What effect does a high launch angle have on distance when hitting a driver?

When hitting a driver, a high launch angle can significantly impact the distance the ball travels. A higher launch angle typically allows the ball to ascend more steeply, leading to a longer carry distance due to a combination of factors like reduced air resistance and increased lift generated by the ball's spin. With an optimal launch angle, the ball can maximize its trajectory in the air, allowing gravity to help pull it back down towards the ground over a longer horizontal distance.

This concept is supported by the physics of projectile motion, which indicates that an optimal launch angle can enhance both the height and distance of a golf ball's flight. Typically, for drivers, a higher launch angle, combined with proper ball speed and spin rate, creates ideal conditions for achieving maximum distance.