Many golf experts do not rely on their instinct to calculate their ball speed to swing speed. Starters are mostly the ones who make guessing the way of life while still unaware of better tools.
But how can you calculate your ball and swing speeds with more precision? One of the easiest things to do is buy a calculating or a monitoring device. But surely, you may not know how to use it initially. We could teach you how if you read this article entirely.
Aside from using modern golf monitors, you can also compare ball and swing speeds using charts. We give tips on managing and improving your swing and ball speeds. You can also learn to calculate distance from ball speed by reading and understanding this article.
Relationship Between Ball Speed And Swing Speed
Before proceeding, I would like you to know the relationship between swing and ball speed.
Every experienced golfer knows that once you increase your swing speed, the ball speed also increases. However, it is not a guarantee for increased distance. The club head speed calculator & ball speed calculator are just some of the most advanced devices many serious golfers prefer.
Ball To Swing Speeds Conversion Calculator
Here’s a quick online Ball Speed to Swing Speed Conversion Calculator. Using this calculator, you can easily make changes to increase your yardage.
Most televised tours show you every player’s stats on the screen after hitting off the tee. The displayed stats are the players’ swing speed, carry distance, ball speed, and distance covered.
The real-time stats are an on-site tracker or a golf monitor. These devices measure or calculate (thus, also called a calculator) the displayed stats on your TV screen. One of the best examples of these devices is the Rapsodo MLM2PRO Mobile Launch Monitor + Golf Simulator.
Several brands of these golf calculators come cheaper than the Rapsodo MLM2Pro but with limited features.
Remember that this device does not give the perfect performance you are looking for. It merely mirrors your performance. The device automatically reads your ball speed and translates its value into your swing speed in real time.
A ball-to-swing speed conversion calculator gives quick info on how your shot speed impacts the ball’s velocity. The data may not be accurate estimates, but they will provide precious information to determine weaknesses and skill levels.
Ball to Swing Speeds Conversion Chart
Many golfers, especially seniors and non-tech savvies, may find the modern golf calculators too high-tech. But the truth is: they are easy to use. These devices are developed for golfers not keen on digging or studying golf rules, formulas, and manuals.
Players who want traditional golf swing speed and ball speed conversion may use the chart below. The chart is condensed from major tournaments across the globe.
Swing Speed (In 5mph increments) (mph) | Angle of Attack | Estimated Ball Speed (mph) | Launch Angle (degree) | Spin Rate (rpm) | Carry Distance (yards) | Total Distance (yards) |
-5° | 104 | 14.6 | 3722 | 143 | 166 | |
75 | 0° | 107 | 16.3 | 3121 | 154 | 178 |
5° | 108 | 19.2 | 2720 | 164 | 187 | |
-5° | 113 | 12.9 | 3652 | 160 | 176 | |
80 | 0° | 115 | 15.5 | 3179 | 171 | 187 |
5° | 116 | 18 | 2648 | 181 | 197 | |
-5° | 121 | 11.9 | 3669 | 175 | 199 | |
85 | 0° | 123 | 14.5 | 3164 | 187 | 211 |
5° | 124 | 17 | 2596 | 197 | 223 | |
-5° | 129 | 11.1 | 3689 | 191 | 215 | |
90 | 0° | 131 | 13.4 | 3093 | 203 | 228 |
5° | 132 | 16.4 | 2633 | 214 | 239 | |
-5° | 137 | 9.9 | 3626 | 207 | 243 | |
95 | 0° | 138 | 12.7 | 3114 | 219 | 244 |
5° | 140 | 15.7 | 2595 | 231 | 256 | |
-5° | 144 | 9.6 | 3722 | 222 | 244 | |
100 | 0° | 146 | 12.1 | 3118 | 235 | 272 |
5° | 148 | 14.9 | 2538 | 247 | 272 | |
-5° | 152 | 8.7 | 3675 | 237 | 260 | |
105 | 0° | 154 | 11.2 | 3038 | 251 | 275 |
5° | 155 | 14.5 | 2563 | 263 | 288 | |
-5° | 160 | 7.7° | 3570 | 252 | 275 | |
110 | 0° | 162 | 10.5 | 2970 | 266 | 291 |
5° | 163 | 13.7 | 2435 | 279 | 305 | |
-5° | 168 | 7 | 3548 | 266 | 290 | |
115 | 0° | 170 | 9.8 | 2919 | 281 | 306 |
5° | 171 | 13 | 2358 | 295 | 321 | |
-5° | 176 | 6.1 | 3433 | 281 | 305 | |
120 | 0° | 178 | 9.3 | 2890 | 296 | 321 |
5° | 179 | 12.6 | 2343 | 310 | 350 |
The entries are from PGA Tours in recent years. Although the pro organization uses modern technology, the results may not be 100% accurate.
