The introduction of Ping Eye 2 irons in 1982 created a sensation in the golf world. According to the Ping website, founder Karsten Solheim's focus on custom fitting fueled some of the demand for the Eye 2. The dot system of the Eye 2 was a part of the fitting process. Different colored dots referred to the lie of the club, an important factor in customizing clubs to individual buyers.
Dot System
By using the colored dots on the Eye 2s, Ping gave golfers a chance to buy irons with a lie that fit their body type and swing. The red dot Eye 2 means the club is 1 degree flat. A black dot signified a club with a standard lie, and a blue dot refers to a club that is 1 degree upright. Other colors signified lies that were 2 degrees or more flat or upright.
Golf Club Lie
The lie on Ping Eye 2 irons and other irons is the angle between the sole, or bottom of the club, and the shaft of the club. A correct lie ensures that the club is resting on its sole when you address the ball. That positioning enables you to take the club back on the right plane and keeps the clubface square at impact. If the lie angle is too upright, the heel of your club will hit the ground first, closing the clubface at impact and resulting in a hook or pull. If the lie angle is too flat, the toe hits the ground first, opens the clubface and causes you to slice or push the ball.
Importance of Lie
It has been estimated that 90 percent of golfers are playing with irons that are off 2 degrees or more from the proper lie, according to GolfSpyder.com. If your lie is off by 3 degrees, your shots will be a whopping 60 feet, or 20 yards, to the left or right of the pin, even though your swing is sound.
Adjusting the Lie
Even if the lie of your clubs is off, a professional golf shop can easily adjust and customize the lie for you. An expert can watch you hit a few shots, or you can measure the distance from your wrist to the floor and use that measurement, along with your height, to determine the best lie for you. GolfSpyder.com has a complete chart with instructions.
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