Optimal Driver Launch Angle Tips

One of the things tour players do so well is optimise their launch angle when hitting the driver. Quite simply, this is about getting the maximum return for the effort you put in and if you can marry your own, individual clubhead speed with the right launch angle, you'll find important extra yards. In the video and article below, PGA professional Gareth Lewis shares his tips on how to optimise your driver launch angle.

When hitting a driver, what is the optimal launch angle? Well, manufacturers and tour technicians around the world will give us a guide and say around 15 degrees of launch with around 2,500-3,000 rpm of spin will generate the most efficient launch conditions. But it very much depends on the speed you are swinging the golf club. 

For example, if your swing speed is towards the lower end at around 80mph, you’ll probably benefit from a launch angle of around 17 or 18 degrees and spin of over 3,000rpm. The reason for this is that the extra spin is going to keep the ball in the air for longer and increase the carry distance. Getting this right will power up your swing without you needing to find any extra speed.

If you’re swinging at 90mph, you can bring the launch down, perhaps into the region of 14 to 16 degrees with spin of between 2,500 and 3,000rpm. 

And for those lucky enough to swing the club at 100mph or more, the launch can come down again. This time, something in the region of 12 to 15 degrees will usually suffice, with spin of 2,000 to 2,500rpm. 

Optimal Driver Launch Angle Tips

It’s important to remember, though, that it isn’t just about swing speed. You have to consider your angle of attack as well. It’s all well and good creating speed, but if you’re not hitting up on the ball, you’re not going to get the carry distance. You need to put all these pieces together to create the ideal launch.

But first, you need to make sure you're in the best driver address position possible. That means working on your ball position and how to set your spine angle. 

From there, you're ready to load into your trail side in your driver backswing and then rotate your hips for power coming through to impact. Do all that and you'll notice you've been able to shallow out your driver swing, making it far easier to hit the ball with an ascending attack angle.

Using a launch monitor will allow you to gather accurate data so you can assess your progress, and if you're still struggling, try out some driver drills that are sure to help.

Hit Up, Don't Lean Back

One thin worth adding here is that whilst you are looking to hit up on the ball with a driver in hand, you shouldn't be leaning back through impact. Getting your dynamic weight distribution wrong will cause a range of issues - notable poor strikes and possible slices. 

As long as the ball position is forward in your stance, you shouldn't need to alter your weight distribution to find an upward strike. You should feel your weight loading onto your back foot at the top of the backswing and then driving through towards the target through impact. This will deliver the ideal blend of launch and speed. 

Custom fitting

Without overanalysing how to increase your swing speed, having equipment tailored to your game will immediately give you a boost. For me, I’m currently using the TaylorMade Stealth Plus - which is the lower-spinning model - set to eight degrees as I’m fortunate enough to have sufficient clubhead speed to knock the loft down without sacrificing carry distance. It’s my speed that’s going to keep the ball in the air.

However, there are other options. There’s the standard TaylorMade Stealth that’s available in a range of lofts. You can also add loft for a higher launch or you can change the head to alter the spin. Then there’s the draw-bias TaylorMade Stealth HD that will be a hit if you’re desperate to fix your slice. Shafts also play a part in creating the ideal launch conditions for your game. 

So, as you can see, there’s a lot to consider when it comes to getting the optimal driver launch angle. While the guide and tips above will get you started, the best way to truly dial in those numbers is to go for a custom fitting.