Golf Ball Flight Principles
Golf ball aerodynamics and physics that are used today to design golf ball performance characteristics are far more technical than I could possibly understand. The basics of golf ball flight however will always be the same and is not all that complicated to understand. The golf ball will always be round, it will always have some kind of dimples or bumps on it, it will be launched with spin and it will fly through the air.
Dimple design can impact flight characteristics, including spin rate.
Here is what happens from impact on: Once the ball is impacted, it is deformed somewhat. When it leaves the clubface in a deformed state, it is different aerodynamically until it regains its perfectly round shape. Once it is round, moving in a forward direction and spinning backward (back spin), it assumes its normal aerodynamic properties. As air smashes into the front of the ball, the dimples trap air into them and drag more of the air up and over the top of the ball than what passes underneath the ball. This creates a low-pressure area on top of the ball. Low pressure on top of something (like an airplane wing) creates lift. As the ball is spinning through the air at a certain forward speed, a low-pressure area is formed behind the ball that introduces a drag component. While all this is going on, the earth’s center of gravity is pulling down on the ball because it has a weight component.
The weight of the ball is pulling it to earth; the lift, drag and air around the ball create friction that wants to slow down its spin rate and also its forward speed. All three of these components of lift, drag and weight coupled with the balls spin rate and initial velocity, create the trajectory or shape of the balls flight. You should see now that the golf balls dimple design can change the drag, lift and overall flight characteristics including the spin rate. Try out different balls and find out which one works best for you.
Click here to get Ralph’s Insider Emails
The Relationship Between MOI And Effective Sweet Spot In Putters
See charts that illustrate the relationship between MOI and putter sweetspots.
Recent Comments
Jack Butler, the golf ball "bounce test" has absolutely no bearing whatsoever on any performance variable of the golf ball.
Ralph, Is comparing how high 2 golf balls rebound when dropped side by side onto a concrete floor a valid way to determine which will be the longer playing?
beans, you are probably a good candidate for a softer ball. This however does not necessarily mean it will go farther, only that it will probably feel better to you. However, by experimenting, you will most likely find a ball that will gain you some distance. Forget about the loft thing with your irons and fairways as this will not provide the kind of help you need. You should look at driver loft so that your trajectory is correct which will be a big factor in increased driving distance. The most success I have had with slow swingers is with seniors who are losing distance and want to get some of it back. Mostly at this stage of their golfing careers they are smooth swingers who basically always keep the ball in play. So, I usually recommend increasing the length of their driver by 1” and possible going ½” longer on the irons. You leave the head weight alone and only lengthen the clubs if you are modifying your present clubs. It is best to build or buy a new set at the new lengths, but first, find out if they work for you by using a launch monitor. This will allow you to gain some swing speed and usually results in about 10 more yards with the driver and 5 or 6 with the irons. Not a lot of distance but every little bit helps.
Mr. Maltby, Do you know of any golf ball, or have tested that would help a very slow swinger gane more distance. Would slow swings be better off with weaker lofts on irons and drivers? Can you give me an examlpe off someone you have fitted before. Thanks
winston, you basically select a ball for hardness (compression) based on your own preference and feel. You also select the ball based on the distance you hit it and the trajectory you are shooting for. It seems strange, but you are much better off playing the more expensive balls because they all around perform best.
Go to Article Discussion