Loft is the angle between the clubface and a vertical plane when the club is in its designed position. More loft generally launches the ball higher and shorter; less loft generally launches it lower and farther, although speed, strike and club design also matter.
Loft helps explain why a 9-iron flies differently from a 5-iron. It does not, however, determine the shot on its own.
How loft changes the shot
- Higher loft usually increases launch and spin.
- Lower loft can produce more distance when the player has enough speed and a suitable strike.
- Dynamic loft at impact can differ from the number stamped on the club.
Why club numbers can mislead
Manufacturers do not use one universal loft for every 7-iron or pitching wedge. A modern distance iron may have a much stronger loft than a traditional model with the same number.
Compare the actual specifications and the distance gaps, not only the number on the sole.
Choosing a useful loft
The best loft produces a playable launch, reliable carry and sensible gaps for your swing. More loft on a driver can help some players carry the ball farther; others create enough launch already. A fitting measures rather than guesses.
The essential point
Loft is a key club specification, but the useful result is the ball flight and distance gap it creates for you.
Sources
The following official or specialist sources were used to verify this independently written guide.
- The R&A – official guidance Source used to verify the rules or factual information in this guide.
- USGA – official guidance Source used to verify the rules or factual information in this guide.
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