What is MOI in golf clubs?

It’s the buzz phrase of the equipment world – but what is MOI in golf and how does it work?

It’s not a new term by any stretch, but it’s become increasingly popular in 2024 as gear manufacturers look to squeeze every last inch of forgiveness out of their latest drivers. TaylorMade and Ping, in particular, are boasting “10K” – or 10,000 MOI – versions of their Qi10 and G430 Max models respectively.

But if you are someone who scrunches up their forehead at the mere mention of MOI, then fear not because you are far from alone. But if you’re a nerd like me, it’s actually very interesting.

What does MOI stand for?

MOI stands for “moment of inertia”.

Moment of inertia is the measurement of an object’s resistance to change while in motion. In terms of golf, the object in question is the clubhead, and the MOI measures how much it moves during impact with the golf ball.

If you want to get really nerdy, MOI is measured in grams per centimetre squared, and the R&A and USGA have set the limit at 5,900 g/cm².

How does MOI work?

MOI in a golf club stabilises the face when you mishit a shot and limits the movement that happens at impact. This is achieved and improved by moving weight away from the centre of gravity of the golf club – which is why you see a lot of adjustable weight options in drivers.

But with any club, more MOI means the less twisting there is on those off-centre strikes, which keeps the clubface more square at the moment it connects with the ball.

When you hit a shot off the middle of the face you will have little to no twisting in the head as it’s a perfect strike – or as near to perfect as you can get. However, if you were to catch the ball off-centre, for example with the toe or the heel of the club, the head will twist at impact.

The result is a clubface that is not square at impact, meaning you lose a lot of distance and, crucially, accuracy.

How will high-MOI golf clubs help your game?

So, when you hear brands describe their new clubs as “high MOI”, you can be confident it’s going to deliver more forgiveness.

In a nutshell, the higher the MOI, the more forgiving the golf club.

That, in turn, results in you enjoying your game more.

And ultimately that’s what we all want, isn’t it?

And the ’10K’ drivers?

Yes, the aformentioned 10K models. In 2024, both TaylorMade, with the Qi10, and Ping, which has upgraded its G430 Max model, have brought out drivers that break through the 10,000 MOI barrier for the first time.

With their larger 460cc crowns, the Qi10 and G430 Max drivers are going to give you the best chance to hit straighter shots without sacrificing distance.

If you liked my Ping G430 Max 10K driver review, make sure you check out the bunkered YouTube channel!

James Tait is bunkered’s Gear Editor. Want to know how the latest Callaway driver, Vokey wedge or Scotty Cameron putter performs? He’s the guy to ask. Better yet, just watch his videos on the bunkered YouTube channel. One of the biggest hitters in the UK, James also competes on the World Long Drive circuit and is a descendent of former Amateur champion Freddie Tait.

Gear Editor