Face to path is the difference between the face angle and the club path
For a right-handed golfer, a negative face to path would represent a face angle that is “closed” to the path and a positive face to path would represent a face angle that is “open” to the path.
A zero face to path represents a face angle and club path that have the same value.
Face to path is a key factor in determining the expected curvature (spin axis) of a golf shot. Assuming centered contact, the ball should curve towards the face angle and away from the club path (if face to path is not equal to zero).
Note that face to path is relative to the face angle and club path. It is not relative to the target line. A face to path of zero could be +5, 0, -5, or any other value relative to the target line. The zero face to path only represents the difference between where the club is moving horizontally (club path) and where the club face is pointed horizontally (face angle).
Technical Definition:
Face to Path – The angle difference between FACE ANGLE and CLUB PATH as defined (FACE ANGLE minus CLUB PATH).
- A positive face to path means the face is pointed to the right of the club path regardless of dexterity
- A negative face to path means the face is pointed to the left of the club path regardless of dexterity
Face to Path Examples (assuming centered contact)
PGA TOUR Driver (275 yard carry)
- -2 degree face to path ≈ 19 yards of left curvature
- 5 degree face to path ≈ 44 yards of right curvature
PGA TOUR 6-iron (183 yard carry)
- 2 degree face to path ≈ 8 yards of right curvature
- -5 degree face to path ≈ 20 yards of left curvature
LPGA Tour Driver (218 yard carry)
- 2 degree face to path ≈ 14 yards of right curvature
- -5 degree face to path ≈ 32 yards of left curvature
LPGA Tour 6-iron (152 yard carry)
- -2 degree face to path ≈ 6 yards of left curvature
- 5 degree face to path ≈ 14 yards of right curvature
The standard assumption for face to path is zero for all clubs. It is a standard assumption that the ball starts straight at the target and has no curvature (zero spin axis).
Read what our TrackMan University Masters say about Face to Path…
John Parkinson
Donau Golf Club, Germany
“For elite players who consistently drive the ball 300 yards plus, a maximum of 1 degree face to path difference is essential for consistent, accurate drives, given that a typical PGA TOUR fairway is only 30-32 yards wide. One degree face to path difference at 300 yards will produce a shot with 12 yards of curve. Any more than 1.5 degree face to path will force the player to aim away from the fairway in order to hit the center of the fairway.”
Ryan Johnson
Carl’s Golfland, MI, US
“Face to path is a great number to look at because it combines two key parts of the swing at impact that can influence launch direction and spin axis. I always like looking at face to path to explain contact on the club face to a customer. One could see a negative face to path but a positive spin axis. Being able to show and explain the reason behind this is extremely helpful.”
Hugh Marr
Premium Golf Consulting, UK
“Firstly, I’m looking for the face to path relationship to be both consistent and matching the player’s desired shot shape. I use this in conjunction with spin axis to check for centered contact and determine where the player tends to miss their strike.”
I have a left hand cobra f7 driver what does the (minus 2/12 degree represent) I am thinking it is a open lie? correct?
If I have a club path at 3 deg in to out and a face to path at 3.1 deg face closed. What does that mean? A small draw?
That’s going to be a push fade. The face to path has to be less than the path angle (eg 1.5 is perfect) to get the draw.
Great question Christher, thats what I want to know – what is the optimum face to path for a 3 deg in to out swing? (for example)
Based on what my instructor taught me, if your club path is +3 degrees right of your target line, your face to path should be half the negative value, or -1.5 degrees, to draw the back to the target line. In Christher’s example, with club path +3 degrees and face to path -3.1 degrees, one would expect the ball to draw more strongly and cross over the target line to the left. Incidentally, Ian Poulter hates crossing over the target line with his shot shape.
So with +4 degree club path, look for -2 degrees face to path. Likewise in the other direction. A -6 degree club path and a +3 face to path should make its way toward the target line.