Junior golfers are no different than other golfers – they want to hit the ball as far as possible not only because it’s fun but because it provides a big advantage on the course. To accomplish this, junior golfers need to be able to swing the club fast and transfer energy to the ball.

For developing juniors, club speed takes on an even bigger role. It’s one of the most important factors in determining a young golfer’s ultimate potential. Both in college and on tour, the game is dominated by players who use distance as an advantage. College coaches sometimes look past accomplished high school golfers who lack the speed to compete at the next level.

Here’s a brief list of the most important factors that contribute to higher club speed and ball speed:

• Height and weight
• Athleticism and coordination
• Swing efficiency, technique, and strike point on the club face
• Ground reactions forces (how golfers use the ground)
• Movement quality including mobility, stability, and power
• Properly fit equipment

Below is a chart that details average driver speed for competitive boys and girls. If you’re wondering where your child stacks up, I would recommend getting him or her tested on a reliable launch monitor like the TrackMan. Be careful about using launch monitors at retail stores; they’re often set to magnify speed and distance to sell clubs.

Here’s a list of the steps young golfers should take to start down the road to increase club and ball speed:

1. Get a complete evaluation that includes a movement screen, 3d analysis, club and ball data, and equipment testing.
2. Find a coach or a training facility that understands how all of these factors work together.
   
3. Develop a plan that provides ample time to make both the required technical and physical changes.
4. Get reevaluated in 60-90 days.