WHY YOU AREN’T GAINING DISTANCE DESPITE SWINGING FASTER…

Written By Charlie Tetlow

You have been hitting the gym, using Speed Sticks, swinging out your shoes seeking advice but your drives still end up in the same spot but just wasted more energy to get it there!

Here’s the truth: swing speed is only part of the equation to hit the ball further…..

  • Are you Hitting the Middle of the Clubface?

Ball Speed is actually what create distance and ball speed will depend on where you strike it on the clubface. A 100 mph swing speed golfer will outhit a 105 mph swing speed golfer if the ball is hit from the middle of the clubface comparable to a heel strike from the 105 mph golfer.

  • What is your Smash Factor?

Smash Factor = Ball Speed / Clubhead Speed

With a Driver a good number to chase is 1.48 to 1.50. If you swing faster but the smash factor drops from 1.48 to 1.40, you have effectively cancelled out your gains.

  • What is your Launch Angle & Spin Rate?

Even with an individual with great clubhead speed can suffer drastically with a very poor Launch Angle and Spin Rate. Remember the optimal Spin Rate will vary depending on the golfers’ swing speed. Below is an example of what each category of golfer should aim for:

> 105 mph: 1750-2300 rpm

97-104 mph: 2000-2500 rpm

84-96 mph: 2400-2700rpm

< 83 mph: 2600-2900rpm

Below is an example of what each category of golfer should aim to achieve for Launch Angle:

> 105 mph: 10°-13°

97-104 mph: 12°-15°

84-96 mph: 14°-17°

< 83 mph: 16°-19°

  • Is Your Angle of Attack (AoA) Downward or Upward?

One thing to remember is mechanically the iron swing and driver swing are completely different beasts! I know what your going to say - “The PGA Tour player on average have a slightly downward angle of attack (-1.5)”. They also swing the Driver considerably faster than your average golfer and they prioritise accuracy over distance. Below is a guideline of what Angle of Attack (AoA) you can look to try and achieve:

> 105 mph: +3°-+5°

95-104 mph: +2°-+4°

83-94 mph: +1°-+3°

  • Does Your Equipment Match Your Swing?

When was the last time you had a custom fit? Don’t waste $$ on equipment because you heard it was good from somebody else or because a particular brand has got a great marketing team! When buying equipment you need to consider at least some of the following:

Shaft Flex

Weight

Torque

Kick Point

Optimal Loft

Do yourself a favour and ask for advice if you are not sure.

The bottom line is, more swing speed is a great asset to have only when strike, launch angle, spin, angle of attack and equipment all work in unison.

Charlie Tetlow