The Lie Angle Myth:
Why Traditional Methods Are Misleading Your Game
Lie angles are one of the most misunderstood aspects of golf club fitting. Lie angle refers to the angle between the shaft and the ground when the club is at address. It’s crucial for ensuring your clubhead strikes the ground properly, helping you hit more consistent shots.
There are two types of lie angles to consider: static and dynamic.
Static lie is the angle when the club is placed on a lie board or measured at rest.
Dynamic lie takes into account the swing dynamics, like how the club interacts with the turf during an actual swing.
Most golfers mistakenly believe adjusting lie angles based on ball flight will change how the ball behaves. This is mostly a myth. While lie angle can impact your shot’s direction and turf interaction, it’s not the magic fix for changing ball flight—especially if you're only relying on static adjustments. There are far more complex factors at play, including face angle, path, and spin axis, that influence ball flight more significantly.
How Face Angle and Path Affect Spin Axis (and Why It Matters)
If you want to understand how your clubs are really performing, you need to look at face vs. path dynamics. Here’s the formula:
For every 1° face open to path, the spin axis tilts 3° to the right (for a right-handed player).
For every 1° face closed to path, the spin axis tilts 3° to the left.
Here’s an example:
Path: 5° in-to-out
Face closed 2° to path → 2° closed x 3 = 6° tilt to the left.
If you see a 9° tilt in your spin axis, then the lie is likely 1° too upright.
This tilt can be your blueprint for face-to-path dynamics and how they influence ball flight. Without this data, you're just guessing.
Why Lie Boards Are Misleading
The lie board method simply doesn’t hold up. Sole impact marks—those scuff marks left on the sole of your club—are often the first thing fitters look at to judge lie angle. But here's the issue: These marks don’t tell you much about the lie angle at all.
Impact marks move depending on:
Face angle
Club path
Sole properties (like the grind or bounce)
In other words, you can’t use impact marks to judge lie angle because they don’t account for how the club interacts with the turf during the actual swing. This method might tell you how the sole contacts the ground, but it doesn't explain why your shots are going left, right, or missing greens.
The Importance of Working Closely With Your Fitter/Builder
If you want your equipment to truly work for you, it's essential to have a close relationship with a knowledgeable fitter and builder. Your fitter should accurately measure and record data before making any changes to your clubs. This ensures that any adjustments are based on sound information, not guesswork or outdated methods.
At Pensacola Golf Club, we prioritize ensuring our members not only have access to the best equipment for their game but also understand the why and how behind every adjustment. It’s not just about having the right clubs—it’s about knowing how to make them work for you.
A proper fitting isn't just about changing lie angles; it's about understanding how every club, every adjustment, and every measurement directly affects your performance. When you have that knowledge, you’ll play with confidence—and your equipment will truly serve you.
Conclusion: Ditch the Myths, Get Accurate
Here’s the bottom line: If you want to understand and optimize your lie angle, you need data—real data, not ball flight myths or sole impact marks.
We’re here to make sure you get the most out of your equipment at Pensacola Golf Club. We’ll make sure your clubs are dialed in based on precise measurements and personalized insights, so you can trust that every adjustment has a purpose.
Stop relying on outdated methods. Work with a professional who can guide you through the process with accuracy and expertise. Your game—and your equipment—will thank you.