Launch Angle?

[NativeTxn]

I took my first lesson today (inside), and was on the launch monitor/simulator.

I was watching some video of some of the shots that he put onto a CD for me, and I was just curious of what a "good" launch angle is for a beginner (I know that is a subjective word seeing as it likely all depends on each particular golfer, club, etc.; however, I was just curious). Or is there is such a thing as a "good", "better", or "best" launch angle?

With the 8 iron, my launch angle shows as varying anywhere from 31.1* (on the very first shot I took before he started tweaking anything with my swing) down to 27.9* on the low end (at least of the videos that he put on the CD).

I then hit some with my 6 iron, and the one video he burned for me using the 6 iron shows a launch angle of 22.1*.

Is there a certain launch angle that is ideal with the various clubs? Is launch angle somewhat less important than other factors? Should I look to launch angle to learn anything about my swing and ways to improve it?

Any opinions would certainly be appreciated, and I can provide more information if needed.

[Zeph]

I hit a few shots on a launch monitor and it showed that my launch angle for the 7i was 28º. The guy working there told me 21/22º was normal. I know I'm hitting very high. I love how the ball drops out of the sky, but I'm not consistent enough with the longer irons, so I'm working on lowering my angles.

There are many variations for how high you hit the ball. Shaft and position of the hands at impact being the biggest two I'd guess.

[bsettle]

Launch angle is affected by several things. Obvious things like whether or not you "trap" the ball or not and the steepness of your swing first come to mind. But the thing that most people do not realize is that your shaft has ALOT of control over your launch angle.

To answer your other question, I am not sure about specific irons, but I know that the ideal launch angle for the driver is 12 degrees. Also remember that your spin rate is equally important, more spin usually means higher flight (and less distance). Although ideally a higher ball flight and less spin is ideal to get carry and roll for distance.