Who Drove The Ball Further - Laura Davies Or Annika Sorenstam?
Laura Davies and Annika Sorenstam are undeniably two of the world's greatest female golfers, but who drove the ball further?
Over a span of three decades, Dame Laura Davies and Annika Sorenstam collectively amassed an impressive total of 182 tour titles between them including 14 Major championships. They undeniably stand as two of the world's greatest female golfers, but who drove the ball further?
Davies is a renowned big-hitter who pulls out her driver on the tee and on the fairway. In 1992, when the LPGA began recording statistics, Davies dominated the average driving distance at 258.87 yards, surpassing the next longest hitter, Juli Inkster, by 20 yards.
Davies held the number one spot in the tour’s average driving distances for the next four seasons, registering distance of 254, 253.2, 265.6 and 262.6 yards respectively. This feat remains unmatched, making her the only golfer to top this list for five seasons.
Sorenstam turned pro in 1992, and her first recorded average driving distance on the LPGA Tour in 1994 measured 229.55 yards, nearly 30 yards shorter than Davies.
Sorenstam’s breakout year was 1995 when she secured her first Major title at the US Women’s Open and becoming the first non-American to win the Vare Trophy. In the same year she topped the money list, yet only featured in 30th place in driving distance at 241.68 yards.
Between 2000 and 2002 Davies temporarily slipped down the ranking list, averaging around 245 yards. Meanwhile, Sorenstam significantly increased her average driving distance to 265.59 by 2002, highlighted by a groundbreaking 305-yard drive at an LPGA event - the first fully validated 300-yard drive by a female golfer.
In 2003, Sorenstam claimed the top spot in driving distances, averaging 269.76 yards. A comparative analysis of Davies' and Sorenstam's stats from 2003 to 2008 (see below) reveals a noticeable spike in increased distances for both players, largely attributed to advancements in equipment technology.
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
From 2003 to 2007, Davies consistently ranked inside the top 10 for driving distances. In 2005 she achieved an average driving distance of 263.38 for a 3rd spot, just ahead of Sorenstam at 262.99.
So, who drove the ball further? While Sorenstam's highest average reached 269.76 and Davies' was 267.42, Davies maintains the edge in terms of the ranking list and consistent long-driving during this period.
Laura Davies' Average Driving Distances
Year | Average Driving Distance | Ranking |
1997 | 258.54 | 3 |
1998 | 257.87 | 4 |
1999 | 254.58 | 15 |
2000 | 242.71 | 64 |
2001 | 242.31 | 95 |
2002 | 251.39 | 63 |
2003 | 265.36 | 10 |
2004 | 267.42 | 5 |
2005 | 263.38 | 3 |
2006 | 267.60 | 8 |
2007 | 265.96 | 7 |
2008 | 254.63 | 31 |
Annika Sorenstam's Average Driving Distances
Year | Average Driving Distance | Ranking |
1997 | 249.24 | 14 |
1998 | 246.90 | 31 |
1999 | 246.18 | 48 |
2000 | 245.09 | 41 |
2001 | 252.34 | 28 |
2002 | 265.59 | 4 |
2003 | 269.76 | 1 |
2004 | 268.25 | 3 |
2005 | 262.99 | 4 |
2006 | 261.32 | 16 |
2007 | 257.12 | 27 |
2008 | 251.09 | 49 |
LPGA data
Alison Root has over 25 years experience working in media and events, predominantly dedicated to golf, in particular the women’s game. Until 2020, for over a decade Alison edited Women & Golf magazine and website, and is now the full-time Women's Editor for Golf Monthly. Alison is a respected and leading voice in the women's game, overseeing content that communicates to active golfers from grassroots through to the professional scene, and developing collaborative relationships to widen Golf Monthly's female audience across all platforms to elevate women's golf to a new level. She is a 16-handicap golfer (should be better) and despite having had the fantastic opportunity to play some of the best golf courses around the world, Kingsbarns in Scotland is her favourite.
-
Which School Has The Most NCAA Division I Championship Golf Titles?
Many schools have won the NCAA Division I Championship title through the years, but who comes out on top?
By Mike Hall Published
-
What Are Jon Rahm's Stock Yardages?
The LIV golfer is one of the game's most powerful hitters, but how far does Rahm hit every club in the bag?
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
'Cultural Issues Like Sexism Further Discourage Women From Joining' - Why Golf Club Membership Doesn’t Appeal To Modern Female Golfers
Unless golf clubs can provide options, they'll continue to cry out for female members
By Katie Dawkins Published
-
'I Had To Vet Someone For Club Membership. It's Pointless And Out Of Date' - Why Golf's Elitist Culture Must Change
Despite a boom in new golfers entering the sport post Covid, elitism still exists in golf. Here’s why...
By Carly Cummins Published
-
'After 18 Holes I Was Ready To Put My Headphones In The Bin' - Should This Ambiguous Golf Rule Be Abolished?
Carly Cummins wore headphones for a competition round and shares her experience and thoughts on the rule that's open to interpretation and reliant on self-regulation
By Carly Cummins Published
-
7 Reasons Why You Can’t Fake It Till You Make It In Golf
If you're completely new to golf, it's impossible to blag your way around a course. Here's why ...
By Emma Booth Published
-
Cop A Feel! How LIV Golf, The LPGA And Golfing Communities Are Saving Lives
Golf, more than most other sports, has the incredible ability to raise awareness of breast cancer and save lives... here's how
By Katie Dawkins Published
-
I Left So Many Shots Out There, But Then I Tried These 5 Strategy Tips And Have Never Played Better
If you're losing shots due to silly mistakes, consider these strategy tips from single figure golfer Jess Ratcliffe to improve your score
By Jess Ratcliffe Published
-
‘To Assume Makes An Ass Out Of You And Me’… Do Golf Club Pros Deserve Your Loyalty?
PGA Professional Emma Booth shares why the relationship between a golf club pro and members has to be a two-way street
By Emma Booth Published
-
'It’s Important That We Stop Confusing Distance With Ability' - Is This Model The Answer To A Fairer Golf Experience?
Meet the women who are on a mission to bring to life their vision that will create a better golf experience for everyone
By Katie Dawkins Published