Ball Speed in Golf: I want more of that.
Let’s be honest—who doesn’t love hitting it FAR? Effortlessly carrying past your buddies’ drives is one of golf’s greatest joys. But if you want to add serious distance to your shots, you need to understand one crucial metric: ball speed.
Did I hit this fairway? It’s unlikely.
So, let’s dive into what ball speed is, why it matters, and (most importantly) how you can dial it up.
What Is Ball Speed?
Ball speed is exactly what it sounds like—the speed of the ball after impact, measured in miles per hour (mph). It’s a major factor in shot distance, although things like spin rate and launch angle play a role. Simply put, more ball speed = more distance (assuming you're not hooking it 4 fairways over like I do from time to time).
But ball speed isn’t just about swinging harder; it’s about maximizing efficiency. That’s where smash factor comes in.
Smash Factor: Your Secret Efficiency Score
Smash factor is a fancy way of saying, "How well did you hit that ball?" It’s calculated like this:
Smash Factor = Ball Speed ÷ Clubhead Speed
For example, if you swing your driver at 100 mph and your ball speed is 150 mph, your smash factor is 1.50. That’s tour-level type smash factor! (Tour average club head speed is a good bit higher than 100 mph with driver, though. Sorry to report.)
If your smash factor is low, it means you’re leaving distance on the table. Off-center hits, poor contact, or using clubs that aren’t fit for you can all lower your smash factor and, in turn, your ball speed. (Basically, if your buddy with a slower swing speed is outdriving you, you might want to check under the hood.)
How to Improve Ball Speed
Now, let’s get to the good stuff—how to make that ball fly.
1. Swing Mechanics: Work Smarter, Not Just Harder
Sure, swinging faster is part of the equation, but a wild, uncontrolled swing isn’t going to do you any favors. (Unless you're trying to impress the cart girl — I’d encourage against that, too.)
Hit the Center of the Clubface: This is huge. Even a 10 mph increase in swing speed won’t matter if you're catching the ball off the toe or heel. Grooving a consistent, centered strike will immediately boost your ball speed. Work on consistent club delivery, then build speed. (…how hypocritical of me…)
Use the Ground: Good players generate power from the ground. Using leg drive will help transfer more energy from the ground, through the body, and into the ball.
Matching Face Angle and Club Path: This is nitty gritty but needs to be acknowledged or at least introduced. Most amateurs deal with “over the top” swings (a product of poor path) that leaves the face of their club WIDE open. Hello, Mr. Slice. Lessons may significantly help you in this area of mechanics.
2. Physical Training: Get Stronger, Faster, and More Explosive
Look, the gym isn’t just for bodybuilders and CrossFitters —it’s one of the best ways to increase your ball speed. Strength, mobility, and power all play a massive role in your ability to generate speed.
Rotational exercise builds club head speed.
Core Strength: Your core is the engine of your swing. Stronger abdominals mean more rotational power and more ability to control the trunk in the swing. Think medicine ball slams, planks, and even birddogs.
Leg Power: Squats, lunges, and deadlifts are your best friends. Your legs generate the force that transfers up through your body into the club. Don’t be afraid to be Quadzilla.
Rotational Speed: Medicine ball rotational throws, cable rotations, and speed drills help increase the velocity of your turn, leading to—you guessed it—more speed. I told you more than 100 mph of club head speed is good. You better train at 100 mph.
Mobility Work: If you move like the Tin Man before oil, you’re leaving distance on the table. Stretching, end range movements, and mobility exercises will help you rotate more efficiently.
My first blog covers all of this in more detail (https://www.prolevelphysio.com/blog/whygolftraining).
3. Equipment Check: Don’t Fight Your Own Gear
You wouldn’t wear shoes three sizes too big and expect to run fast, right? The same logic applies to your clubs. Getting fitted for the right driver (shaft flex, loft, clubhead design) can have a huge impact on your ball speed. If your Trackman data looks off, it might be time for a check-up.
In a similar since, technology has dramatically improved in recent decades. It is cool that you like to use your grandfather’s old clubs, but I would consider letting them be a talking point in the man-cave instead of your choice on the tee box. New technology allows for more forgiving strikes without dramatic losses in ball speed and even helps reduce spin (less slice).
What’s a Good Ball Speed?
Now, let’s talk numbers. What’s considered a solid ball speed with a driver?
Player Level
Driver Ball Speed (mph)
Beginner: 120-130
Intermediate: 130-145
Advanced: 145-160
Tour Player: 165+
For reference, big hitters on the PGA Tour can push ball speeds past 180 mph. And Bryson DeChambeau? He’s even surpassed 190 mph in tournament play. (No, you don’t need to drink 10 protein shakes a day to get there; that’s a bit preposterous, but he’s won more major championships than me.)
Final Thoughts: Speed Up Without Losing Your Mind
If you want to increase ball speed, don’t just start hacking away. Focus on better contact, improved mechanics, and physical training to build speed the right way. And remember, efficiency matters—if your smash factor is low, no amount of extra clubhead speed will save you.
Start with the low hanging fruit. Get in the gym and start moving heavy things fast. Don’t know where to start in the gym? That’s where we come in. We offer personalized golf performance training programs that fit your goals, schedule, and ability. Oh, and FREE consultations. Always.
