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A review of dynamic models and measurements in golf

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Abstract

A narrative review of dynamic models of golf phenomena is presented, as well as current technologies for measuring the motions of a golfer, club, and ball. Kinematic and dynamic models of the golf swing are reviewed, including models with prescribed motions or torques as inputs, and predictive dynamic models that maximize an objective (e.g., driving distance) to determine optimal inputs or equipment designs. Impulse–momentum and continuous contact dynamic models for clubhead–ball and ball–ground impacts are described. The key observations from 172 cited references are extracted and presented, along with suggestions for future research.

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Notes

  1. A green is reached in regulation if the number of shots required is 2 less than the par for the hole, e.g., 3 or fewer shots are needed to land on the green of a par-5 hole.

  2. The “gear effect” refers to the tendency of the clubhead and ball to rotate in opposite directions following impact. In Fig. 5, the horizontal gear effect implies that a clubhead rotating clockwise after impact will impart a counter-clockwise spin to the ball, and vice versa. For impacts above the sweet spot on the clubface, the vertical gear effect reduces the amount of backspin caused by the club loft.

  3. A Stimpmeter is a ramp that launches a ball with a repeatable speed on a green; the distance traveled (in feet) is the Stimpmeter reading of green speed.

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Acknowledgements

The author is grateful to his graduate student co-authors (see References) for many years of enjoyable research collaborations and discussions. The author is indebted to the pioneers of golf research, including Tait, Williams, Daish, Lampsa, and Cochran, for their seminal contributions. The ongoing support of the Equipment Editors (Mike Stachura, Mike Johnson) at Golf Digest is gratefully acknowledged, as is the encouragement and patience displayed by the Editor-in-Chief (Tom Allen) during a pandemic.

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Funding of this work by the Canada Research Chairs program is gratefully acknowledged.

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    John McPhee

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McPhee, J. A review of dynamic models and measurements in golf. Sports Eng 25, 22 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12283-022-00387-0

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