Why Do Pros Hit Higher Lofted Clubs?

[3iron]

We have all been amazed at  the pro's when the take a 8 iron to hit the 197 yard par 3 instead 7 or perhaps 6.  I find it hard to believe they do it just because they can. Is there a reason the use a more lofted club for these incredible shots?

[Patch]

Accuracy..........

[Mr. Desmond]

It's not the number, it's the loft... sometimes they are bent stronger.

[nick1998bunker]

I do it for more spin and higher launch. Good for some front pins, and on firm greens sometimes they are only playing to the middle for release or to take danger out of play

[imsys0042]

I think pros swings are more efficient and produce longer distances that us. But frequently their clubs are lofts less. It's a combination. I could never hit the distance with the same loft, so it's incredibly impressive.

[David in FL]

The same reason that I pull an 8-iron when I'm 150 out. Because that's the club that they hit that distance, under those conditions....

[Golfingdad]

The same reason that I pull an 8-iron when I'm 150 out. Because that's the club that they hit that distance, under those conditions....

Nothing more, nothing less

[newtogolf]

The same reason that I pull an 8-iron when I'm 150 out. Because that's the club that they hit that distance, under those conditions....

Nothing more, nothing less

I'm not sure that's the only reason they pick the club they do.  I'd think different lofts give then different spin and ball flights.  They are pro's they could probably hit at least 4 different clubs the same distance using different swings, position of hands on grip, etc.

[David in FL]

I'm not sure that's the only reason they pick the club they do.  I'd think different lofts give then different spin and ball flights.  They are pro's they could probably hit at least 4 different clubs the same distance using different swings, position of hands on grip, etc.

Just because they can doesn't mean that they do. Unless conditions dictate something different, they're going to prefer to play their stock shot, just like you and me.

Their stock shot is just a helluva lot longer and a helluva lot more accurate as a rule.

[whatwoodtigerdo]

I do it for more spin and higher launch. Good for some front pins, and on firm greens sometimes they are only playing to the middle for release or to take danger out of play

Wouldn't delofting the club cause a lower ball flight? And why would it spin more?

[Golfingdad]

I'm not sure that's the only reason they pick the club they do.  I'd think different lofts give then different spin and ball flights.  They are pro's they could probably hit at least 4 different clubs the same distance using different swings, position of hands on grip, etc.

Yeah, but they're not going to choose a different spin or different ball flight on a whim.  They're going to do it because ..........................

...., under those conditions....

That is what they feel is the correct shot.  If they have 150 yards to a pin tucked back on a green that slopes back to front, they may choose to hit a low 7 iron with an easy 3/4 swing because that's the club they can get to bounce forward and stop, whereas if they have the same distance to the same type of green but with the pin all the way forward, they might choose to hit a high, full pitching wedge or 9 iron and allow it to spin back to the hole.

Either way, the conditions dictate.

[3iron]

I think golfing dad is on to the reason.  I too have a feeling they could hit any 3 or 4 different clubs to a 197 yard pin on a par 3.  I am just attempting to understand the reasoning and the different flights they are looking for.

Their game is so far advanced than mine [ours] it gives me thoughts to work on as well.  I may have two clubs I could use for that shot, one with a higher launch angle one lower.  I have no idea at all what the spin would be.  Probably doesn't matter cuz I would miss the green anyway.

But, the point is one of education.

Best to all of you.

[Golfingdad]

I think golfing dad is on to the reason.  I too have a feeling they could hit any 3 or 4 different clubs to a 197 yard pin on a par 3.  I am just attempting to understand the reasoning and the different flights they are looking for.

Their game is so far advanced than mine [ours] it gives me thoughts to work on as well.  I may have two clubs I could use for that shot, one with a higher launch angle one lower.  I have no idea at all what the spin would be.  Probably doesn't matter cuz I would miss the green anyway.

But, the point is one of education.

Best to all of you.

I don't think it's necessary for us to even worry about what the pros do, because our one and only goal on approach shots and tee shots on par 3's should be to get the ball on the green.  Period.  We don't need to worry about pins tucked back or front and how to access them because attempting to do so is only going to lower our chances at hitting the green, and consequently, raise our chances of making a bogey or worse.

The only decision I make frequently that is even remotely similar to what we're talking about is this:  If I'm in between clubs, I let the pin position dictate.  If the pin is back of center and it's between an 8 and 9 iron, then I'm going with the 9 iron to bring more of the bulk of the green into play and take over the green out of play.  And the opposite is true on a front pin.  I'll take the 8 iron to bring the center of the green in and lessen the chances of missing short.

The only times I EVER consider trying to get cute with ball flights is if it happens to be really windy directly in my face.  And even that might be too much for somebody with my (lack of) ability.

[Shorty]

How about posting a proper title for the OP?

The title should give some information about the subject.

In answer to the question, they hit the correct club for the distance. The higher the shot the more vertical the drop and the more chance of the ball staying close to where it lands

[Dave2512]

They don't always take a lofted club and crush it to a mid length par 3. Everything they do may be more purposeful, I assume they take more time considering course conditions and weather than we do, but they are making those choices because that is what the conditions call for. Part of it is perception and what makes for good TV. The commentators love to gush when pros hit a 9 iron 190 but they don't say much when conditions change and that same guy hits a 7 190 a couple holes later. When I was at the BMW a few weeks ago I sat on the 15th hole for a few hours. The day I was there it played 210 (I think). Despite all the talk of how far they hit the ball here on that day I saw a lot of 6 irons on that hole. Not extraordinary by any means.

[nick1998bunker]

Wouldn't delofting the club cause a lower ball flight? And why would it spin more?

I never said they deloft the club, just swing harder. And I think the increase in clubhead speed increases spin. And I think thy have the same iron lofts as everone else, and more of them probably opt for weaker lofts