Launch Direction

Full Definition

Launch direction (or horizontal launch angle) is the initial direction the ball starts traveling immediately after impact, measured relative to your target line. It's primarily determined by face angle at impact—the ball starts roughly where the face is pointing. Launch direction combined with spin axis determines where the ball ends up.

Optimal RangeGeneral guidance based on tour averages. Your optimal range depends on swing speed, physical attributes, and individual technique. Many golfers succeed with metrics outside these ranges.

Why It Matters

Where the ball starts is largely where the face was pointing. If you're consistently starting shots left or right of target, your face angle at impact is the primary cause. This is the foundation of the new ball flight laws.