Can You Adjust The Lofts of Golf Irons? (How To Change The Loft)

Not every golfer needs it, but adjusting the lofts of golf irons is a proven method for improving distance gapping. How easy is it to adjust the lofts of golf irons though?

If you suffer with inconsistent ball flights or have club gaps that are leaving you with head scratching moments over the course on what iron to hit, you will likely benefit significantly from a proper loft and lie fitting.

Understanding what loft and lie are is crucial, as is how to safely adjust the loft of your irons. We run you through the things should consider before making any changes to your setup.

Understanding Loft & Lie Angles of Golf Irons

Loft Angle

The angle of the clubface that controls how high and far the ball travels. Higher loft equals higher flight, but shorter distance from each iron.

Lie Angle

This is the angle formed between the club’s shaft and the sole when it rests flat on the ground. This impacts directional control and can mean:

• Too upright equals left misses (for right-handed players) or right misses (for left-handed players)
• Too flat equals right misses

A well-fit lie angle promotes square contact and consistent ball striking. Even a 1 degree error on the lie can lead to a 5-10 yard miss in direction.

Can You Bend Irons to Adjust Loft?

Yes, you can. Most irons can be bent by 1-2 degrees in either direction and that changes how high or low you launch the ball.

It can also influence spin levels too, but remember that it is not possible to bend all irons. The general guide is:

• Forged irons: Ideal for bending due to softer steel
• Cast irons: Risk of cracking; check with a professional before bending
• Hollow-bodied or multi-material heads: Often cannot be adjusted due to structural risks

Altering loft can lower or raise launch angle, create better distance gapping and slightly affect spin rates but it can also unintentionally change lie if not done carefully or correctly.

How to Adjust Loft and Lie of Golf Irons: Step-by-Step Guide

Changing irons lofts is a bit more complicated than adjusting a golf driver via the hosel, and needs a lot more consideration when going through the process.

To make an changes to your setup, you will need a loft/Lie bending machine, a bending bar hosel clamp tool, loft and lie angle measuring gauge and protective clamp pads.

With the right equipment, you can follow the following steps:

Step 1: Measure Current Specs

• Use a loft/lie gauge to record the current angles
• Note any inconsistencies or irregular spacing between clubs

Step 2: Determine Your Target Angles

• Consult a fitting sheet or data from a launch monitor
• Consider your ball flight needs…do you want a higher trajectory for stopping power or a lower launch angle for more distance?

Step 3: Secure the Club in a Bending Machine

• Clamp the iron head securely without damaging the finish
• Make sure the sole lies flat against the machine base

Step 4: Adjust the Angle

• For more loft: Pull the hosel toward the face (clockwise for RH clubs)
• For less loft: Push the hosel away from the face
• For lie angle changes: Tilt the hosel upward (more upright) or downward (more flat)

Use steady, controlled pressure and avoid jerky movements

Step 5: Recheck and Fine-Tune

• Re-measure with your gauge
• Make further small adjustments if necessary
• Check for any visible stress or damage, especially on cast clubs

Step 6: Test the Clubs

Hit balls to confirm trajectory and distance and check for directional misses caused by incorrect lie. It recommended to always make adjustments in small increments and record changes made to each club.

What Handicap Golfers Should Know Before Adjusting

For mid and high-handicap golfers, adjusting lofts isn’t just for pros – it can solve real performance gaps and issues in your approach player:

Distance gapping can be cured if you have two irons that go nearly the same distance. To solve the problem, adjust lofts to create 10-15 yard gaps in total distance.

Equally, to get the right trajectory control for your swing type you can weaken lofts to improve stopping power into greens or strengthen lofts to add roll-out on lower shots.

Directional fixes are also possible by making some slight lie angle changes which can cure things if you’re constantly missing left or right.

However, it’s crucial not to make changes without data. Visit a fitting studio or use a launch monitor before making any changes.

When Should You Adjust Iron Lofts?

Whether it’s for distance control, launch optimization or correcting a directional issue, small loft and lie adjustments can lead to measurable improvements.

For handicap golfers, having a professional assess and adjust your irons ensures that your equipment matches your game, not the other way around.

Some of the reasons to make a change in loft are after a swing change, when changing shaft type or flex, if you’re noticing gapping issues or when your ball flight is too high or low without reason.

It is recommended to check the lofts on your clubs every 12-24 months for regular golfers as lofts can move slightly over time.