Golf Clubs

[desertrat]

Having recently taken up golf I would like to know what distance I should be able to achieve with a certain club. For example if I consistently hit 150 yards (in a straight line) with a 6 iron is that good or should I find a new hobby. What about distances for the other clubs?

[moonacre]

You don't say whether you're male or female or how old you are - it makes a difference. An average, a reasonably fit, male, regular golfer between say 15 and 50 would expect to hit a 6 iron somewhere between 140 and 160 yards - straight would be a blessing! Females of the same characteristics would tend to hit around 60% - 80% of this distance. Children and elderly golfers, better or worse than this depending on age. I'd say you should be pretty pleased with the length of your hits (assuming you are measuring the flight through the air) if you've only just started. As you get better you might expect your distance to increase by 10% - 20% which would put you up to a good club player level. You'll have to experiment to find your distances with the other clus. Rule of thumb would be +/- 10 yards eg 7 iron 140 yds, 5 iron 160 yds. Until you get proficient you'll probably find that below a 4 iron you'll get no extra in-flight distance. Lastly, don't get too hung up over distance. A straight short hitter will generally beat a long inconsistent hitter. Concentrate on direction and consistent length plus chipping and putting. It's around the green that most strokes are played.