How Fast Does a Golf Ball Travel?

The USGA and R&A (European golf governing body) rule that the velocity of the golf ball shall not be greater than 250 ft. (76.2 m.) per second. A maximum tolerance of 2 percent will be allowed.

Besides club speed, there are other factors that can affect ball velocity. Hitting the sweet spot of the club is the most important factor. The material of the club and angle of approach can also produce varying ball speeds. Titanium offers the greatest increase to ball velocity.

To capture the velocity of the ball use this equation:
velocity = (clubhead speed x coefficient of restitution) / (1.0 + (mass of ball / mass of clubhead))
1.62 oz. is the weight of most golf balls.

With a 100-mph swing using an 11-degree driver with .825 COR and 200 gram head weight, assuming a center hit the golf ball, velocity would be 148 mph.

That fastest velocity is just after impact. The golf ball will continue to lose speed until it reaches its peak height. The ball will than face loss of momentum and spin rate due to air resistance and gravity. From that point the golf ball will reach a max speed of 72 mph.