Golf Club Lie Angle

Lie angle is the angle between the bottom, or sole, of the golf club and the shaft. GolfSpyder can help you learn about golf club lie angle and the affects it has on your golf game.

Having the proper lie angle is critical if you want the opportunity to make accurate golf shots. The purpose in adjusting the golf club's lie angle is to ensure that the club is resting squarly on its sole when you are addressing your shot. This will help get your swing on the right plane and keep the clubface square at impact. A lie angle that is too upright will cause the heel of the club to hit the ground first, which will close the clubface and produce a pull or hook. A lie angle that is too flat causes the toe to hit the ground first, opening the clubface, which will result in a push or slice. It is estimated that about 90% of all golfers have a lie angle that is off by at least 2 degrees. Use the charts below as a guide to help you find out how far off your current lie angle might be and to find out what the correct lie angle for you should be.

Standard Lie Angle Chart

Golf club manufacturers have done extensive research into finding a standard lie angle that will be suitable for most golfers. Use the chart below to see what the industry considers to be standard and compare them to the clubs you already own. Not all club manufacturers follow the same standard, so your clubs may be a bit different.

Lie Angle Adjustments

While many golfers will find that "standard" club lie angles are good for them, there are those of us that may need some adjustments. Finding out the proper lie angle is a simple process if you feel you need an adjustment. The best way to find what lie angle is right for you is by taking a wrist to floor measurement. You should wear normal street shoes with a lift of less than 1". Stand at attention with your feet about a foot apart, shoulders relaxed, but up, back, and level. Keep your arms relaxed by your side. You'll want to have someone to take the measurement for you if you want to get it right. Have them measure the distance between the floor and your left wrist (for lefties, measure to your right wrist) where the biggest crease meets your hand. Look up this measurement, in reference to your height, using the chart below. The corresponding value represents how much more upright or flat (in degrees) your club's lie angle should be.