This month let's discuss bounce angle as it pertains to irons. Bounce is defined as the sole angle in degrees as measured between the sole line and ground line when the club head is held in a playing position, so the leading edge of the face is perpendicular to the target line.

All irons have a bounce angle . They can be square, scoop or negative. A scoop angle will promote more fat shots . A negative angle is also called a digger which is self-explanatory. With a square sole angle, the bounce would be zero. In a standard set of irons, the bounce will vary from brand to brand but should not exceed five degrees and should not be on the negative side. Bounce works in a one-to-one relationship with loft.

As such, if an iron has three degrees of bounce and you bend the iron three degrees stronger, you would have zero bounce, and conversely, if you added loft to the iron the same amount of bounce as loft would be added. So you can clearly see, when you can't think of any other reason for a bad shot we can blame the bounce angle.

Now let's talk sand wedges. Shallow bounce is 0 to 4 degrees, medium is 5 to 9 degrees, moderate is 10 to 14 and heavy is 15 to 20. The more bounce a wedge has, the more shallow it will travel through sand. So if you play where the sand or turf is hard with a high bounce wedge, the more likely you are to hit it thin. If you happen to be where there is lots of fine deep sand and plush fairways, high degrees of bounce are good. If this is the kind of place you play, I can be reached by phone or e mail. Wedges with shallow or moderate bounce will travel deeper through the sand or turf giving the sole less chance of hitting behind the ball and bouncing into the ball. Bounce angle can be changed on club by grinding of the sole.

Well, this has been the short version on the many facets of bounce. Just remember when nothing else come to mind, blame the bounce.

Until next time, make it a good swing.

Steve Silvey, Malachi Golf