If your lie angle is too flat, it means that the toe of the club is too far off the ground at impact. This can have a significant impact on the direction of your shots. When your club is too flat, your shots tend to veer to the right of your target (for right-handed golfers).
The reason for this is that when the toe of the club is too low, it causes the clubface to open up at impact. This means that the face is not square to the target line, resulting in a push or a slice. The more flat the lie angle, the more the clubface will open, leading to shots that start right and continue to curve further right.
To understand the effect of a flat lie angle, let’s consider an example. Imagine you have a 7-iron with a lie angle that is 2 degrees too flat. For every degree of flatness, the ball will initially travel 4 yards to the right of your intended target line. So, in this case, your shots could potentially be 8 yards to the right of your target.
It’s important to note that the exact amount of deviation will depend on several factors including swing speed, clubhead speed, and the specific characteristics of your swing. However, the general principle remains the same – a flat lie angle will result in shots that consistently miss to the right.
To correct this issue, you have a few options. One approach is to adjust your swing to compensate for the flat lie angle. You can try to square the clubface at impact by consciously rotating your hands or wrists. This can be a challenging adjustment and may require practice and repetition to become consistent.
Another option is to have your clubs custom-fitted by a professional. They can analyze your swing and determine the ideal lie angle for your clubs. They may recommend adjustments to the lie angle by bending the clubhead to a more suitable position. This can help ensure that the clubface is square at impact, resulting in more accurate shots.
In my personal experience, I have encountered players who struggled with a flat lie angle and consistently missed shots to the right. One particular golfer I worked with had a lie angle that was 3 degrees too flat on his irons. His shots would consistently start right of the target and curve further right. After getting his clubs custom-fitted and adjusting the lie angle, he noticed a significant improvement in his accuracy. His shots started to fly straighter and he was able to hit more greens in regulation.
If your lie angle is too flat, your shots will tend to miss to the right (for right-handed golfers). The clubface will open up at impact, causing the ball to veer to the right of your target line. To correct this issue, you can adjust your swing or consider getting your clubs custom-fitted. It’s important to find the right lie angle for your swing to ensure more accurate shots on the golf course.