Swing speed
What swing speed is average?
In ELDRICK fittings the median driver speed is 105 mph (half fall between 97 and 110 mph) and the median 7-iron speed is 86 mph, across 24,100+ fittings. These golfers skew fast because many bring launch-monitor numbers; ELDRICK estimates 7-iron speed as driver speed × 0.83.
| Handicap | Driver fittings | Median driver speed | Iron fittings | Median 7-iron speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scratch or better | 850+ | 113 mph | 250+ | 92 mph |
| 1-5 | 2,100+ | 109 mph | 850+ | 90 mph |
| 6-10 | 3,500+ | 105 mph | 1,400+ | 88 mph |
| 11-15 | 3,300+ | 103 mph | 1,300+ | 86 mph |
| 16-20 | 2,500+ | 100 mph | 1,000+ | 84 mph |
| 21-24 | 620+ | 99 mph | 250+ | 82 mph |
| 25+ | 830+ | 96 mph | 450+ | 81 mph |
| Driver | 7-iron (× 0.83) | 3-wood (× 0.955) | 3-hybrid (× 0.90) | Gap wedge (7-iron × 0.885) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80 | 66.4 | 76.4 | 72.0 | 58.8 |
| 90 | 74.7 | 86.0 | 81.0 | 66.1 |
| 100 | 83.0 | 95.5 | 90.0 | 73.5 |
| 110 | 91.3 | 105.1 | 99.0 | 80.8 |
Going the other way, ELDRICK estimates driver speed as 7-iron × 1.20. A measured speed always beats an estimate.
Driver speed in ELDRICK fittings
Why ELDRICK's average runs high
These are golfers who got fitted, and many came with launch-monitor numbers from a simulator, a range bay or a fitting studio. That crowd swings faster than golfers as a whole. Treat the medians as "typical for golfers who get fitted", not as a national average.
The spread matters more than the middle. A 16-20 handicap at 100 mph and a scratch golfer at 113 mph both show up regularly, so speed is worth measuring rather than guessing from your scores.
Where the 0.83 comes from
ELDRICK's fitting team measured 274 golfers with both clubs. 7-iron speed came out at a median 83.2% of driver speed, with the middle half between 81% and 85.5%, and about the same for men and women. A flat 83% proved as accurate as a tiered one.
Once you know your speed, the driver flex chart and shaft weight guide tell you what it means for your clubs.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good driver swing speed?
In ELDRICK fittings, 105 mph is the median and 110 mph puts you in the top quarter. "Good" depends on your goals; the right build depends on your number.
What is the average 7-iron swing speed?
The median in ELDRICK iron fittings is 86 mph, with half of golfers between 80 and 91 mph.
How do I convert 7-iron speed to driver speed?
Multiply by 1.20. ELDRICK estimates driver speed as 7-iron speed × 1.20, and 7-iron speed as driver speed × 0.83.
What is the average swing speed for a 15 handicap?
In ELDRICK fittings, 11-15 handicaps have a median driver speed of 103 mph and a median 7-iron speed of 86 mph.