Many pro players have unique techniques for swinging their clubs. They may or may not provide the same outcomes all the time. However, ordinary golfers may not match their skills.
Why Golf Ball Speed Translates to Increased Swing Speed?
Learning the physics of golf gave experts this info: the ball speed is almost 1.5 times faster than the swing speed. But the ball speed outcome may vary due to other factors.
Some of these factors are golf club use, swing technique, wind direction, and the physical conditions inside the course. Calculating club head speed (or your swing speed) first gives you an advantage in determining your performance.
To illustrate, if you swing a golf club at 90mph, you can have a maximum ball speed of 135mph. The deviation from the constant value of swing and ball speed is inevitable.
Let us explain the effect of each factor below.
1. Wind
Many experienced golfers determine the wind direction in making a shot. It is customary that if the shot moves in the same direction the wind blows, the ball flies further.
In many instances, skilled golfers add 1% of the distance (in yards) for every 1 mile per hour wind velocity. It translates to 105 yards distance in a five mph wind.
2. Swing
The ball speed is always faster than your swing, but may not translate to better distance. Why? The swing speed and ball speed ratio vary with miss-hits and swinging techniques. Learning and practicing proper swinging techniques may lessen slices and hooks.
3. Golf Club of Choice
Whatever golf club you use: your swing speed counts in increasing ball speed. However, the type of club also affects the ball speed. Lightweight and small-head golf clubs have little effect on swing and ball speeds.
It is more common for drivers to have bigger club heads and heavier shafts to maximize swing speed. Also, a more rigid shaft will deliver higher swing speed for many golfers.
4. Physical Condition
Another factor in determining swing speed is your physical strength and well-being. But do you need more muscle and stamina to increase your swing speed? Not necessarily.
Strength, conditioning, and more practices are reliable in securing better swing speeds. You need not be a muscleman to increase your swing speed. However, several studies attested that good physical condition affects swing speed, ball speed, and accuracy.
Take the case of Tiger Woods. The iconic golfer asserts going to the gym every morning: have a healthy breakfast at 8 AM, and commence practicing tee at 9 AM.
Woods’ usual practice routine includes doing short games first. Then pitch shots before doing the full swing. Woods usually practices hitting full swings on the driving range.
If You Have the Ball Speed, What Can You Do?
Ball speed creates distances that may allow you to have lower scores. I have experienced, like many of my buddies, having the ball speed gives more opportunities to lower scores.
Once you have the ball speed, it is the chance to keep you nearer the hole. Other golfers focus on increasing their club head speed rather than golf ball speed. In my opinion, better swing speed efficiently transfers energy to the golf ball.
I know that an increase of 1mph in ball speed translates to 2-3 yards of distance using a driver. Also, it is equally better to focus on increasing your ball speed. For those who want to increase swing speed rather than ball speed: see our recommendations below.
Ball Speed to Swing Speed Calculator – Top Tips
Here are some tips to improve your performance and know your stats quickly, even if you are busy in the game.
