Physics of Golf

Presented by: Tyler Merkel and Heath Noess

Originated from a game played off the coast of Scotland

First played during the 15th century

Influenced by Kolven from Holland and Chole from Belgium

Changed from hitting pebbles to hitting golf balls

Golf History

Golf ball and club are only main objects in motion

People do not move around a lot

Main focus on golf ball and it’s flight

Objects in Motion

Average Speed

Speeds may vary depending upon the player and golf club

Speed = Distance/Time

Speed = 175/8

Speed = 22.22y/s

Acceleration

Important because it determines the distance of the shot

Acceleration is a change in speed or direction

Accel. = Change in Velocity/Time

Accel. = 22.22/8

Accel. = 2.78y/s/s

Momentum

Momentum = Mass*Velocity

Momentum = 45.7*22.22

Momentum = 2.06g*y/s

Newton’s 1st Law

A body at rest stays at rest unless acted upon by an outside force.

Golf ball doesn’t move until hit and doesn’t stop until air resistance, gravity, and friction stops it.

A body in motion stays in motion unless acted upon by an outside force.

Newton’s 2nd Law

Explains how force, mass, and acceleration are related

Force equals mass times acceleration.

Mass of the golf ball times acceleration of golf club equals distance ball will travel

Newton’s 3rd Law

For every action there is an equal, opposite reaction.

When the club hits the ball the club exerts a force on the ball, and the ball exerts a force on the club

Forces of Golf

Tip: Don’t hit the ball into the water.

Forces: Gravity, friction, speed, velocity, momentum, and acceleration.

Balanced Force

Unbalanced Force

His feet are a balanced force because the ground is pushing up with the same amount of force as his feet are pushing down

His club is an unbalanced force because the force exerted on the ball is greater than the force exerted on the club

Weight Classes?

Weight doesn’t really matter in this sport,

however it’s helpful to be in shape

Friction

Friction is a force which opposes motion

Friction is undesirable when you don’t hit the ball far enough and want it to keep going but it stops

Friction is desirable when you want the ball to stop

WorkThe work equation is: Work = Force*Distance

Work = 2*5798

Work = 11,596 foot-pounds

Work = 2*4

Work = 8 foot-pounds

Work is performed by simply walking a golf course

Work is also done by swinging a golf club

PowerThe power equation is:

Power = Work/Time

Power = 11596/4

Power = 2899 Watts

The amount of power exerted from walking an 18 hole golf course

The amount of power exerted from swinging a golf club

Power = 8/1.38

Power = 5.80 Watts

Machines In Golf?

A golf club is a simple machine

It is a 3rd class lever

Kinetic-Potential EnergyThere is maximum potential energy at the top of the backswing

Potential energy is converted into kinetic energy when the ball is hit

The maximum kinetic energy happens right before the ball is struck

Golf An Exercise?

While it’s true golf is not the best exercise, it is still an exercise

The typical person burns 396 calories playing golf for one hour

Golf On The Moon?

If you were to play golf on the moon, the ball would travel a lot farther because the moon has 1/6 the gravity as on Earth.

It would also require less effort, because there is less resistance as you are swinging.

Ways To Improve Your Game

Understand how momentum, acceleration, and speed can improve your swing

Understand how exerting a stronger force on the ball, while still controlling the shot will increase distance

Practice, practice, practice