The Role of Momentum and Inpulse in Golf: Exploring the Science Behind the Swing

[bolson07]

What does momentum and inpulse have to do with golf

 

[andrevdh]

Well, first you have a moving club and a stationary ball. The club subsequently applies an impulse to the stationary ball thereby changing its momentum. The momentum of the club is altered only slightly by the collision due to the much smaller inertia of the ball. Once the ball is in the air it is basically a projectile in free fall.

 

[Andrew Mason]

The momentum of the club is altered only slightly by the collision due to the much smaller inertia of the ball.

I think the momentum of the club is altered greatly - in fact exactly as much as the change in momentum of the ball.

AM

 

[arildno]

What does momentum and inpulse have to do with golf

Nothing, actually.
Golf is outside the laws of physics, as Tiger Woods has shown repeatedly.

 

[Hootenanny]

Nothing, actually.
Golf is outside the laws of physics, as Tiger Woods has shown repeatedly.

Just on a side note, have you seen a golfer's swing in super slow motion? I remember watching a clip of Tiger Woods' swing and the amount the shaft of the club bends during the swing is unbelievable! It was literally greater than 90^o!

~H

 

[arildno]

Actually, I haven't. Sort of proves I'm right, doesn't it?

 

[Hootenanny]

Actually, I haven't. Sort of proves I'm right, doesn't it?

:rofl: It was on a sky advert over here in the UK I'm not sure if they air them in Norway. It's the "Sky - what do you want to watch?" type of thing. I never though a golf club was that flexible and fat business men could exert such a force.

~H

 

[arildno]

Business men with club swinging proficiency?
I'm sure they are about somewhere..

 

[andrevdh]

Ah, yes I erred as Andrew remarked, the momentum change is the same according to N3. What I was trying to convey is due to the much larger inertia of the club its speed will change less during the collision. What Hootenanny suggest is that the contact time between the ball and the club is prolonged due to the flexibility of the shaft of the club. This will allow the club to speed the ball up to a higher velocity as it flexes back forward after initially bending backwards. This flexibility will also soften the blow for the golfer.