Lesson 1.2: Typical Distance Ranges
Every player hits the ball a different distance with every club. A touring professional might hit their 7-iron 185 yards. A beginner might hit the same club 90 yards. As a caddy, you need to quickly learn your player’s distances — but you also need a baseline understanding of typical ranges so you can offer useful input before you have that data.
Here are general distance ranges to build your baseline knowledge:
| Club | Men (approx.) | Junior / Teen (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Driver | 200–300 yds | 120–180 yds |
| 3-Wood | 180–240 yds | 100–160 yds |
| 5-Iron | 160–185 yds | 90–130 yds |
| 7-Iron | 140–170 yds | 80–115 yds |
| 9-Iron | 110–135 yds | 65–95 yds |
| Pitching Wedge | 90–115 yds | 55–80 yds |
| Sand Wedge | 60–90 yds | 40–65 yds |
| Putter | On the green | |
These are starting points, not rules. The most important thing you can do in your first few holes with any player is quietly observe and remember. When they hit a clean 7-iron and you can see where it lands, that’s your 7-iron data point for that player. Build the mental chart as you go.
Distance also changes with conditions. A strong headwind can take 10-20 yards off a shot. A downhill lie adds distance. Hot and dry conditions (firmer fairways) add rollout. You don’t need to be a ballistics expert — but you should be aware that conditions matter and mention them when asked.
Never guess on yardages with confidence you don’t have. If you tell a player “that’s a 7-iron” and they hit it 20 yards short of the green, you’ve damaged their trust and their score. It is always better to say “I think it’s about 155 to the pin, maybe a 6 or 7-iron depending on how you’re hitting it today” than to make a false confident call.
On the first tee, before the round starts, it’s perfectly fine to ask: ‘Do you have a yardage book, or would it help if I noted your distances as we go?’ This signals preparation and genuine interest — players appreciate it.
Create your personal distance chart. Interview a golfer — a parent, family friend, or club member — and ask them how far they hit their main clubs. Write down 8-10 clubs with their approximate distances. This is exactly what you’ll do mentally with every player on the first few holes of a loop. Practice the habit of asking and remembering.