Optimizing Your Club Speed in Golf

Available for Mevo, Mevo Gen2, Mevo+ and X3 users

What Is Club Speed?

Club speed is defined as the measured velocity of the club head right before it makes contact with the ball. It has a direct influence on ball speed, particularly if the ball is struck on the center of the club face.

How FlightScope Measures It

The FlightScope Mevo uses 3D Doppler Radar technology, while the FlightScope Mevo Gen2, Mevo+ and X3 utilize FlightScope’s patented Fusion Tracking Technology – a unique combination of radar and camera – to track the club’s center of mass throughout your swing. This allows FlightScope to accurately measure the club's speed at the most critical point: right before it makes contact with the ball.

Why Club Speed Is Important

Club speed is a fundamental factor determining the distance a golf ball will travel. Even with perfect contact (optimal Smash Factor), insufficient club speed limits potential yardage. Conversely, increasing club speed can directly translate into more power and distance for your shots. Increasing the club speed of a driver by only one mile per hour can increase carry distance by up to 2.5 yards. It is the primary power source of the golf swing.

Average Club Speed For Every Club

Wondering what club speed to aim for? You can compare your speed to the PGA and LPGA Tour averages for every club from a Pitching Wedge up to a Driver:

Incorporating Club Speed into your game:

  • Track Progress: Monitor club speed over time to gauge improvement in power and consistency.

  • Set Benchmarks: Compare your club speed against players of similar skill levels or against your own averages to identify areas for growth.

  • Targeted Practice: Utilize drills specifically designed to increase club speed, such as training with speed sticks. The FS Golf App allows you to track your club speed without hitting a golf ball through the utilization of the "Swing Training" session option.

How to Increase Your Club Speed

Here is a drill you can do with your FlightScope launch monitor to get instant feedback and see your numbers improve:

Use a speed-training aid, such as TheStack, or one of your clubs (ideally with a lighter shaft), and enter a "Swing Training" session in the FS Golf App. Without hitting a ball, make three full-effort swings right-handed, three full-effort swings left-handed, and finally three full-effort swings as you would normally hit a ball. The FlightScope unit will track your club speed for each swing. Focus on swinging as fast as possible while maintaining your balance and sequence. Afterwards, try hitting three drives and take note of your club speed.

This practice trains your nervous system for speed. Track your improvement over days and weeks to see your club speed increase, which will ultimately translate into more distance when hitting a ball.

Watch Golf Digest Top-10 Coach Martin Chuck explain Club Speed and how you can unlock more distance in your game.

Key Takeaway

Club speed is one of the most important metrics for golfers looking to maximize power and distance. It is the foundation of potential distance. FlightScope helps you understand your current club speed and utilize targeted training for increased performance on the course