How Far Does The Average Amateur Golfer Hit Their Pitching Wedge In 2026?
Most amateur golfers could tell you how far they hit their driver, but how many know their carry yardage with a pitching wedge? Latest Shot Scope data revealed
If you asked most amateur golfers how far they hit their driver, most could give you an answer - even if it is slightly inflated.
Ask the same question about a pitching wedge, however, and you might hear answers delivered with less confidence.
In this series of articles, we have already explored how far the average amateur hits their driver, and their 7-iron, in 2026, according to the latest Shot Scope data, but how far is the average golfer carrying their wedges?
A pitching wedge can help you to set up birdie opportunities or save par, if wielded correctly, but understanding your yardages is a huge factor in the equation for success.
Below, we reveal how far amateur golfers at different handicap indexes hit their pitching wedge in 2026…
How Far Do Amateur Golfers Hit Their Pitching Wedge In 2026?
Let’s start with the average amateur golfer. According to the latest Shot Scope data, acquired through thousands of measured rounds from its registered users, the average amateur golfer hits their pitching wedge 118 yards.
The most competent golfers obviously outperform that average, with a scratch golfer hitting a pitching wedge 141 yards on average.
The difference between a scratch golfer and a 5-handicapper is one of the biggest in the entire spread, with a 5-handicap player hitting a pitching wedge 15 yards shorter - at 126 yards.
Pitching Wedge Average Carry Distance
How far amateur golfers from different handicap index brackets hit their pitching wedge on average
Carry Distance (yds)
| Product | Value |
|---|---|
| 0-handicap | 141 |
| 5-handicap | 126 |
| 10-handicap | 127 |
| 15-handicap | 121 |
| 20-handicap | 108 |
| 25-handicap | 90 |
There is very little between those players and a 10- (127 yards) or 15-handicapper (121 yards), which is not the case for all clubs in the bag.
The difference between a 5-handicapper and a 15-handicapper with a driver is 25 yards, suggesting that distance at the top end of the bag is more closely linked to cutting your handicap in 2026.
The decline in distance when you reach the high-handicappers is stark, with a 20-handicap (108 yards) and 25-handicapper (90 yards) hitting their pitching wedge significantly shorter than mid- and low-handicap players.
The average amateur golfer hits their pitching wedge 118 yards
This is likely down to the consistency and quality of their strike, but it’s also true that many high-handicappers struggle to control their low point effectively - which can also lead less distance with short irons and wedges.
There are plenty of great short game tips and drills that you can use to improve your strike and, therefore, distance with your wedges - like Top 50 Coach Alex Elliott’s pitch shot clinic.
Ultimately, understanding your start point and how far you can carry each of your wedges is crucial. Measure your own shots and compare against the latest averages to see if you are ahead of or behind the curve, then let us know in the comments below.
Oh, and before you go, make yourself feel better by learning how far Rory McIlroy hits his pitching wedge...
