Landing Angle (Descent Angle)
Also known as: landing angle, descent angle, land angle, angle of descent, landing angle on trackman, steep landing angle
Landing angle is the angle at which the ball comes down relative to the horizon. A steeper angle means less bounce and roll. TrackMan recommends more than 45 degrees for approach shots, and its PGA Tour averages are about 50 degrees for a 7-iron and 38 degrees for the driver.
TrackMan measures landing angle where the ball returns to the elevation it was launched from. It follows from height and carry. A high shot with a short carry lands steeply. A low, long shot lands flat. All else equal, a flatter angle produces more bounce and roll.
On approach shots, a steep landing angle helps the ball stop near where it lands. TrackMan recommends a landing angle greater than 45 degrees for all approach shots. On its PGA Tour averages, irons land at about 46 to 52 degrees and the driver at about 38. LPGA Tour irons land a little flatter, at about 43 to 48 degrees.
Many slower swingers cannot reach 45 degrees with their longer irons. Stronger modern lofts make it harder. Options include more lofted irons, hybrids in place of long irons, or a ball that spins more. Off the tee the goal is different. A flatter landing angle can add roll. Many fitters accept a lower number with the driver.
Tips by skill level
Look at landing angle for your longest iron. If it lands far flatter than your 7-iron, a hybrid may stop better from that distance.
When gapping a set, check landing angle along with carry. Two clubs that carry 10 yards apart but land at very different angles will play differently into firm greens.
Example
A golfer's 5-iron lands at a shallow angle and keeps running off the green. Her fitter tries a 5-hybrid that launches higher. It lands far more steeply and stops on the putting surface.
Why it matters
Landing angle explains why some shots stop and others run off the green. It is one of the clearest numbers for choosing between a long iron and a hybrid.
Common mistakes
- Judging stopping power by spin alone and ignoring landing angle
- Buying strong-lofted irons that land too flat to hold greens
- Chasing a steep landing angle with the driver
- Comparing readings taken on uphill or downhill ranges
Frequently asked questions
What is landing angle on a launch monitor?
It is the angle at which the ball comes down relative to the horizon, measured at the height it was launched from. Steeper angles stop faster. Flatter angles bounce and roll more.
What is a good landing angle for irons?
TrackMan recommends more than 45 degrees for approach shots. Its PGA Tour averages sit around 50 degrees for mid and short irons. Slower swingers may need more loft or a hybrid to get there.
Does landing angle matter for driver?
Less than for irons. A slightly flatter landing angle can add roll off the tee. Height and spin that maximize carry and total distance matter more.
Sources
Related terms
- Apex (Peak Height)Apex, or peak height, is the highest point of the ball's flight, measured from the height it was launched. On TrackMan's PGA Tour averages, most clubs from driver to wedge peak at about 25 to 29 meters (roughly 27 to 32 yards). Slower swings peak lower, and the right height for you depends on your ball speed.
- Spin RateSpin rate is how fast the ball spins after impact, in revolutions per minute. It controls how the ball climbs, holds the air, and stops on landing.
- Launch AngleLaunch angle is the vertical angle, in degrees above horizontal, at which the ball leaves the face. Together with spin it determines how high and far the ball flies.
- Carry DistanceCarry distance is how far the ball travels through the air before it first lands. It is different from total distance, which includes roll.
- Total DistanceTotal distance is how far the ball travels from impact until it stops. It is carry distance through the air plus roll after landing.
- Hybrid ClubA hybrid blends a fairway wood's wider sole and higher launch with an iron's shorter length and more upright lie. Long shots become easier to hit high and land softly than with a comparable long iron.
Related guides & benchmarks
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