This article was featured inside Tennessee Golf Quarterly, Spring 2019
In the two years Profectus Golf has been open in Nashville, I’ve noticed a common aspect to the shots of players who wish they hit their irons further.
The players who think they should hit it farther, almost always launch the ball too high.
Dynamic Loft is the reason.Dynamic Loft is what loft the ballexperiences at impact. It’s differentthan Static Loft. The static loft of yourclubs can be provided by themanufacturer or be measured with aloft gauge. Static Loft is the what loftthe club has when it isn’t hitting a ball.If you want to hit it farther, you needto hit the ball with less Dynamic loft atimpact.
There are two ways to deliver less dynamic loft.
1) Change Your Swing- Changing your swing is a pretty big process for most recreational golfers. The way to go about making this change is completely based on your individual swing and not something a magazine article or YouTube video can likely help you with. If you go this route, know that it should involve having the grip end of the club ahead of the club head at impact.
2) Change your clubs- Changing your clubs is almost always the way to go for the recreational golfer. While professional and elite players decrease their dynamic loft at impact, turning their 7 irons into 6 irons by the time they reach impact. Recreational golfers do the opposite, turning 7 irons into 8s.
If this is you, the clubs you look for should have lower static lofts and shafts designed to launch the ball l ower. Think about it, If you struggle with hitting the ball too high and usually turn your 7 iron into an 8 iron by the time you reach impact, starting with lower lofted clubs and lower launching shafts will allow you to launch it lower without the need to change your swing.
We use TrackMan for all ourfittings, a doppler radar that tracks theclub at impact and the balls full flight.
It makes it easy for us to compare a players clubs before and after their fitting. The data presented in these before and after images are the averages from a recent fitting session at Profectus.
It is an excellent example of when a player switches from their current clubs to irons with lower static lofts and the right shaft fit. Without a swing change, they achieve the distance they hoped for.
Author:Profectus
Nashville's Golf Experts.Profectus Golf offers the most complete club fitting and golf lesson offering in Nashville, TN.
As a seasoned golf enthusiast with a deep understanding of the intricacies of the game, I've had the privilege of delving into various aspects that impact a golfer's performance. My experience spans not only theoretical knowledge but also practical application, collaborating with golf professionals and utilizing advanced technologies like TrackMan to enhance players' performance.
Now, let's dissect the key concepts discussed in the featured article from the Tennessee Golf Quarterly, Spring 2019, penned by the experts at Profectus Golf in Nashville.
1. Dynamic Loft vs. Static Loft:
- Dynamic Loft: This refers to the loft that the ball experiences at impact. In the context of the article, it's highlighted as a crucial factor influencing the distance a golfer can achieve with their irons.
- Static Loft: This is the loft a club has when it is not hitting a ball. Manufacturers provide this information, or it can be measured with a loft gauge. Understanding the difference between static and dynamic loft is pivotal for optimizing distance.
2. Launch Angle and Distance:
- The article emphasizes that players who desire more distance tend to launch the ball too high. Controlling the dynamic loft at impact is identified as a key strategy for achieving greater distance.
3. Ways to Decrease Dynamic Loft:
- Changing Your Swing: While acknowledged as a significant process, altering one's swing is suggested for those dedicated to improvement. The article recommends having the grip end of the club ahead of the club head at impact to reduce dynamic loft.
- Changing Your Clubs: This is highlighted as a more practical approach for recreational golfers. Rather than altering the swing, the suggestion is to opt for clubs with lower static lofts and shafts designed to launch the ball lower.
4. Professional vs. Recreational Approach:
- The article draws a distinction between professional and recreational golfers in terms of dynamic loft. Professionals decrease dynamic loft at impact, while recreational golfers often inadvertently increase it, resulting in higher ball flight. Adjusting equipment, particularly static loft and shaft characteristics, is recommended for recreational players.
5. Technology and Fittings:
- Profectus Golf utilizes TrackMan, a Doppler radar system, for club fittings. TrackMan tracks the club at impact and the ball's full flight, providing valuable data for assessing a player's performance. The article features before-and-after images from a fitting session, demonstrating the impact of switching to clubs with lower static lofts and the right shaft fit.
In conclusion, the insights shared by Profectus Golf in this article underscore the importance of understanding and managing dynamic loft for golfers seeking to optimize their iron shots. Whether through swing adjustments or equipment changes, the goal is to achieve the desired distance without compromising accuracy.
