We have been told for ages that you should be swinging your driver at 80% of your max speed on the course.
Players like Ernie Els and Fred Couples are often referenced because their swings look like 80%, even though they're actually producing high speed efficiently.
What modern data says
With launch monitors and strokes-gained data, the thinking has evolved:
- Distance is extremely valuable. Closer shots equal lower scores.
- Tour players typically swing near their max speed, not 80%.
- The key difference: they are efficient and balanced, not "swinging easy."
What do tour pros say?
"I'm probably at about 95 percent."
Justin Thomas
"I'm pretty much going as hard as I can."
Rory McIlroy
"I have more I can access, but I'm about 90 percent of my max."
Bryson DeChambeau
The modern coaching takeaway
Instead of "swing 80%," most top coaches would say:
- Train at 100% (or higher) to build speed.
- Play at controlled max. Not holding back, but staying balanced.
- Focus on intent and sequencing, not "trying to swing easy."
A new metric to pay attention to: Power Percentage
Luke Kerr-Dineen of Golf Digest created a measurement called Power Percentage. It compares the difference between a player's fastest recorded ball speed and their average recorded ball speed over the course of the season.
Power Percentage = how close is their average to their max.
Luke found that the top third in Power Percentage usually has an average ball speed of about 97 percent of their maximum ball speed. The players who occupy these ranks, including Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Xander Schauffele, and Ludvig Aberg, are a blend of elite Strokes Gained drivers along with shorter hitters who make a living learning how to maximize what they have.
So how fast should you be swinging your driver on the course?
95% is the magic number for tour pros, and that target carries over for amateurs too.
How to apply this to your game
The SuperSpeed App helps you track both your driver and your 7-iron data, including club speed, ball speed, and carry distance. Make sure you are regularly performing speed assessments and you will see the greatest gains on the course.