The angle of the clubface relative to vertical — the single biggest factor in how high and how far a shot flies. More loft means higher, shorter, softer-landing shots; less loft means lower and longer. A driver sits around 9–12°, a 7-iron around 30–34°, and a lob wedge at 58–60°. Why it matters for you: loft is forgiving. Higher-lofted clubs put more backspin on the ball, and backspin stabilizes flight and reduces sidespin curve — which is why your slice is worse with a driver than a pitching wedge.