Kinetic analysis of a golf swing.

Abstract A dynamic model of the golf swing is used to analyze the effect changes of “swing weight” and club type have on the forces, power, and work exerted by a golfer. The dynamic model demonstrates the significance of various equipment types as well as some modifications to the equipment. The model is also used to show how club head speed and the forces exerted by the golfer are changed by a slight modification to the kinematics of a real golf swing. On the basis of mathematical analysis, it is shown that the effect of drag on a golf swing is negligible, and that adding weight to the handle of a club to maintain “swing weight” has little effect on the forces exerted by a golfer. It is also shown that for the same club head speed, a graphite driver requires less effort than an ordinary driver.