Launch Direction

Launch Direction is the initial horizontal launch angle golf—the direction the ball starts relative to the intended target line. Launch direction is expressed in degrees, left or right of target, and does not include vertical information about the shot. It’s measured in the first few inches of flight, before any aerodynamic or environmental factors have a chance to modify the path of the ball.

Launch direction is a function of club face angle (how open or closed the clubface is relative to the target line at impact), the dynamic lie of the club at impact (whether the sole of the club is level with the horizon, toe-deep or heel-deep at impact) as well as the swing path (the direction the center of the club head travels relative to the target line through impact). By making adjustments to these factors, and observing the resulting launch direction and ball flight, golfers can improve the quality of their ball striking and the accuracy of their shots.