What if you teed off on the Moon instead of your local golf course? The idea sounds like pure science fiction, but it has a real connection to history. Back in 1971, astronaut Alan Shepard made headlines during the Apollo 14 mission when he famously swung a makeshift six-iron and sent two golf balls flying across the lunar surface. That single playful instance sparked an intriguing question among scientists, golf aficionados, and space enthusiasts: How far would a golf ball go on the Moon? On Earth, a professional golfer might drive the ball 300 yards, but the Moon offers a completely different playing field.

With just one-sixth of Earth’s gravity and no atmosphere to slow the ball down, a single swing could launch a golf ball much farther than anything possible here on our planet.

We’ll explore the physics of golf both on Earth and on the Moon, break down how fast a golf ball can travel, and even revisit the fun fact about the two golf balls that remain on the lunar surface today. By the end, you’ll know exactly what would happen if you hit a golf ball on the Moon—and how far it would go.

How Far Would a Golf Ball Go on the Moon?

Gravity and Atmosphere: Why the Moon is Different

When thinking about golf on the Moon, two big differences stand out: gravity and atmosphere.

• Gravity: The Moon’s gravity is only one-sixth as strong as Earth’s. This means objects—including golf balls—don’t fall to the ground as quickly. A ball that drops instantly on Earth would take much longer to come down on the Moon.
• Atmosphere: The Moon has no real atmosphere, which means no air resistance. On Earth, air slows a golf ball down, reducing its speed and distance. On the Moon, nothing stands in its way once it’s launched.

These two factors combined create the perfect conditions for super long golf shots. A swing that travels a few hundred yards on Earth could stretch for miles on the Moon.

Physics of a Golf Ball on Earth

Before imagining golf on the Moon, let’s look at what happens here on Earth.

• How fast can a golf ball go with a driver?
  A well-hit golf ball can leave the clubface at around 150–200 mph (240–320 km/h).
• How fast does a golf ball come off a driver?
  Professional players with high swing speeds can launch the ball at speeds of approximately 180 mph. Amateur golfers typically hit closer to 130–150 mph.
• Average driving distance on Earth:
  • Pros: around 280–320 yards (250–290 meters).
  • Amateurs: 200–240 yards (180–220 meters).

The distance a ball can cover is restricted by factors like air resistance, wind, and gravity, which is why even top golfers can only hit the ball a few hundred yards.

If You Hit a Golf Ball on the Moon: Distance Explained

Now let’s answer the burning question: If you hit a golf ball on the Moon, how far would it go?

Since the ball would launch at the same speed as on Earth (around 150–200 mph), the big difference is how long it stays in the air. With weaker gravity and no air resistance, a golf ball could keep traveling for an incredibly long distance.

• Scientists estimate a well-hit shot on the Moon could fly up to 2.5 miles (about 4 kilometers) before landing.
• That’s nearly 15 times farther than the average drive on Earth.

In other words, a single swing could turn a golf hole into a cross-country shot.

How Far Can You Hit a Golf Ball on the Moon? (Detailed Analysis)

While the physics suggest incredible distances, reality is a little different.

• Professional Golfer vs. Astronaut Swing: A pro golfer on Earth has perfect conditions to generate speed and control. Astronaut Alan Shepard, however, was wearing a bulky spacesuit that restricted his movement, making his swings much weaker.
• Surface Challenges: The Moon’s rocky and uneven terrain doesn’t provide a smooth tee box or fairway. A golf ball might bounce oddly after hitting the ground.
• Theoretical vs. Practical Distance:
  • Theoretically: Up to 2.5 miles.
  • Practically (as Shepard showed): His balls only traveled a few hundred yards at best.

So while the Moon offers the physics for record-breaking shots, human limitations make it tricky.

Fun Fact: How Many Golf Balls Are on the Moon?

Here’s a fun piece of trivia: There are two golf balls on the Moon right now.

In 1971, Alan Shepard gained fame during the Apollo 14 mission by secretly bringing a modified six-iron and hitting two golf balls while on a moonwalk.

NASA later confirmed they are still there, resting in the lunar dust as a playful reminder of human exploration.

This small act of fun became one of the most memorable moments in space history—showing astronauts weren’t just scientists, but also humans finding joy even in the harshest environment.

What Makes This Thought Experiment Interesting?

The idea of golf on the Moon blends sports and space science in a way that sparks curiosity.

• It shows how much physics changes outside Earth.
• It links a well-known activity (golf) to the unfamiliar (space).
• It reminds us that space exploration isn’t only about survival—it’s also about human creativity and fun.

Conclusion

So, how far would a golf ball go on the Moon? The answer: much farther than on Earth. Thanks to weaker gravity and the lack of air resistance, a drive that normally goes 300 yards here could travel over two miles on the Moon.

On Earth, golf is limited by physics. On the Moon, the rules completely change. And thanks to Alan Shepard, we already know two golf balls are resting on the lunar surface, waiting as silent proof of human imagination.

Golf on the Moon isn’t just a thought experiment—it’s a reminder of how exploration reshapes even the simplest games.

FAQs

How far would a golf ball go on the Moon?
Up to 2.5 miles, compared to a few hundred yards on Earth.

How fast can a golf ball go with a driver?
Between 150–200 mph, depending on swing speed.

How many golf balls are on the Moon?
Two, left behind by astronaut Alan Shepard during Apollo 14.

If you hit a golf ball on the Moon, would it ever stop?

Yes, eventually. It would keep traveling until Moon’s gravity pulled it down, but without air resistance, it would fly much farther first.

Who hit the first golf ball on the Moon?

Astronaut Alan Shepard in 1971 during Apollo 14.