On the LPGA Tour, how far does the average driver length?

 We take a look at the results and the bombs on the LPGA Tour as the season begins in 2022.

As you tune in to coverage on the PGA Tour, you’d have to wire your eyes and ears shut to avoid any mention of driving distance. Whilst that information is all well and good, do you know the same for our counterpart athletes on the LPGA Tour? Well, you should. 

 

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When it comes to driving distance on the LPGA Tour, it too has dramatically changed. Whilst the tour average has remained relatively stable over the last five years (252 vs 256 yards) we’ve seen impressive increases at the top. The 2021 average is 7 yards longer than 2020 and some 21 yards longer than it is was ten years ago.

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2021 also saw the tightest margin between leaders on the LPGA and PGA Tour, with Anne van Dam averaging only 31.9 yards less than Bryson DeChambeau and 26 yards less than the PGA Tour average.

As we enter the 2022 season, we look at who to watch out for on the tee box.

Lydia Ko

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 has never been renowned for uncorking monstrous drives, and nothing has changed in that department.

However, she has gained some distance off the tee since teaming up with swing coach Sean Foley last year.

Ko averaged a career-high 259.2 yards (237m) with driver in hand this year, almost 15 yards further than in 2019, almost 10 yards further than in 2015, when she won six tournaments,

 

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BIANCA PAGDANGANAN

Bianca Getty

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Bianca entered the LPGA Tour in 2020 having earned status through the Qualifying Series. She would go on to establish herself as the longest hitter on tour with an average of 283 yards. Whilst second to van Dam in 2021, her 284 yard average would have taken top spot in each of the last 15 seasons. You’d have to go back to 2006 where Sweden’s Karin Sjodin averaged the exact same distance.

Bianca does two things noticeably well. Okay, a lot more than two but these stand out significantly to me. She uses the ground expertly and her hip movement through the ball is second to none on the planet. Whilst yet to win on tour, you’d have to imagine she will soon. Her back to back 65’s at the Women’s PGA Championship, on the way to a T9 finish, showed exactly what she is capable of.

With a T10 finish at the LPGA Qualifying Series, Bianca will be back teeing it up on the LPGA Tour in 2022. At the age of 24, expect to see her name a LOT in future.

MARIA FASSI

Maria Fassi Getty

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Fassi first earned her LPGA Tour card in 2018, at the age of 20, but deferred membership until she finished college. The Mexican competed at the inaugural Augusta National Women’s Amateur in 2019 and finished second behind American Jennifer Kupcho. Kupcho put on a show by finishing five under for the final six holes; which included an eagle at the famous par 5 13th.

Fassi turned professional in May 2019 before making her debut with a T12 finish at the 2019 U.S. Women’s Open. Since turning professional, Fassi has averaged 280 yards off the tee and remained within the top three hitters on tour. Still only 23, expect to hear a lot of her name in distance conversations.

LEXI THOMPSON

Lexi Getty

(Image credit: Getty Images)

A name that needs little introduction. At the age of 12, Lexi made history by becoming the youngest to ever qualify for the U.S. Women’s Open. She went on to turn professional age 15 and set a then record by becoming the youngest winner on the LPGA Tour. The 11 time LPGA Tour winner is one of the most familiar faces in the game, thanks largely to her power off the tee.

2022 marks Lexi's tenth official season on the LPGA Tour. During that time, she has averaged a total of 272 yards off the tee which has consistently placed her within the top three power hitters on tour. Lexi recorded her highest average in 2021 with 278 yards; some 7 yards longer than 2020. That tells us that a fit and healthy Lexi can only mean one thing - Long walks from the tee.

 

ANNE VAN DAM

Anne van Dam getty

(Image credit: Getty Images)

With five Ladies European Tour victories to her name, van Dam joined the LPGA Tour in 2019. She became an instant sensation by leading the 2019 distance count with an average of 283.8 yards. She averaged 282.1 yards in 2020 but was narrowly pipped by Bianca Pagdanganan. Van Dam returned to the summit in the 2021 season and reclaimed her title with an average of 290.8 – Some increase from her two seasons prior! Her 2021 average was also the highest in LPGA Tour history.

Results haven’t quite gone in van Dam’s favour as she failed to retain LPGA Tour status for 2022. Van Dam, who competed at the Olympic Games in Japan last summer, finished five strokes away from a playing card at the LPGA Qualifying Series.

With a swing that is as close to technically perfect as you will see, it would be totally remiss of me not to mention her today. Don’t just take my word for it though, hear from her yourself:

2021 TOP 10 AVERAGE DRIVING DISTANCE

Who were the top ten in driving distance on the LPGA Tour in 2021?

  1. Anne van Dam - 290.822 
  2. Bianca Pagdanganan - 284.846
  3. Maria Fassi - 279.784
  4. Lexi Thompson - 278.353 
  5. A Lim Kim - 276.762
  6. Nanna Koerstz Madsen - 276.580
  7. Nelly Korda - 275.121
  8. Patty Tavatanakit - 274.703
  9. Brooke Henderson - 274.280
  10. Jessica Korda - 273.857 

 AVERAGE DRIVING DISTANCE In 2022:


RANKNAMEAVERAGE DRIVING DISTANCE
1
Philippines
 Bianca Pagdanganan
284.000
2
Denmark
 Emily Kristine Pedersen
276.750
3
United States
 Lexi Thompson
276.286
4
England
 Charley Hull
275.714
5
United States
 Alana Uriell
274.000
6
Sweden
 Frida Kinhult
273.750
7
France
 Pauline Roussin-Bouchard
273.071
8
United States
 Janie Jackson
270.600
9
United States
 Jennifer Kupcho
270.333
10
Denmark
 Nanna Koerstz Madsen
270.300
11
Mexico
 Maria Fassi
270.125
12
Japan
 Yuka Saso
270.050
13
Thailand
 Patty Tavatanakit
269.773
14
Canada
 Brooke M. Henderson
268.727
15
United States
 Nelly Korda
268.636
16
Spain
 Luna Sobron Galmes
268.500
17
Spain
 Carlota Ciganda
268.143
18
United States
 Amanda Doherty
267.750
19
Thailand
 Atthaya Thitikul
267.429
20
United States
 Cydney Clanton
266.714
20
United States
 Rachel Rohanna
266.714
22
Australia
 Sarah Kemp
265.750
55
Republic of Korea
 Jeongeun Lee6
258.357
56
England
 Georgia Hall
258.273
57
New Zealand
 Lydia Ko
258.063

 

More:  

CME Group Tour Championship: Lexi Thompson moves up, moves back, but still in contention

 

Sources: golfmonthly.com &, LPGA.com



 

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