Glossary

Backspin

Measured in revolutions per minute, backspin is affected by a golfer's angle of attack, the club's head and shaft, and the golf ball's construction and materials. Backspin can be accurately measured with a launch monitor and may be approximated by observing trajectory shape. A more upward arcing ascent indicates higher spin. Backspin that is too high results in shorter carry and roll distances. Backspin that is too low reduces carry distance and can cause instability in flight.

Ball Speed

The velocity, measured in miles per hour or kilometers per hour, at which the ball leaves the clubface. A ball struck well with a driver can have a speed 1½ times the club speed. For example, if a player's club head speed is 100 mph, their ball speed can be approximately 150 mph. Balls struck away from the center of the face will have lower speeds. For reference, Tour players' driver ball speeds are typically between 160 and 175 mph. With fairways and irons, the ball speed is proportionally less.

Baseline launch conditions

The fitter will usually consider the launch conditions of your current golf club to be your baseline launch conditions.

Bounce

The angle created between the sole of the golf club and the ground line at address. Higher wedge bounce angles are generally chosen for players who are diggers or drivers and help reduce digging of the club in turf or in areas of soft bunker sand. Lower bounce angles are appropriate for sweepers and sliders so that the wedge's bounce does not adversely alter their shots.

Club Head Speed

The speed of the club head, measured in miles per hour or kilometers per hour, just before impact. Most PGA Tour players swing their driver at speeds from 105-120 mph.

Carry Distance

Distance the ball travels from the time it is struck to the time it first strikes the ground.

Driver/Digger

A driver or digger wedge player has a steeper angle of attack, often using less hand action and a stronger grip. This player may also position the ball back in their stance and trap the ball at impact. They play their best with wedges that have wider soles, more bounce, and less camber.

Grip Size

Grips come with varying wall thicknesses and can be applied with extra layers of tape below the grip to increase the size (each layer of tape adds approximately 1/16" to the grip size). Proper grip size enables maximum control and comfort. For most players, proper size is indicated by the fingers on their left hand slightly touching the palm when the club is gripped.

Iron Face Tape

A pressure-sensitive tape applied to an iron face to determine impact location. Iron face tape is generally used while fitting iron length and shaft to determine which specifications produce most centered impact.

Iron Lie Tape

A pressure-sensitive tape applied to an iron sole to determine the position of the iron at impact with respect to lie angle. Marks located on the toe of the club indicate that a more upright club is needed. Marks on the heel indicate that a flatter club is needed.

Launch Angle

The angle at which the golf ball travels in relation to the ground immediately following impact. The ideal launch angle is dependent upon backspin, ball speed, and the player's desired trajectory. Launch angle is difficult to identify without the use of a launch monitor.

Launch Monitor

A launch monitor measures the golf ball's launch conditions in the first few inches of flight. The most basic launch monitors are capable of measuring ball speed, spin and launch angle. Better launch monitors make a three dimensional measurement and additionally report push/pull angle and sidespin. The Titleist Performance Monitor was developed by Titleist R&D and is primarily used to gather club and ball launch data. It is unique in its ability to measure "pre-launch" club conditions like speed and rotation as well as club face and ball impact location, dynamic club loft, and angle of attack.

Lie Angle

The angle formed between the centerline of the golf shaft and the ground when the club is soled in a neutral position.

Long Game Fitting

Fitting the proper combination of fairway woods, utility clubs, and long irons that produce playable trajectories at preferred yardage gaps.

Optimum Driver Ball Flight

Optimum ball flight varies by ball speed and can be described generally as a high initial launch angle with relatively low backspin.

When using a launch monitor the fitter may refer to proprietary Titleist Driver Performance Charts.

Playable Trajectory

Usually referred to in long game and iron fittings, a playable trajectory produces maximum carry distance while providing appropriate shot stopping ability, usually with a more descending angle that allows for the ball to stop on a green with control.

Ribbed or Reminder Grip

A grip with a slightly raised area (rib) running along the underside of the grip.

Round Grip

A grip that is uniformly round in cross-section.

Slider/Sweeper

A slider or sweeper wedge player has a shallow angle of attack and often is someone who uses more hand action. This player will generally use a wedge with a narrower sole, less bounce, and more camber.

Sole Camber

Is the curvature of the sole measured from the leading edge to the trailing edge.

Sole Width

The width of the sole of the club head measured from the leading edge to the trailing edge. Wider soles increase the effective bounce of a wedge.

Tempo

Describes how rapidly the player's swing transitions from backswing to downswing. Tempo does not necessarily equal club head speed as players with smooth tempo may have very fast head speed. Quicker tempo players generally prefer heavier shafts and stronger flexes. Smoother tempo players generally prefer lighter shafts and softer flexes.

Tip Stiffness

Tip stiffness is measured in mm by using a deflection board or by measuring the shafts EI curve electronically. A soft tip shaft will generally launch the ball higher with higher backspin. Firmer tip shafts will generally launch the ball lower with reduced backspin.

Torque

A measure of a shaft's resistance to twisting, expressed in degrees. Lower torque shafts feel stiffer and are generally preferred by players with higher swing speed. Torque has a minor effect upon trajectory, but has a large impact on the feel of shots struck off-center.