Loft

The golf club loft, also known as the angle or loft angle, is a crucial factor influencing the height and trajectory of the ball's flight after impact. It measures the angle between the clubface and an imaginary vertical line passing through the center of the club's shaft. Loft is expressed in degrees. A lower loft (smaller angle) means that the clubface is closer to a horizontal position, resulting in a lower trajectory and higher ball speed. This setup is ideal for longer shots, enabling greater distance.

Conversely, a higher loft (larger angle) means that the clubface is more inclined upward. This leads to a higher trajectory and generally lower ball speed. Golfers often use clubs with higher lofts for short shots where it's necessary to carry over obstacles or achieve better control on approach shots to the green, often generating more backspin on the ball.