How do I know my swing speed?

The direct way is a launch monitor. Most golf shops, club fitters, and many driving ranges have one, and a personal radar unit such as the Garmin Approach R10 runs about $500.

Without one, work backward from distance. TrackMan’s driver optimizer shows a well-struck driver at 100 mph carrying 235 to 247 yards, which works out to roughly 2.4 yards of carry per mph. Divide your typical driver carry (not total with roll) by 2.4. A 215-yard carry puts you near 90 mph.

If you know your ball speed from a simulator, divide it by your smash factor. TrackMan says a good driver strike runs near 1.50, and the average golfer is closer to 1.44. A 140 mph ball speed is about 93 to 97 mph of club speed.

Our fitting quiz asks for a driver speed band and gives the matching driver distance next to each one, for exactly this reason.