The Flight or Trajectory of a golf shot is the three-dimensional path taken by the golf ball from the moment it is struck by a golf club until it descends and makes contact with the ground. Key characteristics that describe the golf ball flight path include Peak Height (and the downrange distance at which Peak Height is achieved), Descent Angle, Carry Distance and Curve. These factors are essential for understanding the golf ball flight trajectory and how it impacts your performance.

FLIGHT AND YOUR GOLF BALL

It’s important to know that there’s more than one type of flight, and there’s a specific flight that best fits your game. For instance, what is a flighted golf shot? It refers to a shot designed to produce a controlled, lower trajectory, often used in windy conditions or to control spin and roll. Mastering such shots can significantly improve your ability to improve the proximity of your shots in different playing situations.

The golf ball flight path depends on several factors, starting with the launch condition of the ball as it comes off the club. This is influenced by the construction, materials used, and the dimensions of the ball. Once the ball leaves the clubface, aerodynamics take over, dictating the overall golf ball flight trajectory.

Jeremy Stone, VP of Marketing at Titleist explains, “Golfers need to understand flight changes the distance they hit their shots, the control they have with their shots and how close they can get to the hole because of the reaction on the green.”

On approach shots a lower ball flight than expected into the green will come in shallower and release out more giving you a result further from the hole. A flight that’s too high may not carry as far and cause your golf ball to come up short of your intended target. This could mean the difference between landing in a bunker or having a look at birdie. Michael Rich, Director of Golf Ball Sales U.S., adds, “Also, with longer clubs like driver, you want that flight to be optimized so that when your golf ball lands on the ground, you’re going to get some rollout.”

In golf ball design, aerodynamic flight is achieved through spin. All golf shots (except for topped shots and some players’ putts) feature Backspin. 

So how do you determine which golf ball will give you the flight you need? If you’re typically a really high spin golfer, hitting high spin driver shots, then a lower flying ball might be a better for you. And if you’re a really low spin player, you might benefit from a ball that flies a little higher. Getting fit for the best flight for you can give you more distance, and help you hit it closer, ultimately leading to lower scores.