If you’re striving to hit stronger, more compressed golf shots, one of the most important fundamentals to master is shaft lean at address. This subtle but powerful setup position gives you a mechanical advantage that promotes clean contact, better control, and ultimately more consistent ball striking.
Let’s break down why Mark’s says why shaft lean is so crucial—and how it can elevate your game.
1. Encourages a Proper Angle of Attack
When the shaft leans slightly forward at address, your hands naturally position ahead of the ball. This setup encourages a descending strike, especially with your irons. It’s a key component of compressing the ball correctly.
A downward angle of attack ensures that the clubface contacts the ball first, then the turf. This sequence is what produces that crisp, solid strike we all love to feel—and hear.
2. Lowers Dynamic Loft for a Stronger Flight
A forward-leaning shaft also reduces the dynamic loft at impact. This means the clubface delivers less loft than its original design, leading to a more penetrating ball flight with lower spin. That combination gives you extra distance without sacrificing control.
Take your 7-iron, for example—when shaft lean is present, it might behave more like a 6.5-iron in terms of launch, giving you that tour-like, controlled trajectory while still allowing spin through the grooves.
3. Maximizes Ball Compression
Compression is the holy grail of good ball striking. It’s the moment the ball is squeezed against the clubface and launched off with energy and precision. Proper shaft lean helps you apply more force directly into the back of the ball, ensuring efficient energy transfer.
When you compress the ball well, you get a shot that feels powerful, stable, and flies true.
4. Promotes Better Impact Alignment
At impact, your hands should lead the clubhead. Shaft lean helps you naturally achieve this, aligning your hands and arms in a way that delivers power through the ball, not just to it.
This alignment also keeps the clubface more stable and square through the hitting zone, which boosts your accuracy and shot consistency.
5. Produces a Controlled, Lower Ball Flight
Golf is often about controlling variables—like wind and spin. Shots hit with shaft lean tend to fly lower, with a more controlled, penetrating trajectory. This makes it easier to manage ball flight in tough conditions and dial in your distances.
6. Improves Turf Interaction
When shaft lean is correct, your club enters the turf after the ball, not before. This clean, downward strike minimizes the chances of hitting it fat or thin and ensures that you’re making the most of each swing.
Final Thoughts
Shaft lean at address isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a key piece of the performance puzzle. It sets the stage for compressing the golf ball, reducing dynamic loft, and producing a powerful, repeatable strike.
If you want to hit your irons like a pro and gain more control over your ball flight, make shaft lean part of your setup routine. Train it. Feel it. Trust it.
See you on the range.
— Mark Wood
Elite Golf Coach
Purchase Books by Mark Wood
52 Golf Challenges to shoot lower scores >> https://mybook.to/wJfl
Never Shank Again >> https://mybook.to/vJ58
How to Crush the Ball 20 Yards Further >> https://mybook.to/yBLlmSt
For More Great Swing Advice From Mark Wood visit his personal golf community at https://www.markwood.golf/share/I0JXd_NM3t1dnpk-?utm_source=manual
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