Golf Club Distance Calculator
Estimate the typical carry distance for each golf club based on your swing speed or handicap.
Plan club selection for any shot.
Knowing how far you hit each club is fundamental to golf course management. Accurate yardage knowledge helps you choose the right club for each shot, avoid over-shooting greens, and plan approach strategies.
How club distances relate to swing speed: Carry distance is directly proportional to clubhead speed. The driver is the reference point: Driver carry (yards) ≈ Swing Speed (mph) × 2.4
For irons, each club carries approximately 10–15 yards less than the next longer club (e.g., if your 7-iron carries 150 yards, your 8-iron carries about 135–140 yards).
Average distances by handicap level:
| Club | Scratch (0 HCP) | 10 HCP | 20 HCP | Beginner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Driver | 280–300 yds | 230–260 yds | 190–220 yds | 150–190 yds |
| 3-wood | 250–270 yds | 210–230 yds | 170–200 yds | 130–170 yds |
| 5-wood | 230–250 yds | 190–210 yds | 155–180 yds | 120–155 yds |
| 4-iron | 210–230 yds | 180–200 yds | 150–170 yds | — |
| 5-iron | 195–215 yds | 165–185 yds | 135–160 yds | 110–140 yds |
| 6-iron | 180–200 yds | 155–170 yds | 125–145 yds | 100–125 yds |
| 7-iron | 165–185 yds | 140–160 yds | 115–135 yds | 90–115 yds |
| 8-iron | 150–170 yds | 125–145 yds | 100–120 yds | 80–100 yds |
| 9-iron | 135–150 yds | 110–130 yds | 90–105 yds | 70–90 yds |
| Pitching Wedge | 120–140 yds | 95–115 yds | 75–95 yds | 55–75 yds |
| Sand Wedge | 90–110 yds | 75–95 yds | 60–80 yds | 45–65 yds |
Metric conversions: 1 yard = 0.9144 meters (approximately 0.91 m) 150 yards = 137 meters | 200 yards = 183 meters | 250 yards = 229 meters
Environmental adjustments:
- Altitude: Every 1,000 feet of altitude adds approximately 2% to carry distance (Denver at 5,280 ft = +10% carry)
- Temperature: Cold air is denser — 30°F colder = approximately 5–8% shorter carry
- Wind: A 10 mph headwind reduces carry by ~10–15 yards with irons
- Wet vs dry: Wet grass reduces roll-out but carry distance is largely unchanged
Important note: These are carry distances (flight only). Add 10–30% for total distance including roll-out depending on ground firmness.