How Far Should You Hit a 9 Iron? — (9 Iron Distance)

Because of its popularity and wide usage, many golfers have asked us how far a 9 iron typically goes, which I, the head golf instructor at Tell Me More Golf, have answered in this article. 

The 9 iron is included in all iron sets, and it’s one of the golf clubs with the most usability. It’s generally used for approach shots from the fairway or tee shots on par 3s, but it can also be great for bump-and-run chipping.

How Far Does the Average Person Hit a 9 Iron?

The average male golfer hits his 9 iron around 115 yards.

The average female golfer hits it a little shorter at around 100 yards.

However, the distance range for a 9 iron is very wide, with professional golfers hitting it much further and many amateurs hitting it much shorter. 

9 Iron Distance Chart 

In this distance chart, you can see what regular yardage an average woman, male beginner, average man, advanced man, and professional golfer hits their 9 iron.

9 Iron Average Club Head Speed

The average male golfer has a clubhead speed of around 72 mph when swinging with full swing speed. A professional on the PGA Tour hits a 9 iron significantly faster than the average golfer at around 88 mph. However, the swing speed you will have is very individual, as there are so many factors involved. 

Standard 9 Iron Length

The standard 9 Iron length is approximately 36 inches.

Tips On Hitting a 9 Iron for Distance

If you want to improve your distance with your 9 iron, your best bet will be to simply increase your clubhead speed and improve the quality of your strike. You can also try delofting the clubface to reduce loft, which results in a lower launch with more distance. 

When Should I Use a 9 Iron?

Out on the golf course, the most common place to use a 9 iron is when hitting into greens.

Another often overlooked way of using a 9 iron is to hit bump-and-run shots or low chips around the greens. These types of shots are hit low to the ground and roll-out to the pin and are very forgiving and consistent, which could help you lower your scores. 

9 Iron Degrees of Loft 

The standard loft for a 9 iron is between 40-43 degrees, but since golf lofts have gotten stronger, some iron manufacturers now have 9 irons with lofts as low as 37 degrees. This is quite a wide range, and the right loft for you is easiest found by doing a professional fitting. 

9 Iron Loft – Is There Anything Special? 

9 irons are an incredibly versatile club. The loft is relatively high, meaning that it’s great for hitting into greens where you want the golf ball to stop quickly. You can also do many kinds of chip shots with a 9 iron, including the often overlooked bump and run that we strongly recommend beginners and higher handicaps check out. 

TellMeMoreGolf.com – Frequently Asked Questions

What is a 9 iron used for?

A 9 iron will typically be used when hitting into greens, either from the fairway or from the tee box. What yardage you hit your 9 iron will determine when it’s the right club choice. It’s also fantastic for bump-and-run chip shots, which are easy to do and often deliver a great result. 

How far should a 9 iron go?

How far a 9 iron goes depends on many factors, but the average male golfer hits his 9 iron about 115 yards, and the average female hits her around 100 yards. 

Is a 9 iron essential?

The 9 iron is included in all iron sets, and we would definitely classify it as an essential golf club. The relatively high loft makes it easy to hit and very versatile, and the distance it delivers is often perfect for approach shots. 

Conclusion:

The 9 iron is one of the most used clubs in golf, and that’s for a reason. The average male golfer hits a 9 iron around 115 yards, and the average female hits it a little shorter at about 100 yards. However, it’s important to remember that everyone hits their clubs very different distances, and there’s little point in comparing yourself for any other reason but fun.

Patrick Corley

From a golf scholarship to a Southern California University, to a private golf coaching career and an instructor position at a nonprofit organization, I’m here to help you get better at golf! With my 50+ years of golf experience; I bring you Tell Me More Golf. A golf coaching website that helps your game with instructional golfing content that’s ultimately geared toward making you a better golfer and having more fun!

Our golf instructor team brings it all to you, so enjoy!

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