Apex Height is a key metric in understanding the trajectory and overall effectiveness of your golf shots. It refers to the highest point the golf ball reaches during its flight and is measured in feet or metres. Knowing your Apex Height can help you optimise shot control, maximise carry distance, and fine-tune your game for different playing conditions.

WHAT IS APEX HEIGHT?

Apex Height represents the peak of a golf ball’s trajectory from the moment it is struck until it begins descending. This metric is influenced by several factors, including launch angle, spin rate, ball speed, and environmental conditions such as wind and altitude (TrackMan, 2023).
A higher Apex Height is typically associated with high-launch shots, often beneficial for stopping the ball quickly on the green. Conversely, a lower Apex Height can be advantageous in windy conditions, keeping shots under control and minimising the effect of crosswinds (Golf Science Journal, 2022).

WHY DOES APEX HEIGHT MATTER?

Apex Height plays a crucial role in determining how your shots behave once they land. Understanding and managing this metric can provide insights into shot consistency, distance optimisation, and course strategy. Here’s how different Apex Heights impact performance:

  • High Apex Height: Generates steep landing angles, increasing stopping power and reducing roll-out. Ideal for approach shots and soft greens (PGA Tour Data Analysis, 2023).
  • Low Apex Height: Produces a more penetrating ball flight with extended roll, making it beneficial for tee shots and windy conditions.

For example, if your iron shots tend to balloon in the air and lose distance, you might be launching the ball too high with excess spin. On the other hand, if your shots struggle to hold the green, increasing your Apex Height could be the key to better stopping power.

HOW TO USE FLIGHTSCOPE DATA ON APEX HEIGHT

With FlightScope, golfers can capture Apex Height data alongside other important shot parameters like launch angle and spin rate. By analysing these numbers, golfers can make strategic adjustments to improve performance (FlightScope Research, 2023).
For instance:
If your driver shots have excessive height and fall short on distance, reducing spin and optimising launch conditions may help lower Apex Height for a more penetrating flight.
If your wedge shots are rolling out too much on the green, increasing Apex Height with better ball-striking and optimised loft can improve stopping power.

PRACTICAL STEPS TO OPTIMISE APEX HEIGHT

1. Adjust Launch Conditions:

    • Experiment with ball position and clubface angle at impact to optimise launch angle and spin.

2. Select the Right Equipment:

    • The right shaft flex and loft can significantly affect Apex Height. A club fitting session can help fine-tune these factors (Golf Equipment Review, 2023).

3. Improve Ball-Striking Consistency:

    • A centred strike on the clubface produces the most efficient ball flight. Practise drills that promote solid contact.

4. Control Spin Rates:

    • Excess backspin can lead to overly high shots, while too little spin can cause a low, uncontrollable flight. Work on optimising spin through swing adjustments and equipment choice.

Apex Height is a valuable metric for fine-tuning your ball flight and achieving optimal shot control. By leveraging tools like FlightScope, you can gain insights into your game, make data-driven adjustments, and improve consistency. Whether you need to lower ball flight for windy conditions or increase height for softer landings, understanding Apex Height is crucial for optimising performance on the course.

REFERENCES

Written by David Watkins

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