The Average Male Golfer Hits Their 7-Iron 138 Yards

Ever wondered how far the average male golfer hits his 7-iron? Understanding this can guide you in selecting the most suitable tees for your game.

Choosing the right tee box can be a challenge for many golfers. Often, players are swayed by ego or peer pressure rather than their actual skill level. This common issue is well-documented; a USGA survey found that around 75% of female golfers and 50% of male golfers frequently play from tees that exceed their capabilities. This mismatch typically leads to higher scores and a less enjoyable round of golf.

To help golfers make more informed decisions about tee selection, the USGA has introduced the Best Tees system, and it was explained nicely in a Golf.com article.

This innovative approach aims to match golfers with the appropriate tee box based on how far they hit their 7-iron. The data found that the average male golfer hits their 7-iron about 138 yards, and the average female golfer hits their 7-iron approximately 100 yards.

Therefore, the recommended tee distance for male golfers is approximately 6,100 yards, while female golfers should consider tees set around 4,400 yards.

The Best Tees system is the result of extensive research and collaboration among several prominent organizations. These include the USGA, the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA), the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA), the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), and the LPGA and PGA. Together, these groups analyzed World Handicap System scores, hitting-distance data, and golfer surveys to develop a comprehensive guide for tee selection.

By focusing on the 7-iron, a club that many golfers are familiar with, the Best Tees system provides a practical and accessible method for determining the right course length. This approach ensures that golfers can enjoy a more balanced and enjoyable game, tailored to their skill levels.

Currently, the Best Tees system is undergoing testing at 60 courses across the country. The feedback from these tests will be instrumental in refining the system before it is more widely implemented. The goal is to enhance the golfing experience by helping players choose tees that offer a better match to their abilities, ensuring that courses are both challenging and manageable.

By aligning tee selections with average hitting distances, the Best Tees system aims to make golf more enjoyable and accessible for all players.

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