What happens if driver loft is too high?

When the loft of a driver is too high, it can have a negative impact on your golf game. The loft of a driver refers to the angle of the club face, which affects the trajectory and distance of your shots. If the loft is too high, it can result in the ball launching too high into the air and losing distance.

One of the main issues with a high lofted driver is that it creates excess backspin on the ball. Backspin is the spinning motion that occurs when the club strikes the ball, and it helps to lift the ball into the air. However, too much backspin can cause the ball to balloon and lose distance. This is particularly problematic for golfers with slower swing speeds, as they already have lower ball speeds and need all the distance they can get.

Another problem with a high lofted driver is that it can lead to a lack of roll once the ball lands. With a higher launch angle and more backspin, the ball tends to stop quickly upon landing instead of rolling out. This can be especially disadvantageous on long par 4s or par 5s, where you want maximum distance off the tee to set up your approach shot.

Furthermore, a high lofted driver can also make it more difficult to control the direction of your shots. The higher launch angle can cause the ball to have a larger sideways dispersion, making it harder to hit fairways consistently. This can lead to more errant shots and ultimately result in higher scores.

To avoid these issues, it’s crucial to have your driver loft properly fitted by a professional. They will take into account factors such as your swing speed, angle of attack, and launch angle to determine the optimal loft for your driver. This ensures that you’re maximizing your distance potential while maintaining control and accuracy.