Does distance improve over time?

[Trader Will]

I recently started playing golf. I haven't played a round on my home track yet, just been using the practice facility. With face tape as a guide and the yardage sticks I surmise that I can hit an 8 iron about 140-145 yards with a full swing hit correctly. I think this is probably about average, but I would like to be much better than average at golf. I figure you get more distance as you master the game, but how much?

[Uber$winG]

There is an old refrain in golf…

No one asks how far - only how many.

Having said that, 140-145 with an 8i is above average for a novice.

How far do want to hit an 8i?

The real question is: Can you hit your 8i 142 yards, hole high, 3 feet from the flagstick?

Before you become all-consumed with distance; work on, swing mechanics, consistency, and accuracy. Golf is a target game not a long drive contest.

[saevel25]

Yes it does, better contact equals more distance. The more energy you can transfer to the clubhead will mean more distance..

[Dad-2-3]

I'm probably taking you to literal, but time does not equal distance IMO. Improved technique = distance, accuracy, and consistency. For instance I played this game for years with the same results. I would hit a 5i from 150 and hoped it would end up somewhere in the vicinity of the green. After a 7 year hiatus from golf which involved military service/marriage/kids I picked it up again and decided that the same old wasn't good enough and decided to take it somewhat more serious. With improved technique the shot from 150 = a smooth 8i with a good chance of hitting the green. I still battle the fat shot, but it's becoming better as my technique improves.

A 165 yard 8i does you no good if you can only hit it that far 1 out of 10 times.

[allin]

That distance is probably average carry distance for a newer golfer, assuming they hit it consistently enough to really know their carry.  In addition irons seem to roll out more for novices, more sidespin, less backspin? At age 55 and a mid handicap I carry my six 145-150.  In my middle thirties when I started I hit it about 5 yards further. Equipment changes in balls, lighter shafts and stronger lofts have pretty much offset my distanced losses except for my driver.  I actually hit my 3 wood farther now in the air than I did 20 years ago.

[tristanhilton85]

More distance will come with time if that time is spent improving the swing... if you just go bash balls without specific things to work on all you'll really do is ingrain bad habits and you won't improve your distance or anything else for that matter.  However, if you take some lessons or at the very least do some research and figure out what you need to work on then distance as well as accuracy and consistency will improve.