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 swing path and the clubface angle.

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: Swing Path (Determines the Start Line)

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.

For the most part, the swing path dictates the initial starting direction of the ball.

• An "in-to-out" path means the club is travelling from inside the target line to outside it through impact. This will make the ball start to the right of your target.
• An "out-to-in" path means the club is travelling from outside the target line to inside it. This will make the ball start to the left of your target.
• A "neutral" path means the club is travelling directly down the target line at impact. This will make the ball start straight at your target.

Component #2: Clubface Angle (Determines the Curve)

Your clubface angle is the direction the face is pointing at the moment of impact. The key here is that the curve of the ball is determined by the clubface 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 path is OUT-TO-IN (starts left):
• Face is open to path = Slice (starts left, curves right)
• Face is square to path = Pull (starts left, flies straight)

• Face is closed to path = Pull-Hook (starts left, curves more left)

• If your path is NEUTRAL (starts straight):

• Face is open to path = Fade (starts straight, curves right)
• Face is square to path = Straight Shot

• Face is closed to path = Draw (starts straight, curves left)

• If your path is IN-TO-OUT (starts right):

• Face is open to path = Push-Slice (starts right, curves more right)
• Face is square to path = Push (starts right, flies straight)
• Face is 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 path was in-to-out, and my face was slightly closed to that path." That knowledge is powerful. It tells you that to hit the ball straighter, you either need to neutralize your path or get your face a little more open at impact.

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