The golfclubs4cash essential guide to loft and lie
When you’re buying second hand golf clubs online, you’re faced with a myriad of decisions to make. At golfclubs4cash we’re here to help, and whether it’s drivers, irons, wedges or putters, we’ve got a buyer’s guide to help - and we even talk you through how to buy used golf bags and GPS and rangefinder devices.
One of the most important considerations that is often overlooked is the loft and lie of the club you’re buying, and this can be confusing - especially if you’re new to golf. But the loft and lie of your golf club can have a dramatic effect on your game, and if either is slightly out then it can affect even the most perfect shot. Let’s take a look at what loft and lie actually mean, and how to adjust them.
What is loft in golf?
Loft is the measurement of the angle that a club face has in relation to a vertical line (the shaft). A golf club’s loft is measured in degrees, and the smallest change can make a big difference. Drivers have a loft of around 10 degrees which gives minimal loft (or lift) for long-distance shots, while wedges have as much as 60 degrees for the highest loft and shorter shots.
The higher the loft angle, the higher the trajectory. So, if you think of a shot where you’d use a wedge, a higher trajectory is important because you need to get up and over something, whereas when using a driver it’s all about distance, so the vertical trajectory isn’t so important.
You may not realise it, but the loft of your club can change over time due to continuous use, so it’s always a good idea to have your loft checked by a professional around once a year to ensure it remains consistent.
What is lie in golf?
Golf lie is a little more complicated, but essentially it’s the angle that’s created between the ground and the shaft. It helps to picture yourself how you stand at the point of address. If the grooves on the club are adjacent with the ground, and the centre of the sole (the bottom of the clubface) is touching the ground, then your lie angle is about right. If not, then it needs some adjustment.
If your lie is too upright it’ll send your shot left of target, and if it’s a flat lie then it will send the ball right of target with a slicing action. A standard lie will send your ball straight towards the target.
At golfclubs4cash we’re passionate about ensuring that golfers are playing with correctly maintained golf clubs, and our Golf Maintenance Month in April is a timely reminder to check the state of your clubs and book them in for any adjustments that may be needed.
If you’d like to book an appointment for your clubs to be assessed, or you have any more questions, get in touch with us today and we’ll be happy to help.