Flat Golf Clubs = Magic Cheat Code for Power & Accuracy?
I play 4-degree flat golf clubs despite being 5’11” (181 cm) with normal arm length. Why? Because the old-school golf swing relies on the swing arc for power, and flatter clubs optimize this motion.
The Power Perspective
If you strike the ball at your static lie angle (the angle at address), you maintain a strong centripetal position. Lower hand positioning at impact naturally enhances centrifugal force, producing effortless power.
For me, flatter clubs are a cheat code—they help me hit the ball slightly farther and, more importantly, straighter.
The Accuracy Factor
When you use the swing arc as your engine the clubface will start shutting down automatically in the mid part of the downswing. If you have too upright equipment you step into what I call the “nose dive principle territory” which, long story short, means that you actually hold yourself back because the clubface shuts down too rapidly. This subconscious disadvantage takes away some power for you and forces more clubface control intentions.
If you play flatter equipment I get much more consistency in relation to the face to path relationship for free.
Modern vs Hogan
Ben Hogan played a 42-inch driver with a 51-degree lie angle. Today, off-the-rack drivers are many times 45.5 inches with a 60-degree lie angle—a difference of over 10 degrees in efficient lie angle. Makes you think, right?
Athelticism Factor – Playing harder clubs forces better swings
It’s truly amazing how we work. I’m not even that talented and can pretty much play consistent golf with blades these days. I actually perform BETTER with the harder clubs than a bit more cavity back. Maybe it’s a personality thing, maybe not. At least, buy yourself a cheap mid 2000s blade training set and flatten them. You will see for yourself.
Check out the Forgotten Master Moves homepage here.
The FMM Swing System – the swing style that I teach – has it’s overview page here.