The Physics of Golf

the golf ball

Though the swing of the golf club provides the impact, the core of the ball makes it go. Balls with a harder core travel further because they deform less at impact and produce a greater transfer of energy. A typical core is made of polybutadiene, a common type of rubber found in car tires.

The dimples on a golf ball may vary in size, shape, depth and configuration, but they all have the same purpose: To provide longer and higher flight. A golf ball can travel about twice as far as a smooth ball. The dimples allow air to flow over the ball's profile more easily, meaning less drag. Also, hitting a golf ball results in a rapid backspin, which forces airflow downward and creates an opposite upward force that provides lift.

the hook

With correct foot placement, a golfer can make the ball to curve to the left as it flies. After squaring to the ball, the golfer 'closes' his stance by turning his feet to the right. This will put the clubhead in the correct position when it meets the ball. The golfer pushes the clubhead away from him during his swing.

The clubhead strikes the far side of the ball first, producing an inward spin with its forward motion.

The Augusta National's par-5, 485-yard 13th hole requires a well-placed hook off the tee. A good drive can allow the golfer to reach the green in two strokes.

the slice

To make the ball curve to the right, the golfer 'opens' his stance by turning his feet to the left. As he swings, his wrists will pass beyond the ball before the clubhead does. The golfer pulls the clubhead toward him at the end of his swing.

The clubhead strikes the near side of the ball first, making it spin outward.

A modest slice may be used on the dogleg-right, par-4, 405-yard 18th hole. The left elbow is protected by two bunkers, discouraging some from driving down the center of the fairway.

the drive

Windy conditions tend to make a course play longer overall. Knowing how the ball is affected by the wind can give a golfer better control. For example, the typical angle of flight off the tee is around 12 degrees. Depending on the direction of the wind, golfers can adjust this angle to maximize driving distance.

1.With wind coming from behind, the ball will carry farther and straighter. For longer shots, hit the ball up high to allow the wind to do the work. 2.With a headwind, the ball will have less stability - hooks and slices tend to become exaggerated - and won't travel as far. Strike the ball to fly lower. Wind at the tee may be even harsher at higher elevations.

the swing

How can Tiger Woods, at 6-foot-1 and 158 lbs., consistently drive the ball 300 yards, making him one of the strongest drivers in the Masters field? The answer is, with precise technique and proper conditioning, Woods is one of the best at focusing - and conserving - the energy in his swing.

1. At the back of his swing, Woods utilizes his flexibilty to reach far back, extending his range of motion while keeping his rotating torso directly over his right leg. 2. As he begins his swing, Woods builds up club head velocity by turning his torso quickly and pressing his right leg forward. Throughout his swing, Woods wastes little energy by maintaining his position above the ball. 3. Woods drives through the ball, using his hips, shoulders and wrists to concentrate his force and create a very high initial ball speed. Within 2 feet off the tee the ball is traveling at around 180 miles per hour - 20 mph faster than the average tour pro. 4. Woods allows the club head's momentum to extend his follow-through far around his back, completing a long and smooth clubhead rotation.

the sand

When chipping out of a sandtrap, the golfer typically does not strike the ball with the sand wedge. Instead he strikes the sand behind the ball. The sand dampens the collision by distributing the force across it. The distance from the ball to the spot where the club strikes the sand determines how far the ball will fly. 1.For a longer, shot, the golfer may strike directly behind the ball, allowing more of the clubface to make contact. 2.For a short chip from the green, the golfer can strike the sand farther behind the ball. The farther back the club strikes, the more the sand - not the club - will provide the push on the ball.

the putt

How the putter makes contact with the ball determines the straightness of its path. Ideally, the putter face should strike the ball perpendicular with its intended path. If a red stripe is painted down the middle of the ball, how the stripe looks as it rolls indicates how squarely the ball was hit. 1.With square contact, the stripe will remain straight. 2.With angled contact, the stripe will wobble.