What Is The Right Angle Of Attack In Golf?

The optimal angle of attack in golf depends on so many factors. But before we talk about them, what is the angle of attack? In simple terms, it’s the angle the sweet spot of the clubhead is travelling at when impact occurs. It's an important concept to know, as Golf Monthly Top 50 Coach Katie Dawkins explains in the video and article below.

First of all, what makes the ‘right’ angle of attack is all relative to the golfer in question and the club in hand. For example, those with a slower swing need to be careful not to hit down too much. Understanding this is key to unlocking your potential. 

It's also important to know what your angle of attack is, which is why it is always a good idea to see a PGA professional. Not only will this help if you are struggling with your game, but it will also make it much easier to get clubs that match your swing.

So, if you are hitting DOWN on the ball, which is desirable when it comes to iron play and pitching, your attack angle will be NEGATIVE. Assuming your driver address position is as good as it can be, hitting UP is ideal for a driver so you can sweep it off the tee - this would be a POSITIVE angle of attack.

Driver

This is where modern technology comes into its own. Launch monitors can provide an incredible amount of data to an incredible degree of accuracy. For example, technology allows us to know that the average LPGA Tour player hits two degrees up on their driver, and they do that because that’s what helps them hit the ball as far as possible. 

The same is true in the men’s game. Most, if not all of the PGA Tour’s longest hitters will have a positive angle of attack. Dustin Johnson averages around four degrees up when he unleashes a drive. Going further still, the people who compete in long-drive competitions launch it with an upward angle of attack as high as eight degrees.

But, and it’s a big but, with this normally comes a loss of accuracy. So while it pays to be positive with your driver, it’s important not to overdo it as it can land you in trouble. 

Irons

Moving onto the irons and this is where it all changes. With more loft comes a need for accuracy and control. A descending blow will generate more spin and give golfers more stopping power to hit and hold greens.

If you aren’t hitting down on the ball or taking a divot, you’ll suffer from inconsistent strikes, distance and direction. Therefore, work on brushing the grass and hitting down to get the ball to go up. 

And for those who think they are struggling when it comes to either aspect of the game, my advice would be to invest in a lesson where you’ll find out WHY you do what you do.

Often it’s a simple fix, but it can be one that has you achieving the perfect attack angle for your swing, resulting in longer drives than ever before, and deadly approach shots to match.