Why do lower lofted golf clubs go further

Question

The ideal launch angle to get the most distance is 45 degrees, so why does a 20 degree club go further?

In: Physics

Answer 1

Ideal launch angle is not 45 degrees.

45 degree is an ideal *ballistic* launch angle (if for example the earth had no atmosphere), but in golfing the ideal launch angle is about 17 degrees and a backspin of about 2200 rpm.

With that backspin the ball will create a lifting surface (see: Flettner rotor) that will keep it flying for longer, while the lower and straighter flight means that there will be less air to fly through (air which will slow down the ball).

How to achieve that ideal launch (and maximum speed) depends on the golfer, so different golfers will select different clubs.