Launch Angle

The vertical angle of the ball's flight path at the moment it leaves the club face, measured relative to the ground. A higher launch angle means the ball climbs more steeply; a lower launch angle produces a flatter trajectory.

Optimal launch angle varies by club: drivers typically launch at 10–15° for maximum carry, while wedges launch at 25–35° for high-spinning approach shots.

Launch angle, combined with ball speed and spin rate, determines carry distance and trajectory. Most modern launch monitors directly measure launch angle to within 0.1–0.5 degrees of accuracy.