Tour News

The Speed Training Paradox: How 180+ MPH Ball Speed Changed Championship Setups

As average tour driving distance approaches 315 yards, championship venues face an existential choice between lengthening tees or restoring strategic hazards.

The Speed Training Paradox: How 180+ MPH Ball Speed Changed Championship Setups
Photo courtesy of The Golf Edits Field Archives • Championship Links Series

Two decades ago, a golfer producing 180 mph ball speed was an anomaly—a mythical creature like John Daly or early Tiger Woods. Today, thanks to Force Plates, TrackMan launch monitors, and systematic over-speed training protocols, dozens of tour players routinely surpass 185 mph ball speed.

TheGolfEdits

Senior Course Architecture & Tour Correspondent for The Golf Edits. Covering championship golf, Golden Age design, and equipment architecture.