What exaggerates the effects of improper lie angle on ball flight?

The correct answer focuses on off-center strikes because these types of impacts can significantly amplify the consequences of a misaligned lie angle. When a golf club has an improper lie angle, it affects the direction and trajectory of the ball when struck.

With off-center strikes, the ball may launch at unintended angles or curves due to the way the clubface interacts with the ground and the ball. This interaction is less forgiving than when the ball is struck from the center of the clubface, where the effects of lie angle become less pronounced. In contrast, strikes outside the sweet spot can lead to more pronounced hooks, slices, or other undesirable flight paths, thus exaggerating the impact of an incorrect lie angle on shot performance.

In comparison, center strikes typically result in more consistent and predictable ball flight, as the impact with the clubface carries less distortion from an incorrect lie angle. Perfect swing mechanics can also help mitigate issues arising from lie angle misalignment, making the ball flight more accurate. Higher loft angles might change the ball's flight characteristics but do not inherently amplify the effects of lie angle issues as off-center strikes do.