You may have already seen Tour players using their portable Trackman, or perhaps you've already been taking full advantage of the new Trackman technology on the driving range at Bondhay — but have you been looking at the screens and wondering what all the numbers mean? With more than 40 numerical data points, it’s not easy to know where to start if you want to learn more about the numbers that can benefit your game.
While these figures may not be directly applicable to your particular swing adjustments, they offer valuable insights that can benefit most golfers. They might equip you with the information needed to pinpoint the root cause of an unexpected shot during your time on the course, potentially allowing for self-diagnosis.
In certain scenarios, you may have the opportunity to address the problem while on the course. Nevertheless, the key priority is understanding the root cause of the issue to prevent unnecessary adjustments to elements of your game that are already working well.
The Face Angle refers to the horizontal orientation of your club face as it makes contact with the ball. It can assume one of three positions: open, closed, or square. A closed club face points to the left, and this is indicated by a negative TrackMan reading, such as -2 degrees (the negative value signifies a leftward orientation). Conversely, an open club face displays a positive number, like 3 degrees, signifying a rightward direction. When the club face is square, it registers at 0 degrees, aligning perfectly with your target line.
In most instances, the orientation of your club face at impact plays a pivotal role in determining the initial direction of the ball. Therefore, if your ball starts to the right, it is usually indicative of an open club face, denoted by a positive numerical value.
The Club Path defines the direction in which you are swinging your club. You've likely come across the terms "out-to-in" or "in-to-out" swings, which often refer to the club path.
If your swing follows an in-to-out path, the number associated with it will be positive, indicating that you are swinging to the right of the target line. Typically, this type of swing results in a draw shape, assuming a center strike and a Face Angle number lower than the Club Path number.
Conversely, if you find yourself hitting a fade or slice, one potential reason is an out-to-in swing, signifying a negative Club Path number, as it means you're swinging left.
In simpler terms, a positive number generally leads to a draw shape, while a negative number tends to result in a fade shape. A Club Path reading of 0 signifies a straight shot.
It's important to note that the higher the numerical value, the more pronounced the ball's shape will be. If you're looking to influence the horizontal flight of your shots, keep an eye on the Club Path number—it's the key to shaping your ball's trajectory.
When considering shot shape and club path, we assume that your ball contact occurs at the center of the club face, known as the sweet spot. However, should your contact point differ, particularly with the driver, you may experience shot shapes that deviate from the descriptions in the club path section above.
Imagine a scenario where both your Face Angle and Club Path read as 0, and you make a center strike; this should result in a straight shot. Yet, what if your strike is slightly toward the heel of the club face? In that case, the ball will curve from left to right, creating a fade shape. Conversely, a strike toward the toe of the club face would yield a draw shape.
It's worth noting that even if you possess a draw-biased club path (indicated by a positive number), you can still produce a fade if your ball contact is more towards the heel of the club. This is a fascinating aspect to experiment with on the range, providing valuable insights into your shots.
While impact location can influence numerous parameters, our focus here is solely on the horizontal shot shape. So, if you already know you have a positive club path (implying a draw shape) but observe a straighter or possibly a fade shape, it's more probable that your impact location has shifted slightly towards the heel, rather than a change in your club path.
The Attack Angle number provides insight into whether your contact with the ball involves a downward or upward movement, essentially representing the vertical direction. A negative value indicates a downward hit on the ball, while a positive value suggests an upward strike.
For iron shots, it is generally preferable to have a negative Attack Angle, while for drives, a positive number is often desired. To determine the specific number that best suits your swing, it's recommended to consult one of our Professional Golf Coaches.
This numerical value is accompanied by an 'A' or 'B,' signifying 'After' and 'Before' respectively. It essentially indicates when your swing reaches its lowest point. In simpler terms, it answers the question of whether you make contact with the ball before or after hitting the ground. For instance, if you're using a 7 iron and your low point number displays a 'B,' it means you're striking the ground before reaching the ball.
For iron shots, it is typically preferable to observe an 'A' (after) because it indicates that you're making contact with the ball before the club head touches the ground. On the other hand, with the driver, a 'B' is more desirable, indicating that the lowest point occurs before ball contact, and your club is moving upward (a positive attack angle) as you strike the ball.
Having the lowest point 'Before' when hitting the driver is acceptable, primarily because you're teeing the ball up.
The Carry number represents the straightforward measurement of how far your ball travels through the air; once it touches the ground, you've arrived at your carry number.
It's worth noting that this is a fundamental figure, and understanding the carry distance for each of your clubs significantly simplifies the process of club selection during your rounds.
Keep in mind that it's not just about how far the ball rolls out (e.g., an additional 30 yards); what truly matters is whether you can successfully carry potential hazards like water hazards. A valuable tip for strategic course management is to consider your average carry distance rather than focusing solely on your longest carry. This provides a more realistic expectation of how you'll perform your shots on the course.
