Enzo Chua

Full Swing: The Physics Behind a Drive

Golf…

A game that influences both the Roman game “paganica” and the English game “cambuca” has now become a widespread competitive sport worldwide. In layman’s terms, it is essentially hitting a small ball as precisely and far as you can with the fewest strokes possible. All golf holes have a starting place where the tee is located. This is the small area where golfers prepare first and is usually the furthest swing of them all. The tee shot is also known as the drive. Your number one goal is to move the ball as far and as straight as possible while remaining on the green (fairway). To be able to drive your best, it takes more than skill and coordination. There is more than meets the eye than just letting it fly. It requires three Physics concepts that work hand in hand: the double pendulum effect, centripetal force, and torque.

John Spitzer, the United States Golf Association (USGA) director of equipment standards, says that “You can use physics to allow the forces to do other work for you.” The first physics concept used in a golf swing is called the double pendulum effect. A pendulum is defined as a weight suspended from an anchor from which the weight can pivot or swing freely under the influence of gravity. During a driver shot, two pendulums are happening. The first pendulum includes the arms of the golfer that moves around the shoulders. The second pendulum is found in the golf club that swings back and forth. When both pendulums are done correctly, it will make the golf swing feel effortless. Now, the next physics concept is centripetal force. It is the force that makes an object stay moving in a circular path. This force can be seen in everyday objects and even in rides such as roller coasters. There is the force that keeps the ride in place as the rollercoaster rushes quickly around a loop. Centripetal force in golf is found when turning and anchoring your body and pulling your wrist inwards as you swing outwards to hit the ball. This all happens in one circular motion. The bigger the circle of the swing, the less centripetal force is used to move the golf club. This allows the club to move quickly and hit the ball further. Finally, the most important factor in the tee shot is the torque. Torque is the turning force that tends to rotate around an axis. This force is applied during the backswing and swing of a golfer. Golfers must rotate their shoulders back and twist their hips in one motion around the central axis of the body as they strike the golf ball. The proper body and hip rotation is truly key to transferring power from your lower body to your upper body and finally to the ball as it flies away.

Science is always around us. The sport of golf is just one example of the brilliant applications of physics. The major underlying concepts in one's tee shot include the double pendulum effect, centripetal force, and torque. These three concepts should work harmoniously together to ensure the maximum range and consistency of the hits. So the next time you swing a club or try out another sport, make sure to pay more attention to the science and physics behind it. They may be the key to elevating your game to the next level.

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