In this episode of Ask Malaska Golf, Malaska Certified Coach Brian Gott answers a question from Russ John about where the clubface should be at impact—and how that determines ball flight.

Brian explains that at true impact, the clubface is square as it moves through the ball toward its low point in the turf. The key concept is simple but critical: the clubface angle at impact determines where the ball starts. Path influences curvature—but the face controls direction.

He emphasizes that for shorter, controlled shots, the trail hand plays a major role in managing the clubface. By slowing down and working with small swings, golfers can begin to see how face angle and path interact.

Brian demonstrates that if you swing from the inside with a slightly open face, the ball will start right. If you swing from the inside with a square face, it will promote a draw. If the face is slightly open with a neutral path, it can produce a soft cut. These small variations create predictable ball flights when practiced deliberately.

He recommends teeing the ball up slightly to simplify contact and remove turf variables. By hitting small, slow-speed shots and watching the ball’s start direction and curve, players begin to build awareness. As speed gradually increases, the understanding transfers to full swings.

Brian reminds players that motor pattern change takes time. Old swing habits return under pressure. The solution is consistent, slow, controlled repetition—training the brain to recognize cause and effect between face and ball flight.

When you control the face, you control the start line. When you control the start line, you control your game.

What You’ll Learn in This Video:
• Why the clubface controls ball start direction
• How path influences curvature (draw vs cut)
• Why slow-speed reps build face awareness
• How to practice start line control using tees
• Why motor pattern change requires repetition

“The angle of the clubface at impact is where the ball is going to start.”
— Brian Gott