When golfers talk to elite golfers, they are surprised to hear that they are using higher lofted drivers than in previous years. With modern technology, such as Trackman, they are able to get tested to find which loft, combined with the right shaft, can give them maximum carry distance and lower spin rate on the ball, which then helps give the player a more distance and control.
Many golfers comment that they hit the ball too high, therefore they try to flatten their swing or buy a driver with lower loft. This is not necessarily the answer. The ball may be launched too high because of a descending angle into the ball or a shot played off the back foot.
You will find that most players on the Tour are using higher lofted drivers. 10.5, 11, and 12 degree drivers are not uncommon. I remember when I was a junior I would use a driver with 6.5 degree of loft. This was seen as the loft a low handicapped player would use so the player could hit it lower and further. The swing styles back then were different, therefore, with modern teaching, players are encouraged to used drivers with more loft, simply to help get a better carry on the shot.
Having more loft on a club makes it easier to get more consistency with the golfer’s accuracy. Which loft do you think would be easier to control….7.5 degrees of 10.5 degrees? 10.5 is much easier.
When getting fitted for a driver, it is important for the professional to analyze what club speed you are creating. This has influence on what loft you require to get the maximum out of your driver!
Loft is not just important in your driver, it is very important in matching your fairway woods, hybrids, and wedges.
Most companies are competing about which company has the clubs that hit the ball further. Lofts on irons are now strengthened so player can hit the ball further. Most golfers are not aware of this when buying clubs.
When looking at your current set or a set that you want to purchase in the future, it is important to have the correct combination in your hybrids and in your wedges. Having the correct combination will help fill any possible large gaps between clubs. This will make it easier to make the correct club selection. It will reduce the amount of times where you think about hitting a particular club harder to get to the green or taking a club and trying to hit it softer.
Are lofts on your clubs helping your game?