Why Clubface Control Is Such an Important Skill

An in-depth discussion on why clubface control (face angle) is perhaps the most important skill for any golfer if they want to lower their handicap.

Show notes:

• Face angle definition: where the clubface is pointed at impact. Many refer to it as open (right) or closed (left) for a right-handed golfer.
• Face angle has the most influence on which direction the golf ball starts.
• As loft decreases, face angle has more influence on the start line. 
• The golf industry used to think that the club path had a more dominant influence on starting direction. But we now know face angle is the most important factor. Club path has a minimal influence.

Ball flight laws links:

Adam's article about ball flight laws

Video on ball flight laws

• Having clubface awareness and making small adjustments "on the fly" is a critical skill. For example, Jon and Adam mentioned that they would make small adjustments in their swing based on where their golf ball is starting. If it's too far to the right, the face needs to be "closed" a bit, and vice versa.
• Most golfers have a consistent club path; their face angle is more variable from day to day (and swing to swing).
• Adam sees the club path twice as consistent as the face angle with the players he's worked with. 
• Tiny changes in face angle can make a big difference; just 1/2 a degree can be separated from a great shot versus a poor one!
• Removing big mistakes from your round and lowering your handicap avoids big mistakes (trees, penalty areas, bunkers). A lot of that has to do with face control.
• Diagnosis is *very simple* - you can determine your face angle issues by noticing your shot distribution pattern. If the ball is starting too far left, your clubface is too closed. If it's too far right, you're too open (for right-handed golfers).
• If you're hitting your driver 250 yards - 1 degree of face angle change will move the ball 12 yards offline. 
• There are two ways to change your face angle. A technical way (adjusting elements in your swing such as grip technique, wrist angles, forearm orientation). Or more of a "feel-based" fix.
• It would be best if you had a "toolbox" of solutions when issues arise. You can figure these out with the help of a swing instructor or often through your practice sessions by experimenting with what you can do to get your golf club pointing in different directions at impact. 
• One of the best ways to fix face angles is to experiment with starting shots to the right, left, and down the target line during practice sessions. You can start with small swings and work your way up. Pay attention to what you're doing to change the face angle, and that's how you slowly build your "toolbox."
• Challenge point theory - you have to pick something that's not too hard or too easy to accomplish based on your current skill level. Find that sweet spot (show plug!) when practicing face angle.
• In a nutshell, your golf swing is calibrating your face angle and strike location daily.

Further resources from Adam Young: Next Level Golf, The Accuracy Plan

Further resources from Jon Sherman: Practical Golf Website, Exclusive Deals, Sign Up for Newsletter.