The PGA Tour has been tracking average driving distance since 1980. Hank Kuehne set a record in 2003 with a mark of 321.4 yards that stood for almost two decades. However, during the 2019-20 season, Bryson DeChambeau surpassed Kuehne’s record. DeChambeau then broke his own record the following year. John Daly was the first player to surpass the 300-yard average distance in 1997 and led the Tour in driving distance 11 times. Notably, only eight golfers on this list won a PGA Tour event in the same year they led in driving.
Below is a list of the longest drivers starting from 1980 through the 2024 regular season. Images of some of these golfers are also included.
Dan Pohl led the PGA Tour in driving in 1980 and then again in 1981, without winning on Tour either season. Bill Calfee took the driving lead in 1982 but struggled to make cuts and secure high finishes. John McComish achieved the most driving distance twice: in 1983 and then again in 1987. Bill Glasson topped the driving stats in 1984 but had limited success in the tournaments that season. Andy Bean excelled in 1985, posting eight top-10 finishes. Davis Love III led the Tour in driving distance in 1986 and again in 1994 but did not secure a win during those seasons. Steve Thomas’s driving prowess in 1988 did not translate to many top finishes. Ed Humenik was the driving leader in 1989 but struggled to make cuts and secure high finishes. Tom Purtzer led in driving distance in 1990 but did not secure a victory.
John Daly started his reign as the Tour’s long-drive leader in 1991 and held that title multiple times until 2002, achieving the first 300-yard average barrier in 1997. Daly managed to win three PGA Tour events during his seasons as the top driver. Hank Kuehne set records in back-to-back years in 2003 and 2004, with impressive driving averages. Scott Hend briefly held the top position in 2005. Bubba Watson showcased his big-driving ability in multiple seasons, culminating in wins at the Masters in 2012 and 2014. Robert Garrigus led in driving distance in 2009 and 2010, winning a tournament in 2010. J.B. Holmes topped the distance category in 2011 and again in 2016, securing high finishes and wins in tournaments during those years. Luke List spent one year leading the Tour in driving distance in 2013.
These golfers have showcased incredible distance off the tee over the years, with some managing to convert that power into victories on the PGA Tour.
