Average Club Head Speed 7 Iron PGA Tour

The 7 iron is one of the most versatile and commonly used clubs in a professional golfer’s bag. The ability to hit accurate approach shots into greens with a 7 iron is crucial for scoring well on the PGA Tour. One of the key factors that influences 7 iron shot distance and control is club head speed. Elite tour players are able to generate exceptionally high club speeds, enabling them to hit their 7 irons over 200 yards on average.

What is Club Head Speed?

Club head speed refers to the rate at which the club head is moving right before it strikes the golf ball. It is measured in miles per hour (mph). The faster a player can swing the club, the greater the club head speed. This results in more distance and height on shots. Club head speed is generated through proper technique, mechanics, strength, flexibility, and athleticism. Players with higher swing speeds can hit the ball farther without having to significantly change their swing.

Importance of 7 Iron Club Head Speed

Club head speed with a 7 iron is particularly important because it is one of the most frequently used clubs for approach shots into the green. Pros typically hit their 7 irons between 175 and 185 yards on full shots. Generating enough club head speed with a 7 iron enables players to reach more par 4 greens in regulation, leading to lower scores. Elite players are able to control their distance precisely with a 7 iron because of their exquisitely high swing speeds.

Average PGA Tour 7 Iron Club Head Speed

The average club head speed with a 7 iron on the PGA Tour is around 93–95 mph. Here are some examples:

• Dustin Johnson: 94 mph
• Brooks Koepka: 95 mph
• Rory McIlroy: 94 mph
• Jon Rahm: 93 mph
• Justin Thomas: 93 mph
• Tiger Woods: 90 mph

While there is variation among players, the best players in the world commonly produce 7 iron swing speeds between 90 and 95 mph. This allows them to generate tremendous distance. Longer hitters like Dustin Johnson and Brooks Koepka swing their 7 irons at 95 mph on average. Shorter players like Zach Johnson average around 90 mph. The PGA Tour average lands right around 93–94 mph.

How Tour Speeds Compare to Amateurs

To hit a 7 iron 175 yards like the average tour player, an amateur male golfer would need a club head speed around 85–90 mph. Most recreational golfers fall in the range of 70–80 mph with their 7 iron swing speed. LPGA Tour players generate speeds around 80–85 mph with their 7 irons. The extra 20+ mph of club head speed allows PGA Tour pros to hit shots high and far, while also generating enough spin for control into greens.

Key Factors for 7 Iron Club Head Speed

There are several key factors that allow elite golfers to generate such high swing speeds with their 7 irons:

• Athleticism and strength: Tour players are incredible athletes. Their strength and explosiveness allow them to swing faster.
• Flexibility: The ability to create a wide shoulder turn and maintain lag on the downswing requires great flexibility.
• Technique: Efficient swing mechanics, sequence, and angles are essential for building speed.
• Equipment: Properly fit clubs produce optimal launch conditions. Lighter graphite shafts also boost speed.
• Practice: Tour pros ingrain their fastest, most repeatable swing through endless practice and reps.

Importance of Centering Hits for Distance

While club head speed is critical, centering contact on the clubface is also vital for distance with a 7 iron. Tour pros are able to compress the ball against the clubface right in the center of the sweet spot consistently. This maximizes ball speed and minimizes distance-sapping mishits. Solid contact adds increased carry by maximizing the trampoline effect off the face.

Speed Training Drills

To increase their already blazing 7 iron swing speeds, many tour pros use speed training aids and drills. Some examples include:

• Weighted and light clubs: Heavier clubs build strength, lighter clubs create speed.
• Speed sticks: Exaggerate transition and maintain lag with tapered sticks.
• Resistance bands: Bands provide overload through the swing.
• Medicine balls: Throwing exercises increase power and explosiveness.
• Speed bags: Punching bags sharpen hand-eye coordination and release speed.

Conclusion

Generating fast club head speeds with a 7 iron is a hallmark of PGA Tour players. The average tour pro swings a 7 iron around 93–95 mph. This exceptional speed allows them to hit mid and long irons great distances accurately. While tour players represent an extreme end of the spectrum, recreational golfers can also increase their speed through athletic training, proper technique, and speed drills. Faster swing speeds lead directly to more distance and lower scores for all players.