What effect can an incorrect lie angle have on short irons compared to long irons?

An incorrect lie angle can have a more pronounced effect on short irons compared to long irons due to the shorter length and steeper trajectory of short iron shots. When a short iron has the wrong lie angle, it can significantly impact the direction and accuracy of the shot. This is because short irons are typically used for more precise shots, often requiring greater control over where the ball lands.

Short irons are designed to produce a higher trajectory and shorter distance, with an emphasis on precision. If the lie angle is too flat or too upright, the player may find that the ball tends to veer off target more dramatically than it would with long irons. This is partly because the player is generally set up closer to the ball with short irons, which can magnify the effects of any misalignment caused by an incorrect lie angle.

In contrast, long irons generally have a more forgiving nature in terms of lie angle discrepancies because they are designed to be hit from greater distances and often with a broader margin for error in terms of swing path and contact. Consequently, any misalignment effects are less noticeable with long irons, making the impact of an incorrect lie angle more pronounced with short irons.