Wouldn't you get the maximum distance with 45 degree loft?
Isn't that the optimum trajectory of a projectile?
2006-10-26 05:24:56 · 10 answers · asked by tumcubus 2 in Sports ➔ Golf
The short answer to your question is "no, because of lift." Simply stated, a golf ball is no ordinary projectile, and the trajectory of a golf shot is not equal to the loft of the clubface. This is because a properly struck golf ball has "lift." Like an airplane wing, lift keeps the ball airborne. It is created by the hit and the spin. The spin is created the moment a golf ball is hit. The ball squashes on the face and "backspins" up the clubface and launches out. The lift on a spinning ball keeps the ball airborne for a longer time and allows the ball to go farther before it hits the ground. This is where the dimples come in. Dimples create a tiny vaccuum above the ball which the ball rushes into, giving it what is called "Bernoulli lift." (The air pressure above the ball is less than that below the ball). The faster the spin, the more the lift. How far it goes depends club head speed, and on lift, but also on a force called "drag" that gradually slows the ball. (What a drag, huh?)
What is curious is that the more spin, the more drag, which slows the ball more rapidly and kills distance. Fortunately for us, the more spin, the more lift, which keeps the ball in the air longer, tends to be the more dominant force of the two, and allows us a moment to admire the sight of our well hit shots as they fly towards the target.
2006-10-28 11:14:06 · answer #1 · answered by jcdunkdogs 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
45 degrees of loft would send a a ball upwards at about 75 degree. The launch angle need to be around 13 degrees for maximum distance. Back spin wind resistance compression and speed and contribute to adding loft to your drive. A higher hit driver lands softer and produces less roll reducing total distance. A golf ball does not travel in a vacuum, has spin and 45 degrees is not optimal under these conditions. The trajectory of a drive changes launching at about 13 degrees, rising to about 30 degrees and in the wind balooning to about 60 degrees at a given point. The longest drivers approach 10 degrees of loft, are teed high and hit high off the face to reduce spin. Drivers of 6, 7 & 8 degrees can produce greater roll but require more clubhead speed to get them airborne.
2006-10-26 17:02:45 · answer #2 · answered by Brian M 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They have determined that a golf ball goes the farthest when launched at a 15 degree angle with minimum spin.
The launch angle is not only determined by the loft in the clubhead. Shaft stiffness, center of gravity, and flex point have more to do with it. Clubhead speed and loft determine the amount of spin.
A properly hit 48 degree wedge will squeeze the ball against the ground forcing it to roll up the clubface and launch the ball at an angle higher than 48 degrees. A 7 degree driver with a low center of gravity and a properly flexed shaft will launch the ball higher than an improperly fitted 12 degree driver.
2006-10-26 16:15:49 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is the optimum trajectory of a smooth projectile which isn't rotating (like a cannon ball). Hitting the golf ball produces spin. The spin of the golf ball, working in conjunction with the dimpled surface, creates lift. The air under the ball is moving slower than the air on top of the ball, just like an airplane wing. You can read a detailed explanation below.
2006-10-26 16:10:38 · answer #4 · answered by johns_game_account 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A 45 degree driver would be like hitting a 9 iron. Think about it! (optimum launch angle for driver is 12-14 degrees with little spin)
2006-10-26 20:56:47 · answer #5 · answered by torchy005 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, when you hit the ball with a8 or 9 degree loft you get the maximun distance. The reasosn for rhat is thar when the ball gets hit flies in a 45 degree angle.
2006-10-26 13:46:57 · answer #6 · answered by Rocko 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if your driver face was at that angle youd need to have a 8 inch tee so the club wasnt just a blade. not too mention the chances of you hitting yourself right in the face. think of how the power is delivered to the ball. you can adjust the ball height or your stance to launch the ball at the desired angle.
2006-10-29 14:18:48 · answer #7 · answered by polyesterfred 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because the 45 degree club begins to slide under the ball before it launches and causes more backspin and reduces distance greatly
2006-10-26 18:54:08 · answer #8 · answered by tarheelsjordan 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, it depends on your driving skill. A 45 would drop and stick. A 10.5 or slightly smaller will hit, skip, roll, and make you smile!
2006-10-26 20:31:28 · answer #9 · answered by delux_version 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The ball will go to high you will lose distance
2006-10-27 23:53:36 · answer #10 · answered by Doug 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