Skip to content

Why Distance Is King in Golf – And How to Gain It

15 Jun 2025

On average, the farther you hit the golf ball, the lower your scores will be. That is a fact. There are mountains of data illustrating this relationship, proving a direct correlation between driving distance and golfing ability.

A study by MyGolfSpy analyzed the debate between accuracy vs. distance, and the results were clear: distance is the key factor in lowering scores. While accuracy is important, modern data-driven golf proves that hitting the ball farther gives you a bigger advantage than simply keeping it in the fairway. On average a 25 handicapper hits more fairways than a scratch golfer, the difference in performance? The scratch golfer hits it over 70 yards further than the 25 handicapper. You can check out the full study here: MyGolfSpy Accuracy vs. Distance Study.

Can You Actually Gain More Distance?

Naturally, given this information, every golfer wants to know: how can I hit the ball farther? And is it even possible to make significant gains in distance?

The short answer: yes.

While some factors—such as genetics, flexibility, and years of experience—play a role in swing speed and distance, golfers of all skill levels can make huge leaps in distance at any age. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through overspeed training.

What Is Overspeed Training?

Overspeed training is a method designed to increase swing speed by training your brain and body to move faster than its current limits. The concept is rooted in neuroplasticity and motor learning—when the brain senses that the body can swing faster than before, it adapts by making that speed the new norm.

This training typically involves lighter-than-normal clubs or speed sticks (such as the RypStick trainer), following a structured progression:

  1. Swinging with a lighter club – Trains the body to move faster than usual, “tricking” the brain into accepting higher speeds.
  2. Swinging with a standard-weight club – Reinforces the speed gain while keeping the movement familiar.
  3. Swinging with a slightly heavier club – Builds strength while maintaining the speed gains developed earlier.


How Effective Is Overspeed Training?

According to a Par4Success study, golfers who followed a 6-week overspeed training program gained an average of 5.28 mph in driver swing speed, translating to 11 additional yards on their drives—in just six weeks of training.

You can view the full study here: Par4Success Overspeed Training Study.

While there isn’t yet comprehensive research on the effects of speed training over six months or six years, there’s no evidence to suggest that gains suddenly stop over time. If anything, continued training likely leads to long-term improvements in swing speed and overall power.

The RypStick – A Simple, All-in-One Speed Trainer

Unlike other speed training tools that require multiple clubs, the RypStick simplifies the process with three adjustable weights built into one club. This allows you to:

  • Remove weights to create a lighter club for overspeed training.
  • Add weights to build strength and reinforce speed gains.
  • Use a standard-weight setup for training at standard weight.

It’s a convenient and highly effective tool for increasing clubhead speed without needing multiple training aids.

Final Thoughts

If you’re serious about lowering your scores, hitting the ball farther should be your top priority. Distance has a greater impact on scoring than accuracy, and the best way to increase distance is to train your body to swing faster.

With overspeed training, golfers at any age and skill level can make huge swing speed gains and see real improvements in their game. If you’re ready to take your driving distance to the next level, incorporating a structured speed training program—like the RypStick system—is a proven way to get results.

So, the question isn’t “Can I hit the ball farther?”—it’s “How much farther do I want to hit it?”

👉 RypGolf Official Website

Prev post
Next post

Thanks for subscribing!

This email has been registered!

Shop the look

Choose options

Choose options

this is just a warning
Login