How Do I Determine Degrees of Loft in Golf?

Loft is the angle of a club face in relation to the ground and the straight line of the shaft. Loft affects how high and how far a golf ball flies when struck. Club manufacturers haven't agreed upon a standard measure of loft, so clubs may vary by company. However, drivers always have the least, and wedges have the most. Drivers and wedges are the clubs most noticeably affected by a change in loft. Players wishing to improve their game can buy individual clubs more suited to their swing. Determining the correct degree of loft for you can take some time, but offers great rewards on the course.

Instructions

    • 1

      Give yourself a brutally honest skill assessment. Golf clubs are expensive, and buying new ones only affects a consistent problem. Changing the loft of your club only helps if you hit the ball too low or too high every time. If you're just hitting bad shots, save some money and try practicing first.

    • 2

      Locate a golf supplier in your area. Ask them to provide you with a fitting. Many outfitters have technology that measures many variables of your golf swing including swing speed and ball speed, and tracks your ball's flight path. All of this helps determine whether you need more or less of a loft angle, and estimate the right amount for you.

    • 3

      Try a variety of club brands. The fitting gives you a starting point, but clubs vary by manufacturer, and offer varying degrees of loft. Find the club that works best with your swing. Bear in mind you're buying the club your game needs, not the club you wish you could hit.