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Club Head Data: Measurements & Definitions

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Club Head Data describes the measured delivery of the club head at impact. This data includes measurements of club head motion, face orientation, and impact location.

Club head delivery is described by:

  • Path

  • Face plane

  • Velocity

  • Impact location

Foresight Sports HMT Head Measurement Technology uses high-speed, high-resolution cameras to capture club head information with a high degree of accuracy.

Introduction to Club Head Measurement

Head Measurement is the measurement of the delivery of the club head described by:

  • Path

  • Face plane

  • Velocity

  • Impact location of the golf ball

The following sections describe each measured club head parameter.

Club Head Measurement Metrics

Club Speed

The velocity that the club head travels measured just prior to ball contact.

Diagram showing a golf club head moving forward with a red arrow indicating club head speed measured just before impact with the ball.

Efficiency

The ratio between club head and golf ball velocities to determine the quality of the ball strike.

Described as:
Ball Speed ÷ Club Speed = Efficiency (Smash Factor)

Diagram showing a golf club head striking a ball with arrows labeled ‘Club Speed’ and ‘Ball Speed,’ illustrating efficiency (smash factor) as the ratio of ball speed divided by club speed.

Angle of Attack

The descending or ascending path of the club head measured in degrees.

Diagram showing a golf club head approaching the ball on a downward strike path with a red line indicating the angle of attack measured in degrees

Club Path

The swing path measured in a horizontal plane relative to the target line.

Diagram showing the golf club head moving along a horizontal swing path relative to the target line, with a red line indicating the direction of the club path

Face to Target

The face angle relative to the target line at impact.

Diagram showing the golf club face angle relative to the target line at impact, with the face positioned 2° open to the target

Face to Path

The face angle relative to the club path. The main components in generating side angle and the curvature of the golf ball.

Diagram showing the golf club face angle relative to the club path at impact, with the face positioned 2° open to the path, illustrating how face-to-path influences side angle and ball curvature

Lie

The dynamic measurement in degrees of the club head’s face plane position horizontally relative to the ground plane. Also known as roll.

Diagram showing dynamic lie angle of a golf club head relative to the ground plane, including −5° negative lie (toe down), 0° neutral lie, and +5° positive lie (toe up)

Face Angle

The dynamic measurement, in degrees, of the club head’s face plane position at a right angle (90 degrees) perpendicular relative to the target line or swing path. Also known as yaw.

Impact Location

The measurement, in millimeters, of the contact point of the golf ball on the club face relative to face center.

Diagram showing golf ball impact location on the club face measured in millimeters from face center, with high/low and toe/heel strike zones labeled

Closure Rate

The rotation of the club head heel to toe measured about the shaft in degrees per second or RPM.

Diagram showing the rotational movement of the golf club head from heel to toe around the shaft, illustrating closure rate measured in degrees per second or RPM approaching impact

Loft

The dynamic measurement in degrees of the club head’s face plane position vertically relative to the ground plane. Also known as pitch.

Diagram showing dynamic loft as the vertical face angle of the golf club relative to the ground plane, comparing 17° loft and 8° loft at address

F-Axis

The perpendicular axis measured relative to the directional path that the golf ball rolls or slides up the club face.

In a typical shot where ball impact is centered on the club, the F-Axis and Spin-Tilt Axis should coincide.

Diagram showing the F-Axis as the perpendicular axis relative to the ball’s directional path as it rolls up the club face, with alignment between the F-Axis and the spin-tilt axis shown for a centered strike

Relationship Between Club Delivery & Ball Flight

Club head delivery measurements directly influence ball launch measurements. Club Speed, face orientation, and impact location affect:

  • Ball Speed

  • Spin Characteristics

  • Launch Direction

  • Shot Curvature

Ball flight outcomes are determined by the interaction of club delivery and ball launch conditions.

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Data Accuracy & Support

If your club head measurements appear inconsistent or incorrect, follow the standard reporting process outlined here: How to Report Incorrect or Inaccurate Data

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