What angle of the club has the most significant impact on distance?

The loft angle of a golf club plays a pivotal role in determining the distance the ball will travel after being struck. This angle refers to the inclination of the club’s face relative to the ground. A higher loft angle generally enables the ball to be launched higher into the air, which can lead to increased distance, especially when the player has the appropriate swing mechanics and conditions.

The physics behind this involves both launch conditions and trajectory. A well-optimized loft angle can maximize the carry distance of the ball by providing an optimal launch angle, allowing for efficient energy transfer from the club to the ball. This is particularly evident with drivers and other woods used for long-distance shots, where achieving the right combination of loft and angle helps in maintaining the ball’s speed and reducing drag as it ascends and descends.

Other angles, such as the lie angle, swing angle, and face angle, do have their respective impacts on a shot's accuracy, stability, and direction but do not influence distance to the same extent as the loft angle does. The loft effectively dictates how high and far the ball can go, making it the most significant factor when considering distance.