Golfers: Pay Attention to Physics and Geometry

In high school and college, I couldn't stand geometry!  Physics was okay but only a little more interesting.  Boy do I wish I would have paid more attention in class, because a knowledge of both is so valuable in understanding the golf swing!  That may make you think that this short article is going to be complicated, it's not.  Actually the opposite is true.  By understanding some basic principles of physics and geometry, the golf swing can be quite simple.  It's fitting to discuss the golf swing in this manner today, as the pioneer in this way of thinking was featured in the Journal Sentinel today.  If you want a great read about a world class teacher and man, check out this article about Manuel de la Torre written by Gary D'Amato!  Over the next few weeks I will show you how these simple principles relate to golf.  Enjoy the read and good luck in your "Search for Better Golf."  

Constant Acceleration

Constant acceleration is defined as: a change in velocity that doesn't vary over a given length of time.  

Example: If you get in your car and drive 10 miles, and increase your speed by 10 mph each mile, you car would be demonstrating constant acceleration.  

Constant acceleration is a very important part of EVERY golf swing.  If a player is going to maximize his or her distance and consistency, their golf swing must demonstrate constant acceleration.  If you break that thought down even more, that means that it is equally important for your putter to have constant acceleration on a two footer and as it for your driver on that long par 5!  It's easy to with the driver, but takes more concentration and attention on shorter shots.

So now that you understand what constant acceleration is and that it is important, how do you apply it to your golf swing?  The simplest and most effective way is to ensure that you are finishing your swing.  Instead of focusing on impact, think past that point.  Visualize where and how the golf club will finish.  When the golf club is swung to the finish (different location depending on the shot), it forces the club to accelerate at impact!  Understanding constant acceleration provides you a picture of a smooth golf swing, not one that tries to create all of the speed and force at any one point in the swing.  

The next time you are on the range, concentrate on the finish.  Make the club accelerate past the golf ball.  I believe it helps to visualize a pendulum.  Whatever length swing you are making, be sure the ball is at the bottom of your pendulum.

In the picture above, the green ball at position 2 is where it has maximum speed.  The illustration is a great picture of why you want your golf swing to continue past impact!

Until next time, I hope you hit all fairways and greens and that it's 72 and sunny every day!