Using Impact Spray in a Club Fitting: What Fitters Look For
Strike pattern is one of the clearest data points in a fitting session, alongside the launch monitor numbers a fitting is usually built around. Impact spray gives fitters a fast, low-tech way to see it directly on the face.
Strike Pattern vs. Launch Monitor Data
Launch monitor numbers tell a fitter what happened to the ball; strike pattern tells them why. The two are complementary — a launch number that looks off can often be traced directly back to where on the face contact happened, as covered in center contact.
Shaft Fitting and Strike Location
Shaft flex and weight changes can shift where a golfer naturally delivers the face, which shows up directly in the strike pattern. Fitters watching for this alongside launch data get a fuller picture of whether a shaft change is actually working as intended.
Lie Angle and Strike Marks
An incorrect lie angle tends to push contact toward the toe or heel in a fairly consistent, diagnosable way, distinct from the setup-driven toe and heel strike patterns covered elsewhere — fitters use this distinction to separate an equipment issue from a swing issue.
Does Fitting Rely on Strike Pattern Alone?
No — strike pattern is one input among several in a proper fitting, alongside launch numbers, dispersion, and player feedback. It's a fast, direct signal, not a replacement for the rest of the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does club fitting rely on strike pattern alone?
No — it's one input among several, alongside launch monitor numbers, dispersion, and player feedback.
How do fitters combine it with launch monitor data?
Strike pattern helps explain why a launch number looks the way it does, giving a fuller picture than launch data alone.
Does shaft fitting affect strike location?
Yes — shaft flex and weight changes can shift where a golfer naturally delivers the face, which shows up in the strike pattern.
How does lie angle show up in strike marks?
An incorrect lie angle tends to push contact toward the toe or heel in a fairly consistent, diagnosable way, distinct from setup-driven causes.