Pro Golf's Driving Distance Boom
PGA and LPGA trends and history
Golfers on the PGA and LPGA Tours are hitting the ball further than ever before. Let’s take a look at the changes in driving distance on the PGA and LPGA Tours over the past few decades.
PGA Tour Insights
Driving distance on the PGA Tour has increased by approximately 17.5% over the past four decades, with the 100th-ranked golfer in 2022 having an average driving distance of 299.8 yards, compared to 255.5 yards for the 100th-ranked golfer in 1980.
In 2018, the shortest hitter on the PGA Tour had an average driving distance of 278.9 yards. In comparison, the 100th-ranked golfer in 2002 had an average driving distance of 280 yards. Even the longest hitters from the past would now be considered relatively short on the modern tour.
The 100th-ranked golfer on the PGA Tour is now averaging 300 yards off the tee, showcasing the impressive driving ability of top players and the significant increase in driving distance on the tour over the past few decades. In fact, the longest hitter in 2022 (Cameron Champ) averaged an impressive 321.4 yards per drive.
LPGA Tour Insights
The average driving distance for the 100th-ranked golfer on the LPGA Tour has increased by approximately 13% over time, with the average distance in 2022 being 254.08 yards compared to 224.64 yards in 1992.
The shortest golfer on the LPGA Tour in 2022 had an average driving distance of 235.1 yards, equivalent to the 100th-ranked golfer in 1997. This illustrates the increase in driving distance and improved driving ability on the tour.
The 100th-ranked golfer on the LPGA Tour is now averaging 254.08 yards off the tee, while the longest hitter in 2022 (Maria Fassi) averaged an impressive 279.5 yards per drive.
Eligibility for Excellence
In any discipline, there will be minimum thresholds our strengths must meet in order to be eligible for excellence — James A. King
To compete at the highest level, one must meet certain skill and ability thresholds. This is seen in the increasing driving distances on the PGA and LPGA Tours, where top players now average 300 and 254 yards off the tee, respectively.
Conclusion
Overall, it is clear that driving distance on the PGA and LPGA Tours has significantly increased over the past few decades, with top players now averaging 300 yards and 254 yards off the tee, respectively. This trend will likely continue as golfers improve their driving ability and technology advances.