Speed is always something of interest across most ball sports – whether it is bowling in cricket, pitching in baseball or serving in tennis. Interest in club head speed is no different for golfers.
In recent times speed in the golf swing has become more and more relevant as players search for extra distance. When looking at driving, an additional 1mph of club head speed equates to approximately 2.5 yards more distance.
But just like in cricket, baseball and tennis, speed does not mean the best nor guarantee victory. Nevertheless the fascination with speed is there and will remain.
As such, here are the Top 5 swing speeds on the PGA Tour – a few surprises and some notable absences.
Data has been taken from the PGA Tour website, which lists 180 players from the Tour.
Top 5 Club Head Speeds on the PGA Tour
1) Cameron Champ – 127.01 mph with the Ping G430 Max 10k Driver
Cameron Champ is a 3 time winner on the PGA Tour – his last victory coming in 2021 at the 3M Open.
His choice of driver as he creates the fastest club head speed on the PGA Tour is the Ping G430 Max 10k Driver.
When reviewed by the NCG Team they gave it a 5 out of 5 rating and found it to be extremely forgiving, delivered good ball speeds and sent the ball high – making it an all round driver.
If you wish to try it for yourself check out the options below.
2) Kevin Dougherty – 126.88 mph with the TaylorMade Qi10 LS Driver
Kevin Dougherty turned pro in 2014 and is yet to obtain a victory on the PGA Tour. He is currently ranked just inside the top 300 in the world.
His choice of driver as he generates 126.88 mph club head speed is the TaylorMade Qi10 LS.
When reviewed by the NCG Team this also got a 5 out of 5 rating and found it a great looking driver, powerful, forgiving, with off-centre hits performing better than any low-spin driver.
Options below if you would like to experience it for yourself.
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3) Chris Gotterup – 125.21 mph with the TaylorMade SIM2 Driver
Chris Gotterup turned pro in 2022 and has one victory under his belt. This came this year at the Myrtle Beach Classic where he averaged over 300 yards from the tee.
As well as the 1 victory he has had 3 top 10 and 2 top 5 finishes from his 29 pro starts.
His choice of driver is the older TaylorMade model, the SIM2.
The fact that he has stuck with the SIM2 must reflect he likes the mid launch, low spin and forgiveness experienced from this club.
As it is an older model this means there are some great deals to be had. Check out some of them below.
4) Gary Woodland – 124.6 mph with the Cobra Aerojet Driver
Gary Woodland has won 6 times as a professional, with the highlight being his win at the US Open in 2019.
Similar to Chris Gotterup, he currently opts to play the older model of his brand of choice. This being the Cobra Aerojet driver.
When reviewed by the NCG Team they gave it a 5 out of 5 rating and found it to provide great distance and tight dispersion
Once again, as it is an older model, there are some good deals about.
5) Min Woo Lee – 124.49 mph with the Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond S
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Club Head Speeds: Summary
First up, looking at the Top 5 it demonstrates that picking a driver is not as simple as going for the latest model.
The only way you will know which suits you is to go and have a club fitting. Club fitting is not just for the low handicap golfers and so would recommend getting fitted irrespective of your handicap.
If you are not a member of a golf club then you can get free custom fitting at American Golf.
If the older models perform best and preferred, so be it, and will mean you will probably be able to save some money and seek out some decent deals.
As we all know, golf is far more than just hitting it a long way.
As Henry Cotton said, “Every shot counts. The three-foot putt is as important as the 300-yard drive.”
Yet the fascination with speed will no doubt persist, as will duff chips and three putting.
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