average distance and divide it by 2.3 in order to determine your swing speed. If possible, have your swing speed measured on a launch monitor for a more accurate reading.
