Tranlate this title Rory McIlroy says how far a good golfer should hit their driver in spanish

As an experienced figure on the golf scene, Rory McIlroy often gets interesting questions from golf fans who are interested in important topics in the sport.

Rory McIlroy has given amateur golfers a simple idea of what distance a good player should be able to produce with a driver and a few irons.

The Northern Irishman is one of the longest hitters in professional golf and has spent many years near the top of the PGA Tour driving statistics. His own numbers are far above what most club golfers can expect, but McIlroy does not think a good amateur needs to be anywhere close to his level.

During an appearance with Makeshift Golf, the six-time major champion was asked how far a good golfer should be able to carry a driver.

“250 yards, carry,” McIlroy said.

The 37-year-old was then asked about shorter clubs. His answer for a 9-iron was much more modest than his own normal distance.

“9-iron? I’d say you should be able to hit a 9-iron 135 yards.”

McIlroy was then asked how far he personally hits the same club.

“165.”

The difference was similar when the conversation moved to a 6-iron.

“A 6-iron I would say 170 yards. I would say that’s three clubs, difference between a 6-iron and a 9-iron, and you’re sort of looking between 13 and 15 yards per club.”

McIlroy’s own numbers are very different

The numbers McIlroy gave for a good amateur are still well below what he produces on Tour.

He can carry his driver around 330 yards in the right conditions and his 6-iron can travel more than 200 yards through the air. His clubhead speed is around 125 mph, while his ball speed can get close to 190 mph.

Those numbers have made driving one of the most recognizable parts of McIlroy’s game. He has regularly finished near the top of PGA Tour distance statistics and averaged more than 330 yards off the tee during the 2026 season.

The average PGA Tour driving distance this year was around 306 yards, so even compared with other professionals McIlroy was well above the normal number. He finished second in the Tour’s driving distance standings at 330.1 yards.

That gap also helps explain why some of his club choices can look unusual to amateur golfers. A player who carries a driver 200 or 220 yards may need a fairway wood for a shot where McIlroy can use a long or even mid iron.

The former world No. 1 has also shared many tips for amateur golfers over the years. A lot of them are not only about trying to create more speed.

McIlroy has spoken about setup, launch, body movement and how players can use the ground better when hitting a driver. He has also stressed that amateurs should not expect to copy professional numbers simply by swinging harder.

Distance has become a bigger part of professional golf over the last two decades. The USGA and The R&A have continued to study the subject and said this year that distance is still increasing at the elite level.

Golf’s governing bodies are reviewing possible changes, but no new distance-related equipment rule is set to take effect before 2030.

Amateur numbers show a big difference

McIlroy’s 250-yard carry suggestion is a useful number, but the average amateur golfer does not always reach it.

Recent Shot Scope data showed that a scratch golfer averages around 285 yards in total driving distance. A five-handicap player averages about 261 yards, while a 10-handicap golfer is around 259.

The number drops further as handicaps rise. A 15-handicap player averages around 236 yards, a 20-handicap golfer around 225 and a 25-handicap player around 204 yards.

Those figures are total driving distance rather than carry distance, which makes McIlroy’s suggested 250-yard carry a fairly demanding target for an amateur.

The six-time major winner has never had the same problem with distance. McIlroy has been known for his driving since the early part of his career, and his combination of speed and launch allows him to reach parts of courses that many other players cannot.

Still, distance alone does not decide scores for amateur players. Accuracy, contact and keeping the ball in play can often be more useful than adding another 10 or 20 yards.

The experienced golfer is still putting most of his focus on the challenges ahead, hoping to make more big results and win a few more Grand Slam titles.

The Northern Irish golfer is aware that the battle between him and Scottie Scheffler will probably continue. Rory hopes he can be just as good next season and that it can bring even more memorable moments for him.