Average "drive" distance

I've been working on my drives for many years now, only incorporating the X-Step and Power-Grip recently back in 2009. I've read many instructional articles and watched many videos, and have played with some big-arm players picking up a few tips here and there.

My average drive is 285'-300' and pretty accurate. My longest is 340' and only happened once.

I'm 55 years old and 5' 8" tall. I am coming to the conclusion that this is maximum distance for me.

I am pretty happy with it and actually think it's pretty darn good, until I watch some young guns that toss it out there 400+, including my son who is 29 and 6' tall.

I was just curious what others are throwing for an "average" drive and whether you think 300' is a "respectable distance" for this old guy.

[Wicked Dyes]

I am in the same boat as you and I'm only 26. 300' is a great drive for me. I've been playing for maybe 5 years.

[David Sauls]

Everyone's different, of course, but around here, that will equal or outdrive most people in the Advanced Grandmasters division (50+) and, if accurate, hang with the guys in the Pro Grandmasters division.

 

I'm 52, age & injuries have me a little behind you (average 260-270', max about 300' except the occasional fluke rip)....if I'm accurate and putting well, I can hang near the top of Advanced Masters (40+).

 

So I don't know if you've reached YOUR peak, but those are decent numbers for most 55 year olds I've seen.

[Larry Mann I am]

I'm 61 and throw 320-400+  depending on which one of me wakes up that day. Also knowing the wind and using the long lever is a big part of reaching max distance. By "long lever" I mean using the whole length of the arm from the shoulder to the fingertips. Most players start out bending the arm at the elbow and max out at 300 ft.  Also twisting the shoulders back far enough to not see your target adds power to the release of the long lever. Learning to use legs, back, shoulders and arm in a full body throw helps immensly in avoiding injury.

 

Just because I've played since '82 and won 50 or so tournaments before '93(retired to cycling), doesn't mean you can't do this yourself. I gave a local here a couple lessons a few weeks ago and last night I got to see him throw 300+ many times. Good luck and relax to throw far.

[Joshua Knutson]

28, 3 months now, avg. 225-250 long 330.  A few 300 footers in field, but they're just rare and blow my mind when they happen, like watching it is always new to me.  I've had to learn through reading alone, I'm happy where I'm at for my short time playing.  It's fun, really don't care if I maxed out, I'll be doing this a long time.

[Jeff Nichols]

300ft seems to me that mysterious number that people are after. That is about my Max also, but I am Lucky to keep the Max drives accurate, so I don't mind settling for the 250-280 footers, then taking a longer upshot.

[Hippy]

300 is a good distance!!! Even on long holes!!! 2 - 300ft's =600!!! How many 600ft's are there!!!??? So you are good to go!!!

 

Straight and long!!! What more do you want!?!??! Drive for show putt for dough!!! 350-400 don't make you better!!!!

 

[Jeffery Nugent]

49 years old, avg drive about 275-300' on rare occasions 320-340'. I only started throwing backhand couple years ago, if I can ever get my technique right I think I can get 350'. Accuracy is the key, I'd rather throw it 250' and be in the fairway than 350' and be in the brush.

[David Ledford]

To everyone, I really appreciate the input. I typically play solo, and I'm always hearing people bragging how they can rip it 500 feet or more. Although I've never seen anyone toss it 500', I was starting to wonder if I was doing something wrong to only get 300'. I'll concentrate more on my putting (which sucks right now). I'm addicted to this game and play daily, I prefer it over ball golf. Thanks again.

[Ghost]

300' is solid but don't give up so easily.  Brad Hammock is in his mid 40's and throws 450+ and is only 5'4". 

 

Personally, I throw 330ish right now.  I lost about 40' of distance recently and am trying to gain it back.  39 years old, 5'11" here.

[Gbudz]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdHfiBoF6GM&feature=related

might want to mimic some of Brad's pre-shot routine to get that extra D

 

his putting technique might help you out too

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GARZ1s2oxDI

 

 

[Skipper H / Ripdiscgolf.com]

I like the comment on youtube "he is a little umm unique" haha

[El Kabong]

I can totally picture a rain-man monolouge while he is shuffling around

 

"446 feet, yeah...definitely 446....I'm an excellent driver"