How to Find the “Sweet Spot” on Your Golf Clubs in 10 Minutes

What is the “Sweet Spot” on a golf club?

The “Sweet Spot” is the point on the face of the club which is directly in front of the center of gravity (CG) of the club face.

What is the CG of a Club head?

The CG of a golf club head, or of any physical object for that matter, is essentially the center of mass of that object. In

“The Search for the Perfect Golf Club”, a must-read for anyone considering a new set of golf clubs, author Tom Wishon defines the CG of a club head as the intersection of the balance points of the club head. Thus, if you could balance the club head from several points such that it would not fall over, the intersection of the lines from point to point would be the CG. The CG of a large body, like a planet or star, for example, would be the point toward which the force of gravity attracts other bodies. For the purposes of this exercise, just think of the club head CG as the center of mass of the club head.

For irons the CG is just behind the club face. For woods it is farther back behind the face since the woods are wider and obviously have more depth.

How to Find the CG of a Golf Club (Wood, Iron, or Putter)

First hold the club on the grip between the thumb and forefinger of your left hand, and let it hang down with the face of the club toward you. Take a golf ball and hold it between the thumb and forefinger of your right hand. Tap the ball on the club face and notice if the face twists to one side or the other or if it goes straight back. The point at which the club goes straight back is the “Sweet Spot”. This technique in not ultimately precise, but it will give you a good enough idea of the location of the “Sweet Spot”. If you hit golf shots on the “Sweet Spot” they will feel more solid, since the club is not twisting upon striking the ball, and the ball will generally fly straight. If you miss the “Sweet Spot” you will lose distance and impart spin on the ball. You might want to use a marker to indicate where the “Sweet Spot” is on your putter or driver, or you could just remember where it is. Don’t be surprised if it is not exactly at the location marked on the club by the manufacturer.

Knowing where the “Sweet Spot” is on your golf clubs gives you a better chance of hitting more consistent and solid full shots and putts. Give it a try- it only takes 5-10 minutes.