How does centrifugal force contribute to a club's lie angle flattening at impact?

Centrifugal force plays a significant role in how a golf club interacts with the ground at impact, particularly when it comes to the lie angle of the club. The correct answer highlights the importance of swing speed and the flexibility of the shaft.

As a golfer swings the club, centrifugal force acts on the club head, creating a tendency for it to move outward and upward from the player's body. If a golfer swings with greater speed, the effect of this centrifugal force is more pronounced, as it can cause the club head to lag behind the grip. This lag can lead to a flattening of the club's lie angle at impact, making the clubhead come into contact with the ground at a different angle than intended.

Additionally, the flexibility of the shaft also contributes to this dynamic. A more flexible shaft can lead to greater deformation during the swing, which can further influence how the club head behaves at impact, often resulting in a flatter lie angle. Together, these factors illustrate how swing dynamics can affect club performance, particularly during impact.

Understanding this relationship can help coaches and golfers make better equipment choices and adjustments to enhance performance based on a player’s swing characteristics.