Q&A: Why do golf drivers have a rounded face?

QUESTION:
Golf irons have flat faces, so why are driver’s faces rounded?

ANSWER:

Answer by glfpro
Drivers have to take into account two factors; center of gravity and gear effect. The head of the driver rotates around the center of gravity, which located back in the club head (away from the face.) Assume you are hitting a right-handed driver. The toe of the club is rotating in a counter-clockwise direction more quickly than the heel of the club. That rotation would put hook spin (counter-clockwise spin) on the golf ball of it were struck on the toe of the club. Conversely if the ball were struck with the heel of the club, it would put slice spin (clockwise spin) on the ball. So…the club face is rounded because a ball struck with hook spin needs to start out to the right and vice-versa for slice spin, the ball needs to start to the left to counter the effect of the spin. The rounded face helps the toe shots get pushed a little and the heel shots get pulled a little. Irons have the center of gravity closer the face and the gear effect is lessened, therefor no rounding is needed. Look at you clubs. The larger the head, the more rounded the face. Sorry for the long answer…hard to sum up.