On The Tee with Hank Johnson

October 31, 2008
Have You Ever Wondered?
Have you ever wondered why some players (perhaps you) hit the ball farther With their three wood or even their five wood than they do with their driver? You might also be curious as to why at some point in certain players set of clubs; every club starts to go the same distance? For instance, their five iron doesn't go any farther than their six iron.It's because of the scientific fact that for a given club head speed, club head design and impact angle of the club head relative to the ground there is a minimum effective club face loft.That's correct. For any given combination of the factors mentioned above there is a minimum club face loft required to launch the ball on an effective trajectory and impart enough spin on the ball to keep it in the air.If a player goes below the minimum effective club face loft for their individual impact factors, the ball actually goes shorter.One of the major benefits of modern club fitting technology is the ability to scientifically determine the minimum effective clubface loft for each individual players launch conditions. This provides the opportunity to recommend the perfect set make up for each individual player.You can now determine with technology when your set should transition from traditional irons to hybrids. What the least lofted fairway wood your launch conditions will work with. What is the real minimum effective driver loft you should use?You don't have to guess or wonder any more. Now you can get the same accurate answers that the tour players have been getting for years. Make sure your equipment is helping you play your best golf.
posted by Hank Johnson