The Importance of a Square Clubface

The Importance of a Square Clubface is a short golf blog post examining why alignment plays such a significant role in a golfer’s set-up.

This may sound a little simple, but it comes up time and time again when teaching, not just beginners, but all golfers.

The set-up is vital in maintaining consistency in your golf game but it is amazing how many people address the ball incorrectly.

Before I start explaining everything, all descriptions are aimed at righthanded golfers. Left-handed golfers will have to switch the explanations.

Most beginners will stand to the ball with an open clubface and many experienced golfers will stand to the ball with the clubface closed.

In the images below I have laid out 2 alignment sticks to represent the target line.
I have also added a magnetic alignment stick to the clubface to make it easier for you to see the differences.
Please note that I have exaggerated the positions to make it easier for you to see what influence the clubface has on the direction and height of the ball flight.

What is a Square Clubface?

A Square Clubface means that the grooved face of the club is at 90° to the intended target line.
Having a Square Clubface in the address position does not necessarily mean that you will hit a straight shot.
It does, however, give you a greater chance of doing so.

A Square Clubface – Aims at the intended target line.

What is an Open Clubface?

An Open Clubface means that the grooved face is aiming right of the intended target line.
This will create a lot of height in the ball flight. It will be a weaker flight and will end up right of the intended target.
Many beginners will do this as they are trying to create a set-up where the hands are in front (or left) of the ball.

An Open Clubface – Aims to the right of the intended target line.

What is a Closed Clubface?

A Close Clubface means that the grooved face is aiming to the left of the intended target line.
This will create a much lower ball flight. It will be a more aggressive flight that will end up left of the intended target.
Many experienced players will do this as they try to avoid a Fade, Slice or they are trying to Draw the ball.

A Closed Clubface – Aims left of the intended target line.

It is, therefore, quite obvious that the Clubface will make a difference to the direction of the ball flight.
But are you aware that it will make a difference to the height of the ball flight too?

Take a look at the next few images to see the difference the clubface will make to the height of the ball flight.

A Square Clubface

The image below shows the ideal angle, at the address when the clubface is aiming at the intended target.

A Square Clubface – This shows the ideal angle in the address

An Open Clubface

The image below shows a much steeper angle when the clubface is aiming right of the intended target line.
Remember that the ball flight will be weaker, higher and it will end up shorter and more to the right of the intended target line.

An Open Clubface – This shows a higher, steeper angle at the address.

A Closed Clubface

The image below shows a shallower angle when the clubface is aiming left of the intended target line.
Remember that the ball flight will be more aggressive, lower and it will end up possibly a little further and more to the left of the intended target line.

A Closed Clubface – This shows a lower, shallower angle at the address.

So remember that when you are setting up to the ball, a square clubface can make a huge difference to your shot.
Any questions on the subject, then please do not hesitate to contact me or any other PGA Qualified Golf Professional.

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