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WHAT HAPPENS ON OFF CENTER DRIVER HITS?

A couple of weeks ago we took part in a study that showed what was likely obvious to most of you; impact location matters.

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Below are a series of findings that talk about how off center hits on your Driver can impact overall distance, as well as ball flight - In this particular example, notice how swing speeds over 100mph are gaining swing speed at impact on toe strikes, but losing overall distance compared to centered strikes.

Horizontal Impact Data above 100mph

OBSERVATIONS:

  • Toe strikes register higher clubhead speeds, but lower ball speed. 

  • Shots out of the toe reduce backspin but increase axis-spin (draw spin)

  • Ball speeds are highest on center face contact, and result in longer distance.

  • Heel strikes lead to the greatest loss of ball speed and swing speed, and overall distance.

    • We can conclude that on average, center strikes produce much better results, both in ball speed and distance. For most golfers, improving their swing mechanics through better technique, or even physical fitness can lead to more consistent center strikes. For faster swing speeds and usually better golfers with rotational actions, toe strikes can be more prominent. This is because the shoulders tend to be more open at impact, which in turn tends to present the toe to the ball more often on poorly timed swings.

     

    An improvement in body strength and flexibility can help to stabilize swings, leading them to be more consistent from shot to shot, and as a result, find the center of the club more often. 

    Impact Location Diagram
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