What is the big difference in the "Degrees upright" in golf irons??

Question

I am about to buy some new irons, and i've only had hand me downs since I've started golf. I am a pretty decent golfer (12 handicap) for never having lessons or taking it too seriously. I went to a warehouse and hit some of the Slingshot Irons, and I wanted to get some. I am inbetween Stiff and Regular shafts, and then i saw some "Degrees Upright" specs' as well. What are these?? How much of a difference does it make? Any recommendations are welcomed!

Answer 1

If you get fitted for irons, upright refers to the lie angle based on your physical characteristics & swing.

In general, taller players get fitted with the clubs bent upright.  I have a buddy who is 6' 5" and his clubs are 2 degrees upright.

Shorter players generally get them bent flat.  I'm 5' 9" and just got fitted for Callaway irons.  Mine are 1 degree flat.

Answer 2

Lie angle is the measure of the shaft to the sole of the club.  There is a measurement for each iron that is considered standard. If the shaft is more vertical, we call that upright and vice verca.  Each player needs to get fitted to find the lie angle that fits his/her physical makeup and swing charecteristics. Its important that the sole of the club be parallel to the ground at the moment of impact.

Answer 3

Degrees upright is a very general term. There is no standard from manufacturer to manufacturer, so don't assume you need "upright" or "flat", try to find the lie angle you like in a particular club, and keep in mind that lie will adjust through the progression of the set, flatter in the long clubs to more upright in the shorter ones. Most major golf stores have a few brands with pre-bent demo set-ups for this purpose.

Lie angle affects contact on the face as well as ball flight, so it is worth looking into. Clubs that are too upright for you can cause a hook, too flat can cause a fade or slice. If you need a major adjustment, it will be most obvious on the sole of your irons. Look for heavy marking on only the toe or heel end.