Six Trackman numbers every amateur golfer should know
In the span of just a couple seconds — the time it takes to swing a club and send the ball flying — the Trackman 4 captures an incredible amount of data.
But let’s face it: seeing all those numbers pop up on the screen in Shot Analysis can be overwhelming. Especially if you’re new to the world of Trackman and haven’t worked with a coach who can help translate.
Here are 6 key data points to help you get started. Be sure to watch the related videos for more details. Armed with this basic knowledge, you can start unlocking the keys to a better game. (Note: All descriptions assume you’re a right-handed golfer.)
FACE ANGLE
This number refers to the horizontal direction in which your club face points at impact. It can be open, closed, or square.
When the club face is closed, it points to the left, and the Trackman number displays a negative value, for example, -2 degrees. Conversely, an open club face showcases a positive number, such as 3 degrees. A square club face registers 0 degrees, aligning perfectly with your target line.
Key Insight: In most cases, the direction your club face points at impact determines the initial direction of the ball. If your ball starts to the right, it typically implies an open club face (a positive number).
CLUB PATH
This number signifies the direction in which you swing the club.
You’ve probably heard terms like "out-to-in" or "in-to-out" when discussing the golf swing. A positive number indicates an in-to-out swing, meaning you’re swinging to the right of the target line. This often generates a draw shape, assuming a center strike and a Face Angle number smaller than the Club Path number.
If you find yourself hitting a fade or a slice, it could be attributed to swinging out-to-in (left of the target line), resulting in a negative Club Path number.
Key insight: Generally speaking, a positive number implies a draw shape, while a negative number indicates a fade shape. A value of 0 represents a straight shot. The higher the number, the more pronounced the shape of the shot. If you want to shape your ball flight horizontally, focus on the Club Path number.
IMPACT LOCATION
This isn’t a number, but it’s still critical. When we talk about shot shape and club path, we assume you’re making contact with the ball at the center of the club face — the “sweet spot.” If you’re not, especially with the driver, you may experience different shot shapes than those described above.
When your Face Angle and Club Path are both 0 and you strike the ball in the center of the club face, you should achieve a straight shot. But what happens if your strike deviates slightly toward the heel? This will cause the ball to curve from left to right, resulting in a fade. Conversely, if the strike is toward the toe, the ball will draw.
Key insight: Impact location can influence various parameters, but for simplicity's sake, let's focus solely on the horizontal shot shape. If you already know you have a positive Club Path (draw) but observe a straight shot or fade, it's more likely that the impact location was toward the heel. This is worth exploring during practice sessions to better comprehend the intricacies at play.
ATTACK ANGLE
When you hear someone talk about hitting down or up on the ball, they’re referring to Attack Angle. A negative number means the club is traveling downward at impact, while a positive number means the club is traveling upward at impact.
Key insight: For iron shots, a negative number is typically preferred, whereas drives tend to benefit from a positive number. To determine the ideal numbers for your swing, consider consulting your local Trackman coach.
LOW POINT
This number is accompanied by an A or B after the value, indicating After or Before. It denotes the moment when you reach the lowest point in your swing. In simpler terms, it reveals whether you make contact with the ball before or after hitting the ground. For instance, if you're hitting a 7-iron and the low point number has a B, you are striking the ground before reaching the ball.
Key insight: Iron shots typically benefit from an A, signifying that you strike the ball before hitting the ground. Conversely, when it comes to the driver, a B is preferable. This implies that the lowest point occurs before striking the ball, and your club is ascending (positive Attack Angle) at impact. This generally results in a higher launch because the ball is teed up.
CARRY
This number simply indicates the distance your ball travels before landing on the ground.
Key insight: It's crucial to know your average carry distance for each club, rather than solely relying on the longest carry. Understanding your average carry provides a more accurate expectation of your shot performance during a round. Remember, it's irrelevant if your ball rolls out an additional 30 yards if you're unsure whether you can carry a water hazard. Incorporate this course management tip: Look at your average carry distance, not just your longest carry, to form a better estimate of how you'll perform on the course.