Sole

The sole is the bottom surface of the clubhead that interacts with the ground during the swing. Its width, shape, bounce, and grind all influence how easily the club moves through turf or sand. A wider sole adds forgiveness and prevents digging, while a narrower sole offers more versatility for shaping shots. The design of the sole is especially important in irons and wedges, where turf interaction affects both contact quality and consistency.

Fitters study how the sole moves through the ground because it reveals whether the club matches the golfer’s swing style. Steeper swings may need more bounce or a wider sole to avoid digging. Shallow swings often perform better with less bounce or a slimmer profile. When the sole design is matched correctly, the club glides through impact more smoothly, helping the golfer strike the ball cleaner and control trajectory more consistently.