Fitting for lie angle is the main difference from a Static Fit vs a Dynamic Fit. Lie angle is also the most important fit on the higher lofted clubs as it is a MAJOR factor in direction.
Lie Angle is defined by the angle between the shaft (center line) and the ground line when the clubhead is soled and touching the ground at the center line of the clubface.
Not a Little White Lie
Lie angle, especially in the lower irons has the most effect on direction. If the lie angle of the club is too Upright, the heel of the club will strike the ground first and cause the clubface to close. This will send the ball left of target. If the club is too Flat, the toe of the club will strike the ground first and cause the clubface to open, thus sending the ball to the right of the target.
Now club length can also play a part in the “effective” lie angle of a club, but if a club is properly fit prior to dynamic fitting of lie, the measurements taken during this process is very accurate.
The Lie Angle Process
- Impact tape is placed on the sole of the club (that means the bottom where the numbers usually are)
- The center of the tape is placed in the club’s sweetspot or center of the clubface
- The player takes several swings striking balls off of a lie board (typically a polycarbonate board)
- Marks are left on the impact tape where contact has been made during the swing
- Analysis of the marks
What it all means
Marks found towards the heel of the club will indicate that the club is too Upright and needs to be adjusted flatter (or an increase in lie angle from the standard). Likewise marks found in the toe area will mean that the club is too Flat and must be adjusted more Upright. This is the basic premise, hit and record, hit and record. The idea is to try clubs that are 2°-1° flat of standard, standard and 1° – 2° upright of standard. Some manufactures go up to 4° to either side of standard, but in my experience if you are properly fit for length and require more than 3° of lie angle change you are either a super tall person, or you need to work on you swing.
Impact tape on the sole of the club also can tell you more about your swing. If the markings are out on the toe, and the heavy towards the back (opposite of the face) odds are you slice the heck out of the ball with little pop. If the markings are at the toe and close to the leading edge (clubface) you are a slice trapper.
The key is to find a grouping of marks that
- Show strikes at the center(ish) of the clubface
- Show strikes at the center of the sole, not too close to the clubface or back edge
When you have it all covered
Once you find the proper lie angle for your swing, its always important to see where your current clubs rank. Ask the fitter to place some tape on the sole of your 6 iron, and also your favorite iron. Compare the markings from your clubs to those of the “fitted” clubs.
Effect of Lie
The effect of Lie is a
- MAJOR factor in Accuracy for short irons (8-SW)
- MEDIUM factor in the Accuracy of Middle Irons (5-7)
- MINOR factor in long irons, hybrids, fairway woods and Drivers
When you have been fit for Lie Angle the next step is Shaft and Flex. Click on this link to learn more.