1. Buy a Measuring Device
As we have said, golf monitoring tools, such as simulators or calculators, may lead to a better day inside the course. The conversion monitor kit can also assist you in determining distance.
The unique device allows golfers to convert either the swing speed or ball speed with ease (and vice versa). Although this tool may not be 100% accurate, the statistics it gives are more reliable than your instinct.
Another good example of this device with affordable cost is the Swing Speed Radar Golf Club Swing Speeds monitor. It may not be as advanced as the Rapsodo MLM2Pro: but it can give you the usual speed readings. What’s more, the price is just a third of the latter!
2. A Speed Training Tool
One of the best ways of increasing distance is by increasing your swing speed. Once your swing speed improves, your ball speed also improves. Your carry distance will also increase.
One of the best practice tools for enhancing swing speed is the SuperSpeed Golf Swing Speed Training System. It is a three-club over-speed training system that may increase your club head speed by 5% to 8%.
3. Enhancing Your Physical Capability
Always stay in shape when playing golf. Aside from other workouts, you can carry not-so-heavy dumbbells for at least 15 minutes daily to train your arms. Weight training gives you more power in your arms and balance.
4. Hire a Coach
Hiring a coach benefits you most in improving your game in no time. Third-party opinion and training knowledge are a plus. Although it might cost you a fortune, a one-time deal may be your clearance in refining styles and techniques.
Is The Swing Speed To Ball Speed Calculator Accurate?
These golf calculators may not be 100% accurate, but they are always closer to the truth. Their estimation gives you a clear picture of where you can improve and the milestone you should aim for.
How Can You Increase Your Ball Speed?
One of the best ways to increase your ball speed is to watch how pro players do it. You can watch tutorials from people like Bryson DeChambeau on YouTube (like the one provided below). It is cheap but effective!
Additionally, we have tips on how to do it:
- Make a full turn of your body when doing a swing off the tee.
- Bend slightly your upper body, including the hips and legs. This posture generates more power.
- At the number 2 position: clear your hips allowing the club shaft to lag behind your body. Then do the shot with a wide arc and all your strength.
How To Get 200mph Ball Speed?
This ball speed is almost impossible to achieve by average golfers. Even Bryson DeChambeau can only hit 191mph at the most. Also, Tiger Woods can only attain about 180 mph ball speeds (using a driver) with a carry distance of 302 yards.
However, if you want detailed info on attaining 200 mph ball speed, watch this video:
FAQ’s
Scratch or better players have an average golf ball speed of 161mph. 5-handicap players average 147mph, while 10-handicappers have 138mph. Average golfers (with at least 14 handicaps) hit the ball off the tee at 133mph. Bogey golfers do it at 131mph on average.
Golfers with a 150mph ball speed may attain 254 to 275 yards carry distance from the tee. Overall, he can make about 273 to 299 yards in total distance.
As we said before, the ball speed is 1.5 times faster than your swing speed. Once you know your club speed, you can calculate your ball speed on the spot.
In theory, each mile per hour extra ball speed gives you two additional yards of carry distance. This hypothesis is highly regarded in golf.
Conclusion
It is good to know that honest-to-goodness improvement starts with accurate data. The modern golfing world now offers tools that make your game experiences more relaxing and convenient.
The ball speed to swing speed calculator shows data, including the average distance for every golf club (from drivers to lob wedges). This launch monitor is an effective tool for knowing how you perform in every game. We advise that you secure one now.
Read more:
- Top 10 Longest Golf Balls
- Best Golf Balls for Slower Swing Speeds
- Golf Shaft Flex Calculator: Do You Need Senior, Ladies, Regular, or Stiff Shaft
Matt Stevens is the founder of Golfrough.com. He holds a Postgraduate in Sports Marketing and has played golf since he was four years old. Having experienced every high and low golf has to offer, his writing helps the average golfer avoid the mistakes he has made in 28-years on the course.