James C Gerdeen

Golf Ball Putting Analytics James C Gerdeen

Most anyone can putt a golf ball. Very few are able to hit the hole consistently. It is amazing to watch the pros do it! But we can all do better with more practice and training. However there is a science behind accurate putting and the purpose of this book is to present results of an analysis for use by the average golfer and the pro as well, and particularly for the golfers who want to improve their techniques and add some birdies to their scores. Hopefully all readers will gain appreciation of the science behind good putting. This book presents the results of an analysis of the path of putting a golf ball on sloping greens. The analysis was begun in 2011 and a computer algorithm has also been developed. For given conditions of slope, rolling resistance, and distance to the hole, the initial velocity and initial angle of the putting stroke can be predicted for the curved path needed to put the ball in the hole. In addition there is a section added that is devoted to chipping as well. The details of the analysis was copyrighted in a paper in 2012, "GOLFPATH (c) - Predicting the Path of Putting a Golf Ball on Sloping Greens." This paper is included in the Appendix 1 of this book for those who have more background in mathematics and concepts of physics and engineering. The author has attempted to present results of the analysis in a graphic way and in tables to be more easily understood. It has been difficult to explain everything without some algebra and trigonometry. This may cause some readers to refresh their knowledge in these subjects. If so, a little difficulty will not be in vain.