Who are the biggest hitters in golf?
Who are the biggest hitters in golf? Well, after a report from the USGA and the R&A concluded the governing bodies are officially concerned about driving distances, we thought we’d better name and shame them.
We think the authorities are right to take a closer look at the impact new equipment is having – while acknowledging the numerous other contributing factors and variables.
The average driving distance number has been taken from the 2019 PGA Tour season, where more than 26 rounds have been played. And there are a couple of notable absentees from this list…
1. Biggest hitters in golf: Cameron Champ – 316.8 yards
Driver: Ping G400 Max
Ball: Titleist Pro V1
The biggest hitter on the PGA Tour is currently Cameron Champ. With 129.66 mph of clubhead speed he is able to generate 192.67 mph of ball speed.
Champ, who only joined the PGA Tour in 2018, won his first PGA Tour title in just his second event as a member at the Sanderson Farms Championship.
He was also the longest driver on the Web.com Tour, now known as the Korn Ferry Tour, in 2018 with a 343-yard average.
Surprisingly, he uses Ping’s G400 Max driver, which offers ultimate stability and forgiveness. Most golf clubs with the word ‘Max’ in their name are expected to be aimed more at your higher handicappers.
But a raft of Ping staff players have switched into the G400 Max and, like Champ, have noticed some very impressive results.
T2. Biggest hitters in golf: Luke List – 314.4 yards
Driver: TaylorMade M6, 9º, Mitsubishi Diamana D+ 80TX
Ball: Titleist Pro V1
List had the TaylorMade M4 driver in play last season but has upgraded it for the 2018-19 season. The new driver certainly seems to be working helping him bag a 6th place finish at the PGA Championship.
T2. Biggest hitters in golf: Rory McIlroy – 314.4 yards
Driver: TaylorMade M5, 9°, Mitsubishi Tensei CK Pro White 70 TX
Ball: TaylorMade TP5x
Always up there with the very longest on tour, Rory McIlroy was a free agent at the start of the 2017 season before signing a deal with TaylorMade ahead of The Players Championship.
He previously had the TaylorMade M3 driver in his bag but switched to the latest model at Kapalua in the first PGA TOUR event of the 2019 season.
He’s now playing the adjustable TaylorMade M5.
4. Biggest hitters in golf: Tony Finau – 312.4 yards
Driver: Ping G410 Plus, 8°, Mitsubishi Diamana RF 70-TX
Ball: Titleist Pro V1
Finau, a former Nike hardware player, switched to Ping woods and irons before eventually signing a deal with Ping at the start of 2018.
He previously had the G400 Max driver in his bag but switched to the Ping G410 Plus at the Farmers Insurance Open.
T5. Biggest hitters in golf: Lucas Bjerregaard – 311 yards
Driver: Titleist TS3, 8.5°, Mitsubishi Tensei Blue
Ball: Titleist Pro V1
Bjerregaard is currently gaming the Titleist TS3 driver which he used to win the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at the end of 2018.
Our biggest hitters in golf feature continues on the next page…
Hannah Holden
Hannah Holden is the Equipment and Instruction Editor here at National Club Golfer. If you’re looking to improve your game, by changing your golf swing or upgrading your golf equipment she’ll have the answers.
As well as writing lots of features and reviews you can find her on our YouTube channel giving you insights on the latest rules, clubs and tips to improve your golf game.
Hannah is a member at Alwoodley golf club. You will either find her here or driving up and down the country playing in a variety of elite amateur events.
