Carry Time
The time elapsed from impact until the ball lands at its carry distance.
Full Definition
Carry time (or flight time) measures how long the ball is in the air from the moment of impact until it first touches the ground. This is influenced by launch angle, ball speed, spin rate, and apex height. Higher trajectories with more hang time result in longer carry times. A typical driver shot might have a carry time of 5-7 seconds, while a wedge shot might be 3-5 seconds.
Optimal RangeGeneral guidance based on tour averages. Your optimal range depends on swing speed, physical attributes, and individual technique. Many golfers succeed with metrics outside these ranges.
Driver: 5.5-7.0 seconds | 7-iron: 4.5-5.5 seconds | Wedges: 3.0-4.5 seconds
Why It Matters
Carry time helps you understand your trajectory. Longer hang time often means higher shots that are more affected by wind. For windy conditions, a lower trajectory with shorter carry time keeps the ball more under control. It also helps calculate when to expect the ball to land.