The angle formed where the club’s sole meets the shaft, significantly influences the direction and trajectory of a golf shot. A club with an upright lie angle tends to direct the ball left (for a right-handed golfer), while a flatter lie angle often results in a shot curving to the right. This occurs because the clubface’s orientation at impact is directly affected by the lie angle, influencing whether the ball is struck with a square, open, or closed face.
Properly fitted clubs, accounting for an individual’s height, arm length, and swing characteristics, are essential for accuracy and consistency. Historically, adjustments were limited, but modern clubmaking allows for precise customization. This ensures optimal launch conditions and minimizes compensations in swing mechanics that can lead to inconsistent ball striking. The ability to fine-tune this crucial element has significantly improved golfers’ ability to control their shots and achieve lower scores.