[Kim Maengnyeong's Golf English Conversation] Lead Tape "Where Do You Put It?"

Attaching lead tape to the heel part of the driver head helps prevent slicing.

Lead tape is often attached to golf clubs used by professional players or skilled amateurs.

It is called "swing weight balance adjustment lead," known in English as "lead tape" (US) or "balance tape" (UK). The purpose of this tape is not to increase driving distance. Depending on where it is applied, it adjusts the swing weight and the center of gravity of the club head to improve ball flight or direction. Using lead tape allows simple weight balance adjustments to prevent slices or hooks.

The weight of single-use lead tape varies depending on thickness and length, but usually 2?3 grams is appropriate. For a driver head, 2 grams corresponds to 1 point of swing weight. Using more than 4?5 grams makes the swing weight too heavy. So, where should you place lead tape on your driver head? If you are struggling with a slice, the heel side is a good position.

Applying lead tape to the heel portion of your driver head helps correct pushes or slices. Golfers suffering from hooks can place lead tape on the toe portion of the driver sole to prevent pulls or hooks. For a high ball flight, the rear portion of the sole away from the face (the rounded end of the driver head) is suitable.

If you want a low ball flight, apply lead tape on the front portion of the sole near the face. Lead tape can be applied or removed before a round to adjust swing weight. It must be placed on the club before the start of a round. Once play begins, it is not allowed.

A (golfer): Can lead tape effectively cure my slicing?

B (fitting designer): Yes, putting lead tape on your driver head will change its performance and characteristics.

A: Would you tell me how many pieces (grams) of lead tape to stick onto the driver?

B: You need to put at least 3 grams of lead tape on the heel of your driver if you want to turn your slice into a fade.

Text & photos by Kim Maengnyeong, Golf Columnist