Much has been contributed by science in golf industry in terms of scientific innovations answering our queries regarding golf ball in relation to its dimple pattern, core technology, power transfer design, and so on. It must be noted that a single golf swing involves thousands of muscle movements that takes place in a little less than a second from start to finish. However, achieving the highest energy transfer or velocity that could result in farther and accurate ball flight does not only come from choosing the best ball in the market or buying the golf balls that PGA pros are using but it also depends on the synchronization and proper sequence with precise timing of a swing movement.
Science has shown that a difference in the velocity, weather condition, golfer’s age, flexibility, strength and mental sharpness, and so on can affect swing dynamics. A golf ball struck ¼” too high or too low will soar high up and eventually will result in landing off the target. Positioning the clubface ½ degree less than square to the ball causes the ball to travel a much shorter distance. High winds
can affect a golfer’s target distance influencing high trajectory shots however, turning to lower trajectory shots may hurdle the shot-stopping accuracy of the ball. Bad posture is also a nuisance to achieving a “perfect golf swing.
A typical or a perfect golf swing calls for power or energy formula that will generate the highest club-head speed at the moment of impact. The power or energy required to swing, according to Ted Jorgensen the author of The Physics of Golf, does not only come from the 32 pounds of muscles that releases two horsepower of energy spawned by the arms and shoulders but it also must be obtained from the legs, buttocks, back and abdomen. As mentioned earlier, the synchronization and proper sequential of force movements from the larger muscle groups into the smaller muscles have to be fluidly achieved so as not to interfere as the increase-in-speed transpires. This acceleration process through the succession of muscle movements stimulates the so-called golf-swing power.
The golf swing power is an exceptionally challenging task to commit to muscle memory. To iron down the muscle contraction and bring it to “chill out” in order to preserve the transfer momentum from muscle to muscle sounds uncontainable for novice players. As the golfer prepares to strike the ball, the mechanics of the backswing and downswing, and the dynamics of collision which roughly lasts 0.0005 seconds materialize and this very short time frame for energy and momentum transfer allows only a small percentage of energy to be shifted to the ball at the moment of impact.
The sequence of movements of the left arm pulling the golf club toward the ball and the shoulders, hips, and legs pushing the body and club toward the ball is a picture of a golfer’s downswing. This energy momentum in downswing yields club-head velocity so, the highest possible club-head velocity at the moment of impact can be achieved when a golfer has a well-timed ironed transfer of energy or momentum.
The synchronization of the movements of shoulders, arms and wrists and the club through the wrist is easier said done. But Tiger Woods doesn’t seem to have a difficulty in this area. The momentum transfer process occurs as his legs and hips drive forward while the lower body starts the “whip action.” These movements deliver optimal momentum and energy transfer that comes from correct proper linear (legs and hips drive forward) and angular (the upper body unwinds) alignment.
In order to achieve maximal ball strike, a smooth constant acceleration must be achieved with proper timing of the muscle movements, not too soon and not too late, in order to pull off more momentum. However, misunderstanding the concept of body mechanics and optimal acceleration must be done with greatest accuracy. A golfer with a jerky swing motion might exert less power in a short time which results in balance problems.
Both science and physics have shown the right way to a “perfect” swing. The models calculated and demonstrated might be viewed as mechanical, easy to execute, or difficult to apply but with the unique differences of differing golfers, we can conclude that the key to having a “powerful” swing is to put on “as much force as possible within an accuracy of striking the zone of highest energy transfer called the sweet spot.” Balance and accuracy from the backswing to the downswing must be properly observed in order to avoid ball flight dynamics error. Executing proper backswing with proper concept of weight shift to the downswing will lead to improvement changes in the yards travel by your golf ball as well as increase in the club-head/ball impact speed.
Remembering the complex movements of muscles for the golf swing is helpful in achieving a successful golf swing practice. If ever you have a misplaced shot, do not be disappointed. As the saying goes, “practice makes perfect.” Golf swing will occur as a natural process as motor learning and visualization become more coordinated. Having positive emotions while on the greens brings a golfer to a state called. “the zone.” “The zone” is described as possessing the confidence and the relaxation of the brain and its learned muscle memory in order to perform a skill without interruptions that may cause erratic movements. Having this mental confidence and relaxation while preparing a smooth shot, that is well-timed and adheres to the mechanics and fluidity of a golf swing, is considered a plus factor in beating a fairly equally skilled opponent.
Posts
