Dear golfer,
This month, we take a look into some interesting insights on driving distances based on your handicap index. We also share some exciting news from Golf RSA that gives you the opportunity to play at this year’s Open Championship venue – yes, you heard it right, The Open Championship!
Are you curious to know if your average driving distance aligns with your handicap?
The below data, which was compiled by Arccos Golf, provides insight into distances filtered by handicap, age and gender. It was based on information collected on their system last year, which was analyzed from over 650 million tracked shots and over 20 million driver shots played.
As predicted, the findings revealed that as golfers age, they tend to hit shorter distances. However, with age, their accuracy improves over time. For instance, a scratch player hits the ball about 45 metres longer than a 22-handicapper, confirming that better players are longer. Interestingly though, the biggest jump comes once you move out of single-digit handicaps. The average for those with a handicap index under 10 was around 229 metres, while those with handicaps in their teens had an average driving distance of around 199 metres.
According to the data, the average driving distance for male golfers in 2022 was 197 metres, slightly more than in 2021 but less than in 2018.
Women in their 50s were about 27 metres shorter than women in their 20s across all handicap ranges. Across all ages, low single-digit handicap women were about 54 metres longer on average than women with handicaps in the high 20s.
In contrast, the average driving distance for female golfers was 172 metres, about four metres less than in 2020.
Would you like to play at this year’s Open Championship venue?
Photo credit (R&A via Getty)
Our friends at GolfRSA have launched an amazing competition where two lucky golfers can win a spot in the R&A 9-Hole Challenge Final, played at Royal Liverpool prior to the 2023 Open. The prize includes flights, green fees, tickets to the Open itself, and more.
To enter, all you need to do is participate in this year’s lucky draw for the GolfRSA Race to The R&A 9-Hole Challenge. Golfers will have to play and register three 9-hole rounds of golf on the Handicaps Network Africa (HNA) system in the month of April, with the winning pair being randomly drawn in early May. Click here for more information.
Quote of the Month
‘A good player who is a great putter is a match for any golfer. A great hitter who cannot putt is a match for no one.’ — Ben Sayers
Swing easy!
The Handicaps Team
