Quest for the Perfect Golf Club

Finding the perfect golf club is not easy, but there are a few factors that you MUST consider if you want clubs that actually fit your unique swing. When we discussed swing plane, we talked about how the shaft of the golf club at impact should be at the same angle as it was at address. This timeless truth only creates accurate, consistent shots if the lie angle of the club is correct for your height, arm length, and stance. Watch the video below until the 2:34 mark (after that it’s an advertisement for The Golf Institute). It’s a terrific, easy to understand explanation of the importance of lie angle in an accurate golf swing.

Start With Your Perfect Stance

Set up your ideal, comfortable golf stance. Hold the club in the most natural position for your stance. We like to start with a middle iron like a 7-iron. When you’re in position, take a close look at the clubhead. The sole should not be perfectly flat on the ground - instead it should rise slightly toward the toe. Sometimes a better indicator of lie angle can be the grooves in the clubface, which should be perfectly level at impact.

It’s At Impact That Matters

No matter how nicely the club lines up at address, the truth is that you are in a different position at impact. Usually your knees are bent differently and your hips and shoulders are turned. This means that the lie angle at impact will not be exactly the same as it was at address, even if your swing plane is perfect. So, you have to evaluate the lie angle in your swing.

Put a piece of tape on the sole of your club and swing naturally atop a plywood or tile surface. Just skim the floor. The wear mark in the tape will tell you whether your lie angle is too flat or too steep.

Another Way to Check Lie Angle

You can use chalk on the sole of your club rather than tape, and swing on short grass. If you swing on long grass, too much of the chalk will be wiped off your club. The place where the chalk is missing after your swing should be right in the middle of the sole rather than toward the heel or toe of the club.

The Importance of Lie Angle

The reason lie angle is important is that even a little deviation from flat can lead to big misses at the end of the shot. If your swing plane is too flat for your club, you will tend to keep the toe high at impact, leading to hooks. If your swing plane is too steep for your club, you will tend to keep the toe too low at impact, leading to slices. It’s better to have your clubs fitted than to try to adapt your swing to your clubs because it’s difficult to consistently swing in a manner different from your natural set up. Go on to this page to learn about golf club shaft length and flex!