Understanding Golf Ball Speed – What it Means and How to Get More of It

In case you haven’t noticed, golf has taken a high-tech turn in recent years.

The game looks more or less the same on the course, but the practice area at your local driving range likely features some powerful computers that help to analyze the performance of any player who dares step in front of the camera.

One of the many statistics that you can collect on a launch monitor is ball speed.

Measuring your ball speed from time to time can tell you a lot about your performance, any improvements you are making, and what you might be able to work on.

If this topic is a bit confusing or overwhelming for you, let’s break it down and discuss how you can improve in this key area.

What is Golf Ball Speed?

The definition of ball speed in golf is actually quite simple – this is a measurement of the speed of the ball when it leaves the club face. While you can measure ball speed using any club in the bag, it is typically referenced in regard to the driver.

For example, when you watch golf on TV and see a stat highlighting the top players in terms of ball speed, they are talking about drives. A powerful touring professional will be able to create speeds in excess of 175 miles per hour, with the longest hitters clocking in above 190 mph.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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It should go without saying that you shouldn’t be measuring yourself by pro standards. Don’t worry if you are falling well short of the numbers produced by the top players in the world – they are the best for a reason.

Instead, you can use ball speed to track improvements in your own game. By having your ball speed measured, you can use that number as a benchmark with the goal of improving moving forward.

Why Ball Speed is Important

You don’t need a degree in physics to understand that a higher ball speed is going to lead to greater distance off the tee. Ball speed is not the only factor – things like spin rate and launch angle play a role, as well – but it certainly is important.

If you can pick up a few miles per hour on your ball speed, you should see the ball travel farther down the fairway.

For the average golfer, picking up even 10 yards off the tee can make a huge difference. On a par four, that means hitting one less club into the green, which should improve your accuracy and give you more chances for pars and birdies. On a par five, it might be the difference between reaching the green in two and having to lay up.

If you are serious about playing better golf, pursuing added ball speed is a smart move.

Three Options for Added Ball Speed

An entire book could be written on how to add ball speed to your game, but we are going to get you started here with three quick tips.

It’s best not to take on too much change all at once in your game, so think about starting with one of these points and then moving on later to try the others.

Equipment Changes

Let’s start here, as it’s the easiest of the changes to make.

While some golfers probably put too much emphasis on their equipment, it’s obvious that using the right gear can make a difference. If you think your current driver and shaft combination might be letting you down a bit, try making a switch in this department.

Visit a local golf facility and ask for a launch monitor fitting. They will measure your performance with your current driver and make recommendations for new driver heads and shafts that you can try to gain ball speed.

This is the quickest way to pick up some speed, but it doesn’t come free.

Improved Swing Mechanics

Golfers seem to think that hitting the ball hard comes down to little more than swinging as hard as possible. That’s just not how it works.

Golf isn’t a game about raw effort – it’s about mechanics.

If you can improve the technical mechanics of your swing, you should be able to produce more speed through the hitting area.

Working on your balance is a good place to start, as staying balanced throughout your swing will allow you the freedom to turn the club loose aggressively.

Other mechanical improvements that can benefit ball speed include a better shoulder turn, an athletic lower body stance, and added lag in the downswing.

Fitness Gains

Perhaps the longest road to adding ball speed can be traveled by improving your personal level of fitness.

Golf is not traditionally thought of as an athletic game but adding strength and flexibility can go a long way to helping you hit the ball harder and further.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The areas of fitness you will want to address depend on your personal strengths and weaknesses at the moment. For instance, if you are carrying a few extra pounds, dropping that weight can make it easier to rotate back and through in the swing.

Or, if you are at your ideal weight but lacking some strength, weightlifting might help you move the club more powerfully through impact.

Whatever path you pursue, do it safely and consult with a medical professional before you start a new fitness routine. The results from these kinds of efforts aren’t likely to come quickly, but they can be impressive if you stick with it over the long haul.

You don’t have to be launching the ball at the speeds seen on the PGA TOUR to make use of modern technology. Everyone from scratch players up to high handicappers can leverage launch monitor tech to improve their play.

We hope this discussion on ball speed has given you some ideas on how you can improve, and maybe a bit of motivation to get out there and do it.