Golf

Improving the pace of play on a golf course is much like trying to control flow rate through a funnel, or traffic on a highway. 

The brief collision between the club face and the ball produces friction, which unleashes spin. 

Golf balls have gone through radical changes to improve spin, reduce drag, and help the ball travel farther. 

Science, technology, engineering, and math go into the setup of a golf course. 

Maintaining a golf course requires the use of one of nature's most precious resources: water. 

A stimpmeter calculates green speed by relying on the principals of kinematics: position, velocity and acceleration 

Wind, rain, temperature, and air pressure can all affect a golfer's ability to make his or her next shot. 

Newton's Third Law of Motion is demonstrating with the impact between the golf club and ball. 

LPGA golfer Paula Creamer's swing is analyzed to illustrate potential and kinetic energy. 

Agronomy is used to maintain turfgrass and create ideal environments for golf. 

Suzann Pettersen, a professional golfer on the LPGA tour, uses putting to help demonstrate the physics concepts of work, energy, and power. 

USGA research engineer Jim Hubbell explains how Newton's Laws of Motion are demonstrated in every round of golf. 

The Rules of Golf limit the volume of the head of a golf club to 460 cubic centimeters. 

Torque and moment of inertia are two key physics concepts to hit the ball straight. 

Golf club innovations have led to efficiently utilize the mass of the club head and more. 

USGA engineer Steve Quintavalla explains why a golf ball is designed with tiny dimples, or impressions, on its surface.