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Arccos Driving Distance Report – 2023
How far does the average golfer at your home course hit the ball off the tee?
It depends, right? Age and skill level are the two key criteria. But according to the Arccos 2022 distance report, skill has a greater impact than age.
You’ve likely heard something about the distance rollback proposal announced jointly by the USGA and R&A. If not, here’s the skinny. For their part, the ruling bodies seem intent on leaving the ball alone for recreational golfers, reserving any changes for those who intend on playing in professional events and elite competitions.
I mention that as an important context because while “distance” is routinely part of the equipment dialog, it’s squarely in the crosshairs as the industry prepares for what could become a serious line of demarcation.
That aside, let’s take a closer look at amateur driving distance in 2022.
Disclaimer: The following information is sourced from the Arccos database which includes 650 million total shots and 20 million shots (driver only) on par-4 and par 5-holes.
OVERALL DISTANCE TRENDS

MEN’S DISTANCE ACROSS AGE & HANDICAP

MEN’S ACCURACY ACROSS AGE & HANDICAP

WOMEN’S DISTANCE ACROSS AGE & HANDICAP

WOMEN’S ACCURACY ACROSS AGE & HANDICAP

FINAL THOUGHTS
What’s clear is that when assessing driving distance, the difference between recreational amateurs and competitive professionals is stark. Additionally, recreational golfers don’t appear to be experiencing year-over-year distance gains which is contrary to what we often hear from manufacturers when launching new equipment. But these realities are not mutually exclusive.
The disparity is likely due, in part, to the degree to which golfers are optimally fitted for equipment. Beyond that, it’s fair to question how many recreational golfers actively train and work to improve driver distance.
As always, please share your thoughts.
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