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Golfers' Driving Distances Barely Budging Since 2019
6 May
Summary
- Average male golfer drive remained stagnant near 224 yards since 2019.
- Skill is a major factor, with low handicaps driving significantly farther.
- Older golfers lose distance but gain accuracy on the fairway.
New data from Arccos reveals that average driving distances for male golfers have seen minimal change since 2019. The average drive in 2025 measured 224.1 yards, showing a slight decrease from previous years and staying within a narrow range over the past eight years.
Skill consistently emerges as a primary driver of distance. Golfers with handicaps under 5 average significantly more yards off the tee compared to those with higher handicaps. This disparity highlights the impact of skill on shot length.
While distance may decrease with age, accuracy tends to improve. Older golfers, particularly those in their 60s and 70s, are more likely to hit fairways compared to younger players. This trade-off between distance and accuracy is a notable trend identified in the data.
Furthermore, Arccos's analysis of millions of shots indicates that lower handicaps experience fewer wayward shots, contributing to better overall performance. For golfers aiming to lower their handicap, hitting the ball straight and long proves more effective than solely focusing on shorter, straighter shots.
