When we tested the best golf clubs for 2024, we put a strong emphasis on accuracy in the irons and wedges. However, when it comes to the driver, distance is king. Very few golfers are willing to give up 10 or even five yards to get the ball a little closer to the center of the fairway. We looked at some stats from Shot Scope to see what’s better for your game: distance or accuracy. The results may surprise some of you.
A look at the hit Fairways
The average golfer hits about 47 percent of fairways with their driver. The higher the handicap, the more likely the drive will miss to the right of the fairway (for a right-handed golfer).
The average driver distance is about 70 yards longer for the zero handicap player than for the 25 handicap.
Let’s say, overall, golfers hit fairways half the time.
Fairway hit and miss percentages by handicap
| Handicap | left miss % | fairway hitting % | proper miss % | Bunker % | penalty % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 hcp | 23% | 50% | 23% | 3% | 1% |
| 5 hcp | 22% | 51% | 24% | 2% | 1% |
| 10 hp | 25% | 48% | 24% | 2% | 1% |
| 15 hp | 24% | 47% | 25% | 2% | 2% |
| 20 hp | 26% | 45% | 26% | 1% | 2% |
| 25 hp | 19% | 46% | 27% | 4% | 4% |
An accurate golfer versus an inaccurate golfer
To determine whether distance or accuracy is more important, we took statistics for a 15-handicap golfer who hit from the fairway and the fairway. We analyzed at 150 yards from the pin on a fair lie and then 120 yards in the rough.
These statistics are calculated exclusively using approach shots on par-4 holes to provide a focused analysis of this scenario. You can see that the average 15 handicap golfer is just as likely to par the hole from 150 yards on the fairway as he is from 120 yards on the fairway.
The most important takeaway, however, is the 120-yard stat on the fairway. You will see that your mouse hit went 30 meters further AND being freeway saves about a quarter of a stroke.
Average Golfer (15 Handicap) – Approach Stroke Statistics
| Distance to Pin | Kind of Lie | Proximity (ft) | Shots to finish |
|---|---|---|---|
| 150 yds | Fairway | 75.4 | 3.7 |
| 120 yds | Rough | 84.3 | 3.7 |
| 120 yds | Fairway | 53.5 | 3.45 |
What does this mean for your game?
If you try to hit the ball further, buy the club that lasts longer, or spend some time practicing speed to gain those extra yards: you are giving yourself a better chance of scoring less.
Yes, you may lose some accuracy when you start hitting longer drives.
However, if you’re getting extra distance (30 yards or more), it shouldn’t cost you extra shots. If you can learn to incorporate some precision and get that longer drive down the fairway, you can save at least a quarter stroke.
Thirty metershowever, it is the main number.
If you can get 30 yards further, you won’t lose shots even if you end up in trouble.
What if you can’t hit it 30 yards further?
Shooting range found 30 yards to be the sweet spot to make those less accurate drives worth going for. If you can’t get that much extra distance, a fairway ball is better.
If you are 150 yards to the green from the fairway or 145 yards from the fairway, you will finish the hole in fewer shots when hitting from the fairway. The goal is to get to 120 yards. If you can get to 120 yards then you will notice the difference.
How to add those extra 30 feet
If you’re already a long player and have spent some time gaining swing speed through various methods, you’ll know that adding 30 yards is a lot.
Here are some tips to help add distance if you feel like it’s currently holding you back.
Put the correct driver in the game
our 2024 testing showed that there is more than 15 meters of distance between the best driver for distance and the worst. If you haven’t gone for golf club hardware or are playing with a driver known for poorer distance performance, it could cost you a few yards. Here they are The 37 best golf drivers ranked by distance.
Check your golf ball
Another easy way to add a few extra yards is to play a golf ball that helps with distance. When we tested golf balls in 2023Titleist Pro V1x Left Dash and Titleist Pro V1x were the best for distance. Not far behind was Vice Pro Plus.
Work with a professional
The general belief is that adding one mile per hour of clubhead speed can translate to two to three yards of extra distance off the tee. Therefore, if you are looking for an additional 20 to 30 yards, you may need approximately 10 mph more swing speed.
This is a big difference.
However, the exact gain from the speed boost is up to you actual swing speed AND your efficiency. Some players with faster, more efficient swings may notice two to three yards of additional distance for every mile per hour increase.
Talk to a golf fitness coach about your goals and then use a release monitor to make sure the launch angle and spin speed are working for you.
Final thoughts
A golfer with a 15 handicap has about a 50/50 chance of hitting the fairway from the tee. Take the opportunity and try to get 30 yards closer to the hole. If you can, it won’t cost you a shot.
If you hit the fairway, you’ll gain a quarter of a stroke, and it only takes a few of those to drop your handicap. To answer the original question (distance or accuracy?), distance is the answer in this scenario.
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