Nominal Lie Angle
The lie angle of the golf club is the angle formed between the center of the shaft and the sole of the club (ground) when the club is in its proper address position (grooves parallel to the ground) – see picture below.
Typical Values of Lie Angles
The standard lie angle of drivers and woods is in the range between 56 and 60 degrees, hybrid / rescue clubs between 58 and 62 degrees, irons between 61 and 64 degrees. For wedges it is nearly always 63 or 64 degrees.
Measurement of Lie Angle
In practice it could be a little difficult to measure the lie angle with a protractor. The lie could be also calculated basing on the two values: length of the club and vertical distance from the butt end of the grip to ground when the club is in address position. It is easy with the calculator below.
Flat Lie and Up Lie
Sometimes, in the fitting process, the lie angle is adjusted. Then, if the lie angle is reduced the golf club is “flatter”. Respectively, if the lie angle is increased, the golf club is more “upright”.
Such adjustment is expressed in degrees: a number of degrees ( usually 1 … 3 ) flat or up. The picture below shows the example of altering the lie angle of 60 degrees by 4 degrees up and flat.
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update: August 2016