Ball Speed

The velocity of the ball immediately after impact, measured in miles per hour. Ball speed is the single best predictor of distance for a given club, ahead of swing speed or smash factor in isolation.

Tour-average driver ball speed is around 170 mph; a scratch amateur is roughly 155–165 mph; a mid-handicapper is typically 130–150 mph.

Almost every launch monitor measures ball speed directly and accurately — it is the easiest core metric to measure, since the ball's motion immediately after impact is large and unambiguous.