Updated on June 26th, 2023 at 01:54 pm
If you are looking for a set of golf clubs that is going to be perfect for your game, the lie angle is an important factor to consider. Club fitters know that there is a major impact that an incorrect lie angle can have on a player’s game. However, many amateurs are unaware of how lie angle impacts their golf game.
If you are wondering what the difference is between an upright vs. flat lie angle, we have all the answers you need. There is no need to panic if you need lie angle adjustments; this is something that can be easily achieved.
Flat vs upright lie angle – What is the difference
The lie angle is formed by the center of the golf shaft and the sole of the club head when a player is at address. The easiest way for a golfer to spot the lie angle of
the club is essential how far the toe is up in the air when sitting at the address.
If you have an incorrect lie angle, the toe can be too pointed towards the ground or too upright. Make sure that the angle with the ground at the address will affect the angle with the ground at impact.
Flatter lie angles can flatten the club out if it is a bit too upright; normally, one or two degrees flat is all the adjustment a golfer will need. Upright clubs are sometimes necessary to help move the toe up a little and get the club so that it is not sitting incorrectly at the address.
Why is lie angle of a golf club important?
The lie angle of the golf club will impact the ball flight and the consistency that a golfer can get with their clubs. The wrong lie angle will cause golfers to hit the ball more towards the heel or the toe of the club. The average lie angle is set at standard but using a lie board can help a golfer determine the correct lie angle.
If your lie angle is correct, expect to hit the ball more towards the center of the club face.
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Benefits of a flat lie angle
There are a few significant benefits to a flat lie angle, but this is really for the golfer that needs it. A professional club fitter can determine if you need a golf club with the standard lie angle, or a club that is a degree flat or two degrees flat could improve your performance.
The flat lie angle is mostly used in club fitting for the shorter golfer. Shorter golfers tend to have to hold the club in a way that the toe of the club will stick up a bit in the air.
This upright position causes the player to miss the center of the club face.
Therefore, it makes sense for the majority of golfers that are a bit shorter to consider using a golf iron that is a few degrees flat.
Benefits of an upright lie angle
The upright lie angle is typically used to accommodate the taller golfer. Experienced players know what a club should feel like at setup and impact if the lie angle of a standard club is a bit off, the player will tend to miss the center of the club face.
Taller golfers can make some powerful swings, but they must have the proper lie angle. A taller golfer needs a more upright lie angle for the playing position to be accurate.
How to check your lie angle
The lie angle of a golf club can easily be checked. If you don’t have a launch monitor or access to a golf simulator, then you can simply use a lie board. The lie board is a tool to use at a driving range and not on the golf course.
The lie board is an excellent tool for golf fitting. A piece of tape is put on the bottom of the club to mark the area where the bottom of the club head and the lie board connect. The normal playing position should have this happening right at the base of the club.
If the lie angle is not correct, you will notice that the impact is happening in other locations, and it makes sense to adjust the lie angle. The lie angle tape can help golfers get a better concept of the lie angle. Looking at the tape will tell you exactly how much the club needs to be adjusted.
In addition, a golf-fitting professional may have a lit loft machine that can measure how many degrees upright or flat your golf clubs are.
Can lie angle be adjusted on my golf clubs?
A lie angle can be adjusted. If you find that you are having trouble getting the golf ball to travel consistently on the right line, chances are there could be a 
problem with the way your club is fitting. Signing up for a club fitting session will help you determine the proper swing compensation.
Right-handed golfers and left-handed golfers can have their lie angle adjusted using a bending tool that fitting professionals have. This is something we recommend leaving to the professionals to ensure that it is done correctly.
Do body types impact degree of angle?
One of the interesting things about the game of golf is that for many years players would just grab a set of clubs off the shelf, regardless of thinking about the way a body type can impact the clubs you hit. The number of degrees upright or flat will be impacted by your arm length and overall height.
Even if you don’t go for a custom Golf club fitting, make sure that you know how club fitting and body type are impacted.
Do shorter golfers need a flatter lie angle?
If you’re on the shorter side and struggling with shots that fly off to the right and land in the rough, it might be time to check your club’s lie angle. Chances are, as a shorter golfer, you’ll need a flatter lie angle to get those shots on the fairway. The taller you are, the more likely you will need more of an upright lie angle. If your clubs are too flat upright for your swing, you will tend to miss left of the green.
Again, a fitting from a PGA professional will quickly identify if you need to adjust your lie angles.
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Conclusion
Hopefully, you now feel like you understand the upright vs. flat lie angle. Knowing the length of the club and the lie angle will ensure that a club fits your golf game. If you are going to play on the golf course, you may as well be using equipment that is appropriately fitted to your golf game.
Taller golfers typically need clubs a bit more upright than the shorter golfers. Shorter golfers should consider a slightly flatter lie angle.
