Dial in landing angle for greenside stopping power. Choose multiple methods and realistic unit conversions fast today. Save results, share with players, and iterate.
| Club / Shot | Vx (m/s) | Vy down (m/s) | Angle of descent (°) | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wedge (high, soft) | 22 | 24 | 47.7 | Very steep, stops quickly |
| 7-iron (stock) | 30 | 20 | 33.7 | Controlled landing |
| Driver (carry) | 55 | 12 | 12.3 | Shallow, more rollout |
| Hybrid (into wind) | 40 | 22 | 28.8 | Moderate descent |
| Punch shot | 45 | 8 | 10.1 | Low, running finish |
These are illustrative examples. Real values depend on spin, drag, and conditions.
The angle of descent is the angle between the ball’s velocity vector at landing and the horizontal direction. Using horizontal speed Vx and downward speed Vy:
The trajectory option uses a no-drag projectile approximation to estimate landing components from v0, launch angle, gravity, and height difference.
Angle of descent describes how steeply a golf ball is traveling downward at impact with the turf. It is measured between the landing velocity vector and the horizontal line. A larger value means a steeper, more vertical landing, while a smaller value indicates a flatter, running finish.
Descent angle is a practical proxy for stopping power. Steeper landings generally reduce rollout, especially on firm greens, because the vertical component of velocity is higher and the horizontal component is lower. This does not replace spin analysis, but it complements it when comparing clubs, shafts, and ball choices.
Many fitters aim for descent angles that match shot intent and club role. Illustrative goals include: wedges roughly 45–55° for soft landings, mid‑irons around 40–50° for controlled approaches, long irons and hybrids near 35–45°, and drivers often 25–35° where rollout is acceptable. Conditions can shift targets upward or downward.
Launch monitors can report landing angle directly, but you can also compute it from final velocity components. Video plus frame‑timing can estimate horizontal and vertical speeds near landing. When only total speed is available, pairing it with an estimated downward speed still provides a useful approximation for comparisons.
The core relationship is trigonometric: Angle = arctan(Vy / Vx). If you know V and Vy, then Vx = √(V² − Vy²). The tool also reports a grade equivalent (tan(Angle) × 100) to help visualize steepness.
Use landing components when you have horizontal and downward speeds. Use speed + downward component when you have total speed and an estimate of vertical descent. Use the no‑drag trajectory option when you only know launch speed, launch angle, and the height difference between strike and landing.
Wind, ball type, and spin loft can change descent behavior. A headwind can increase descent angle by reducing horizontal speed, while a tailwind can do the opposite. Higher spin often helps, but descent angle still matters when the green is firm or elevated. Always compare results using similar ball and turf conditions.
Pick one target green and record 10 shots per club. Compute descent angle, then track median values rather than single best shots. If an approach club is consistently shallow, adjust strike, loft, or ball choice and retest. Export CSV/PDF to store sessions and share feedback with your coach.
No. Launch angle describes the initial direction after impact. Angle of descent describes the downward direction at landing, after gravity and aerodynamics have shaped the flight.
Wedges often fly higher with more spin and lower horizontal speed at landing. Irons tend to be flatter, especially from lower launch and higher ball speed, so descent angle decreases.
If you have landing Vx and Vy (or equivalent), use the components method. If you only have total landing speed and a vertical estimate, use the speed plus downward component method.
Not always. Spin rate, landing firmness, and ball cover matter. However, for similar spin and turf, a steeper descent generally reduces rollout and improves the chance of holding a green.
It uses basic projectile motion to estimate landing velocity from launch speed, launch angle, gravity, and height change. Real golf shots experience drag and lift, so treat it as an approximation.
Yes. Wind primarily changes the horizontal component of speed, which affects the Vy/Vx ratio. Headwinds often increase descent angle; tailwinds can decrease it, even with similar launch conditions.
Use the same ball, target, and conditions. Record several shots per club and compare the median descent angle and landing speed. Save exports so you can track improvements across sessions.
Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.