This page gives you some real-world suggestions on launch monitor data if you do not know your launch statistics.

Find your handicap on this chart and that should give you a general idea of the launch statistics of golfers at your skill level.

For example, if you are a male golfer with a handicap between nine and sixteen, you would probably have somewhere around a 145 MPH ball speed, a 12 degree launch angle and a spin rate of 2,500 RPM. These numbers are meant to serve as a general reference point. Your individual measurements may vary significantly. The best way to find out is to get on a launch monitor and get real data.

One of the things that you will notice when looking at this chart is that as handicap goes down, ball speed generally goes up. The first reason for this is because better golfers are more technically proficient in the execution of their swing. This results in better golfers being more efficient at developing and transferring power in their swings.

The second, and more important, reason is because as handicaps go down the quality of contact generally goes up. This means a more efficient transfer of energy between ball and club and results in longer and straighter shots. Never forget that club head speed means nothing if you can't hit the ball square.

Average Male Golfer

Criteria Handicap Average Average PGA Tour Player Tiger Woods Average Male Long Drive Competetor Jason Krantz 0-8 9-16 17-24 24+ Ball Speed (MPH) 155 145 138 130 165 180 195 206 Launch Angle (DEG) 13 12 12 12 12 11 14 13 Spin Rate (RPM) 2500 2800 3000 3100 2400 2200 2000 1800

Average Female Golfer

Criteria Handicap Average Average LPGA Tour Player Annika Sorenstam Average Female Long Drive Competetor 0-8 9-16 17-24 24+ Ball Speed (MPH) 140 132 122 110 145 155 165 Launch Angle (DEG) 13 12 12 12 13 12 15 Spin Rate (RPM) 3000 3100 3300 3500 2800 2500 2300

Ball Speed is a combination of clubhead speed AND quality of contact. As handicap goes up quality of contact, and consequently ball speed, usually decreases.