Ball Speed
How fast the ball leaves the face — the single biggest ingredient in distance.
What it is
Ball speed is the speed of the golf ball the instant it leaves the club face. It's created by club speed and the quality of the strike, and it's the number most directly tied to how far the ball can travel.
Why it matters
More ball speed means more potential distance. Two players with the same club speed can have very different ball speeds depending on how cleanly they strike the center of the face.
How to improve it
Find the center of the face consistently, increase club speed, and make sure your dynamic loft and attack angle aren't bleeding off energy. A proper fitting can also help you convert swing speed into ball speed.