Face to Path: The Simple Physics That Explain Why Your Ball Flies the Way It Does

But here's the thing: ball flight isn't magic. It's physics. And the physics are governed by two simple factors at the moment of impact: the clubface angle and the swing path.

Once you understand the relationship between these two components, you can become your own best coach. You'll be able to look at your ball flight, diagnose the problem in your swing, and know exactly what you need to work on. It's the difference between guessing and knowing.

Component #1: Clubface Angle (Determines the Start Line)

Your clubface angle is the direction the face is pointing at the moment of impact.
For the most part, the clubface dictates the initial starting direction of the ball.

• A face pointing right of the target means the ball will start to the right.
• A face pointing left of the target means the ball will start to the left.
• A face square to the target means the ball will start straight.

Component #2: Swing Path (Determines the Curve)

Your swing path is the direction the clubhead is travelling—either from in-to-out, out-to-in, or straight down the line—at the moment it strikes the ball.

The curve is mainly caused by the face-to-path relationship angle relative to your swing path.**
The clubface is the primary cause of sidespin, which makes the ball curve.

• If the clubface is open to the swing path, it will impart slice/fade spin.
• If the clubface is closed to the swing path, it will impart hook/draw spin.
• If the clubface is square to the swing path, it will produce a shot with no curve.

Putting It All Together: The Nine Ball Flights

When you combine the three possible paths with the three possible face angles, you get the nine possible ball flights in golf. Understanding this chart is like having a secret decoder ring for your golf swing.

If your face points LEFT (starts left):

• Path is left of face (face open to path) = Slice/Fade (starts left, curves is mainly caused by the face-to-path relationship (square to path) = Pull (starts left, flies straight)
• Path is right of face (face closed to path) = Pull-Hook (starts left, curves is mainly caused by the face-to-path relationship is NEUTRAL (starts straight):**
• Path right of face (face open to path) = Fade (starts straight, curves is mainly caused by the face-to-path relationship = Straight Shot
• Path left of face (face closed to path) = Draw (starts straight, curves is mainly caused by the face-to-path relationship points RIGHT (starts right):**
• Path even farther right (face open to path) = Push-Slice (starts right, curves is mainly caused by the face-to-path relationship (square to path) = Push (starts right, flies straight)
• Path left of face (face closed to path) = Power Draw (starts right, curves back to target)

So, the next time you're on the range, stop just beating balls. Pay attention to what the ball is doing.

If it starts right and curves back to the left, you can say with confidence "My face was right of the target, and my path was slightly more left than that."

That knowledge is powerful. It tells you that to hit the ball straighter, you either need to neutralize your path or match your face angle more closely to your path at impact.

Stop guessing. Start diagnosing. Understanding this simple relationship is the first step to taking control of your golf ball.