Ball Flight Basics

Class 1 - Introduction to Golf

Nick Clearwater

Head of Instruction at GOLFTEC

Summary

The instructional lesson focuses on understanding the fundamentals of golf ball flight and how to correct common shot errors. It explains the relationship between clubface angle, swing path, and ball trajectory, emphasizing the importance of these elements in controlling shot direction and curvature.

Key Takeaways:

Clubface Angle:

Controls the initial direction of the ball.
A slight open face angle (e.g., 3 degrees to the right) is acceptable and can be managed.

Swing Path:

Determines the ball's curvature relative to the clubface angle.
An out-to-in swing path (left of the target) combined with an open face leads to a shot curving right (common problem).

Correcting the Shot:

To achieve a draw (ball curving left), maintain an open face angle but swing in-to-out (to the right).
Adjusting the swing path relative to the face angle changes the ball's flight direction and curve.

Learning to Control Ball Flight:

Understanding and manipulating face angle and swing path are essential skills.
Use tools like launch monitors to analyze and improve your shots.
Upcoming lessons will cover detailed setup and techniques to optimize shot results.