In our latest podcast episode, we sat down with Dr. Paul Wood, VP of Engineering at Ping and President of the Golf Science Organization, to discuss the most intriguing research presented at the recent World Scientific Congress of Golf. Here’s a deep dive into the key takeaways that stood out.
Wedge Shots: The Crucial Role of Ground Interaction Dr. Wood shared fascinating insights from a Ping study on wedge shots, focusing on how the interaction with the ground affects ball control.
The study revealed that in 86% of wedge shots, the ground plays a significant role in determining the angle of attack, and in 58% of those shots, this interaction is substantial enough to influence spin and control.
Even among elite golfers, the way the club interacts with the turf can vary widely, highlighting the importance of understanding and managing this aspect of the short game.
Understanding Putting on Slopes: A New Era of Precision One of the hottest topics at the Congress was the science behind how putts behave on sloping surfaces. Thanks to advancements in technology, we can now measure the physics of a putt with more accuracy than ever before.
Dr. Wood highlighted the growing focus on the “decay phase” of a putt—the moment when the ball begins to slow down and meander just before reaching the hole. With new tools like the Quintic system, researchers are unraveling how slope, speed, and friction interact, providing golfers with insights that could dramatically improve their performance on the greens.
The Rise of Women in Golf: A Growing Focus on Research Women are the fastest-growing segment in golf, yet there’s been a significant gap in research focused on female golfers. This is starting to change, and the Congress featured a range of studies dedicated to understanding the unique needs and biomechanics of women in golf.
One important discussion centered around strength and conditioning, where many female golfers hesitate due to fears of becoming too muscular. By addressing these concerns and tailoring training specifically for women, the sport can continue to grow and evolve in exciting new ways.
Face Angle Variability in Irons: The Quest for Consistency Another key area of focus was the variability of face angles in iron shots, a crucial factor in controlling the direction of the ball. The discussion touched on whether golfers should stick to one shot shape (like a draw or fade) or adapt based on the situation.
Dr. Wood emphasized that, biomechanically, there’s no difference between hitting a draw or a fade, which suggests that the choice should be based on the golfer’s comfort and experience.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Golf The Congress also explored broader topics such as the sustainability of the sport and the future of golf equipment. With ongoing debates about distance and the potential for equipment changes, the future of golf is a hot topic.
Dr. Wood stressed the importance of considering the needs of all golfers, not just the professionals, to ensure that the sport remains accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
