What Is Centre of Gravity (CG)?
The CG of a club is the point where the club is optimally balanced. CG can be horizontal which is the distance across the face, vertical from the top the bottom of the face and depth, which is the distance to the back from the face.
The overall CG position will be a combination of all three and the shape and type of club means that the CG can vary from one brand to another. At SGGT we measure the CG point so that we know where it is located in each club we fit.
We do this using a simple balance tool device and then record the position on the face of the CG position for every club we test.
What Are The Effects Of CG On Ball Flight?
The position of the CG can affect the ball flight in several ways. The further you hit the ball away from the CG position, the greater the loss of ball speed, distance and accuracy.
The lower the CG is relative to the centre of the ball, the easier it will be to launch of the ball.
The closer the CG is to the face of the club, the faster the club will be, but it will also reduce spin. Conversely moving the CG back from the club face will increase forgiveness but will also add spin.
How Does CG Vary Between Clubs?
Within driver custom fitting, even models from the same brand the CG can move position as the shape of the head changes. Below is a Callaway driver range with the CG point marked in dots on the face.
On the left is the more forgiving Max D head with the CG in the centre and low down for the more golfers who need more forgiveness or spin.
The more standard Max model in the middle has a CG at the same height but more towards the toe as that is the ideal point for getting the best launch conditions. On the right is the low spin Triple Diamond head where the CG is slightly higher and more towards the toe for high swing speed golfers who strike the ball there.
Does Adjusting Golf Clubs Affect CG?
Many clubs today come with adjustable hosels and weights in the head. Making adjustments to any of these variables will move the CG fractionally and that is where the expertise of a SGGT custom fitter will ensure that the shaft and head of the club are set up to produce the optimum results for you.
How Does CG Affect Custom Fitting?
Clearly getting the right launch conditions matters and therefore our fitters know which combination of head and shaft will provide the best launch conditions and understanding the CG position is part of this process.
If you tend to hit the ball on the inside of the centre of the face then a CG location nearer the heel will be better than one towards the toe. If you need more forgiveness or launch then a deeper CG location might be more optimal.
This applies not only to drivers but also to fairway wood custom fitting and hybrid custom fitting. With the larger headed cavity backs even iron custom fitting can be impacted by CG and through our wedge custom fitting we know that many manufactures will vary the CG height according to the loft in order to create the best possible flight.
To experience the benefits of the right CG location, book a custom club fitting session at our Tour Performance Studios.