Driving Distance Increases Again On Tour In 2018

There was a 1.7 yard increase across the seven major global tours in 2018

Driving Distance Increases Again
McIlroy is one of many players who averages over 300 yards on tour (Getty Images)
(Image credit: Getty Images)

There was a 1.7 yard increase across the seven major global tours in 2018, according to the R&A and USGA's annual Driving Distance Report.

Driving Distance Increases Again On Tour In 2018

According to the latest 2018 Driving Distance Report put together by the R&A and USGA, driving distance on the seven Major global tours increased by an average of 1.7 yards. This moves beyond the previous year's gain of 3 yards too.

Started in 2015, the fourth annual report measured across the PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, PGA European Tour, Ladies’ European Tour, Japan Golf Tour, Web.com Tour and PGA Tour Champions to collect the data.

Typically this data is gathered on two holes at each tournament and is designed to monitor and analyse movements in driving distance.

In relation to the PGA Tour and European Tour, most players hit driver on those two holes, with the percentage being 94% and 92% respectively.

Cameron Champ currently averages 319.9 yards off the tee. (Getty Images)

In terms of specifics, the average distance on the PGA Tour went up four yards from 292.5 yards to 296.1, an increase of nearly four yards.

Additionally the Web.com average distance went up two whole yards from 302.9 to 304.9 yards.

The tour with the lowest increase was the LPGA which went from 252.6 to 252.7 yards.

Related: How far do average golfers hit it?

Back in 2002, both organisations released their Joint Statement of Principles which expressed their desire to keep skill as the main element of golf.

Indeed they have monitored driving distance since then but the 2018 report, like many others, has revealed how distance has increased incredibly so.

This therefore adds to the debate currently raging in golf whether distance has become a huge problem in the game.

The R&A and USGA will give yet more statistics and information later in 2019 when they complete their Distance Insights Report. Indeed they will provide an update on that work by the end of the first quarter in 2019.

Expand Clubhouse Podcast Ep 4: Exclusive Rose and Koepka Interviews + Haotong Li

Sergio Garcia Apologises Saudi International Golf Betting Tips

Clubhouse Podcast Ep 4: Exclusive Rose and Koepka Interviews + Haotong Li

Listen to the latest Golf Monthly Clubhouse podcast…

Expand Saudi International Golf Betting Tips

Sergio Garcia Apologises Saudi International Golf Betting Tips

Saudi International Golf Betting Tips

Who will win the first event in Saudi…

Expand Waste Management Phoenix Open Golf Betting Tips

Waste Management Phoenix Open Golf Betting Tips

Waste Management Phoenix Open Golf Betting Tips

Will Gary Woodland be able to defend his…

Expand Koepka Speaks Out On Slow Play: “It’s Kind Of Embarrassing”

Koepka Speaks Out On Slow Play

Koepka Speaks Out On Slow Play: “It’s Kind Of Embarrassing”

The three-time Major winner says slow play "drives…

For more information and new from the world of golf, don't forget to follow Golf Monthly on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Sam Tremlett
E-commerce Editor

A golfer for most of his life, Sam is a Senior Staff Writer for Golf Monthly. 

Working with golf gear and equipment over the last six years, Sam has quickly built outstanding knowledge and expertise on golf products ranging from drivers, to balls, to shoes. 

He combines this knowledge with a passion for helping golfers get the best gear for them, and as such Sam manages a team of writers that look to deliver the most accurate and informative reviews and buying advice. This is so the reader can find exactly what they are looking for.


Sam now spends most of his time testing and looking after golf gear content for the website, whilst he is also responsible for all content related to golf apparel. 

He also oversees all Tour player content as well so if you need to know what clubs Tiger or Rory has in play, Sam is the person to ask. 

Unfortunately, Sam is not a member of any club at the moment but regularly gets out on the golf course to keep up the facade of having a handicap of five. 


Sam's What's In The Bag: 

Driver: Titleist TS3 (9 degrees) 

Fairway Wood: Callaway Paradym (15 degrees), Nike Covert Tour 2.0 (19 degrees) 

Irons (4-PW): Titleist AP2 

Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM7 54˚, 58˚ 

Putter: Scotty Cameron Phantom X 5.5 

Ball: Srixon Z-Star Diamond

Shoes: G/FORE Gallivanter/Nike Air Zoom Infinity NEXT%/Cuater The Ringer