Why the Start of Off-Season is the Perfect Time For a Lie & Loft Check

If you're a golfer who plays forged irons or just happens to play and practice a lot, there is a good chance your lies and lofts are out of spec, especially if you practice off mats.

And, these lie and loft numbers are important.

How Important?

If the lie angle of your irons are off by only 1-2 degrees, it will have a huge impact on your ability to produce a consistent ball flight and solid contact. Lie angle becomes even more critical on clubs with more loft (like your short irons and wedges) because the lie angle will have a greater impact on where the golf ball goes after impact, aka Launch Direction.

I'll let the folks from TrackMan handle the scientific explanation.

(Image: TrackMan)

Launch Direction is the horizontal angle relative to the target line of the golf ball’s center of gravity movement immediately after separation from the club face.

A positive Launch Direction indicates a ball that starts right of the target and a negative Launch Direction indicates a ball that starts left of the target.

The larger the number, the more offline the ball has started (right or left). A zero Launch Direction means the ball started directly at the target.

As for golf club loft, that will have a direct impact on golf club distance gapping, and having your lofts checked for consistency will ensure your clubs fly distances they should.

What Is Golf Club Lie Angle?

Lie angle is the angle formed by the hosel and shaft relative to the ground when the club is either soled in the centre or the grooves are parallel to the ground or the zero plane of a measuring device.

(Image: Hireko Golf)

How Will It Change My Game?

If your irons are too flat from your ideal lie angle, the face is going to approach the ball more open to the target and will generally cause missed shots to the right of the target.(All examples are for right-handed golfers).

On the other hand is a club is too upright, the club face will naturally point more left at the point of impact cause shots to miss lower and to the left.

Here's the best part, and why you shouldn't stress about this simple fix.

Most golf stores (with a proper fitting bay) or any club fitting studio generally charge a minimal fee to check and then adjust angles and once you realize just how much of an impact this one golf club spec can have your your irons and wedge game it's one of the fastest and easiest ways to make sure your clubs are ready for next season, or whenever you hit the course next.