What Is Lie Angle And Why Does It Matter?

Every golfer knows the key to improvement on the course is consistency. You have to groove the right swing and consistently hit the ball in the middle of the face with your irons. That’s hard enough to do as it is so you don’t need your equipment working against you. But if your irons don’t have the right lie angle, that is exactly what they are doing. Read on to learn what lie angle is, how it affects your shots, and how to get the right lie angle for your irons.

WHAT IS IT?

Lie angle is the angle created between the center of the shaft and ground when you put your iron down in the address position. If you have the proper lie angle, the center of the sole will rest squarely on the ground when you put the club down behind the ball. Then the lie angle is the space created between the shaft and the ground on the heel side of the club head. Lie angle also increases as the loft increases.

IMPACT OF LIE ANGLE ON ACCURACY

The lie angle is critical because it directly influences the accuracy of your shots. When the lie angle matches your swing mechanics and stature:

• Correct Lie Angle: Ensures that the clubface is perpendicular to the ball, promoting a straight shot.
• Too Upright: Causes the ball to veer to the left (for a right-handed golfer) as the heel of the club digs into the ground, opening the clubface upon impact.
• Too Flat: Leads to a rightward deviation (for a right-handed golfer) as the toe of the club hits the ground first, causing the clubface to close during contact.

HOW TO GET THE RIGHT LIE

TGW always recommends getting fit and trying out your clubs to make sure they match your swing. You can also use the PING Color Code chart to match your height and wrist-to-floor measurement, but because there is no standard lie angle across all club makers, it may not always translate to every iron.

There is one easy test you can do at home and all you need is a marker, some golf balls, and your irons. Use the marker to draw a straight line, vertically, on the back of the golf ball. When you hit the ball, the mark left on the clubface provides instant feedback. If the line is straight up and down in the middle of the club face, then your lie angle and swing are right on target. If the line is near the middle of the face but the line is slanted toward the heel, then your lie angle is too flat and the toe is down at impact. If the line is near the middle of the face but slanted toward the toe, then your lie angle is too upright and the toe is up at impact. 

This is an easy way to check your lie angle at home. Most clubs can be adjusted by a pro shop to match what you need. Make sure you are getting the most out of your clubs and that they are working with your swing. It is an easy way to improve your game and become a more accurate golfer!

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TESTING AND ADJUSTING

Lie angle should be tested periodically and adjusted if necessary, especially if you notice a pattern of mis-hits or if there has been a change in your stance or swing mechanics. Golf professionals use a lie board and impact tape to determine how the club is striking the ground. Adjustments are typically made by bending the clubhead at the hosel to the desired angle.

CONCLUSION