D-Plane
The 3D plane formed by club path and face angle that determines ball flight.
Full Definition
The D-Plane (Descriptive Plane) is a theoretical plane that represents the club's orientation at impact, formed by the club path direction and face angle. The ball launches roughly perpendicular to this plane. Understanding the D-Plane helps explain why the ball starts where it does and why it curves—it's the unified theory of ball flight.
Why It Matters
The D-Plane concept replaced the old ball flight laws and explains why the ball starts closer to face angle than path. It helps golfers understand that to hit a draw, the face must be closed to the path but open to the target.
Related Terms
Face Angle
The direction the clubface is pointing at impact, relative to target.
Club Path
The horizontal direction the clubhead is moving at impact, relative to target.
Face-to-Path
The difference between face angle and club path, which determines curvature.
Launch Direction
The horizontal direction the ball starts relative to the target line.