The science of golf / John Wesson.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Wesson, John.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Golf.

Sports sciences.

Physical Description:

viii, 273 pages : illustrations ; 26 cm

Place of Publication:

Oxford ; New York : Oxford University Press, 2009.

Summary:

This book gives a scientific account of all aspects of the game of golf and answers the questions which occur to all who play the game. The mechanics of the swing and the impact of the club on the ball are explained. Together these decide the range of the ball - which is shown to be the most important factor for success.

The aerodynamics of the ball's flight has several surprises, including the effects of dimples and spin. Understanding these effects allows a calculation of the ball's flight and explains how the range depends on the clubhead speed and the characteristics of the club. Putting is analysed to find the optimum strategy and to understand how winds, slopes, and bias affect the run of the ball.

Handicaps are perhaps the most discussed topic in golf and the book examines the handicap systems to identify their consequences in matches and competitions, with results which will surprise many players. The famous question - 'what is the probability of a hole-in-one?' is discussed and a neat way of answering it is proposed.

Further chapters examine the players, the equipment, and the economics of the game, discussing the aspects of play that determine success, how much the improvements in clubs and balls have affected performance, and the remarkable growth of both the amateur and the professional game.

Contents:

1 The Science of Golf 1

2 The Swing 9

3 Impact 37

4 Aerodynamics-Drag 63

5 Aerodynamics-Lift 81

6 Some Theory 95

7 Range 105

8 Bouncing and Rolling 131

9 Putting 145

10 Hole-in-one 167

11 Handicaps 173

12 Matches and Competitions 201

13 The Players 221

14 Clubs and Balls 237

15 Economics 253

Number 269.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages [265]-267) and index.

ISBN:

0199226202

9780199226207

OCLC:

228497911