GOLF, CURL & MORE

726 Dundas St., Woodstock, Ontario, Canada. N4S 1E7. 519-537-7496, 1-866-286-2875, rbmck@oxford.net

LOFT & LIE

LIE ANGLE

Lie angle is the angle created by the centerline of the shaft and the horizontal grooves on the clubface. The same lie angle does not suit all players. Physical differences, e.g. height, arm-length, may dictate a different lie angle for Player A than Player B. Proper lie angle is essential to achieving consistently solid, accurate shots. It is physically impossible to hit a straight shot with a square clubface at impact if your lie angle is incorrect. If your lie angle is "toe up," you'll tend to hit the ball from right-to-left, and will benefit from a flatter lie angle; if your lie angle is "toe down," you'll have a tendency to slice the ball, and will benefit from a more upright lie angle.

To find out what kind of lie angle you require, consult a professional club fitter, who will employ a lie-board and marking tape to determine if you would benefit from a flatter or more upright lie angle. When you play with clubs whose lie angle fits your needs, you'll hit straighter shots

The loft of an iron is a measurement of the angle between the face of the club and the centerline of the hosel.

LOFT ANGLE

Loft angle is the angle of the clubface relative to the vertical plane. launch angle (note 1) and spin rate (note 2) are proportional to loft angle; higher lofted clubs produce higher launch angles and higher spin rates, resulting in higher trajectories (note 3). Players with faster club head speeds generate more backspin, creating more lift (note 4) ; consequently they typically require less loft. Slower swingers generate less backspin, and generally benefit from clubs with more loft.

The following diagrams illustrate the range of patterns of typical lie imprints. Note that the imprint illustration moves from the leading edge to the rear of the club's sole. This indicates that the clubface is closed on the leading edge and open on the rear edge. Further note that the imprint has moved from the toe to the heel of the club. This indicates that the club is too flat when marked on the toe and too upright when on the heel. The ideal mark will be an imprint in the center of the sole from heel to toe and from leading edge to rear of sole.

NOTES:

1. LAUNCH ANGLE

Launch angle refers to the initial angle at which the shot leaves the clubface. Launch angle is measured in degrees relative to horizontal; it plays a major role in the type of ball flight and distance achieved. Ideal launch angle varies depending on the type of shot called for, but the laws of physics dictate that the closer to horizontal the launch angle, the more lift is required to keep the ball in the air. Lift is a product of backspin, which is a product of energy, or swing speed, thus slower swingers need a relatively high launch angle to attain maximum distance.

2. SPIN RATE

A golf ball's spin rate refers to the speed it spins on an axis while in flight, measured in revolutions per minute (rpm). Spin rate off a driver generally ranges between 2,000 and 4,000 rpm, while the average, cleanly struck wedge shot spins at about 10,000 rpm. Spin generates loft, thus a shot's spin rate directly influences how high the ball flies and how quickly it stops after landing.

3. TRAJECTORY

Trajectory describes the flight path of an object.

An initial ball velocity of 120mph with a low launch angle of 6 degrees and a spin rate of 2000 rpm will produce a shot with a low trajectory that travels 155 yards.

The same ball velocity of 120mph with a higher launch angle of 14 degrees and a spin rate of 3000 rpm will produce a shot with a higher trajectory that travels 205 yards. That's 50 yards farther with the same relatively slow initial ball velocity.

The higher launch angle produced a higher initial trajectory, while the higher spin rate offered extra lift to resist the downward force of gravity over a longer distance.

4. LIFT

When a golf ball spins, the rotation enables oncoming air to pass more quickly over the top half of the ball, resulting in lower pressure on the top and greater pressure on the lower half. This greater pressure pushing up causes "lift."

Lift helps to enable a golf ball to fight the force of gravity and rise into the air. Lift occurs at an angle perpendicular to the axis on which the ball spins. In general, the higher the spin rate , the greater the lift.

This website is best viewed using Microsoft Internet Explorer

All prices listed are in Canadian Funds. Shipping charges and applicable taxes are not included. Prices listed are subject to change without notice.

Minimum order quantities may be required for some items.

Golf, Curl & More, 726 Dundas St. Woodstock, Ontario, Canada, N4S 1E7 1-866-286-2875, 519-537-7496 Fax: 519-537-8050, www.golfcurlandmore.com rbmck@oxford.net