GolfPlusMore.com

Golf Balls — The Science Behind The Dimples

17th July 2009

Golf Balls — The Science Behind The Dimples

The dynamics behind the flight of the golf ball offers a fascinating insight into the physical interworkings of air pressure, turbulence, and aerodynamics.

When golf was first played in Scotland, most players played using clumsy golf apparatus, with the first golf clubs and golf balls made of wood.

In 1618 the “Featherie” was introduced. It was a golf ball made of feather. This feather golf ball was handcrafted from goose feathers tightly pressed into a horse or cowhide sphere while still wet. After drying, the leather shrank and the feathers expanded, creating a hardened golf ball.

As this type of golf ball was specially handcrafted, it was usually more expensive than golf clubs, so that only a few privileged people could afford to play golf back then.

After the Featherie golf ball came the Guttie golf ball. This type of golf ball was made from the rubber-like sap of the Gutta tree found in the tropics, and was shaped into a sphere when hot and eventually into a golf ball. As it was made of rubber, the Guttie golf ball could be cheaply produced and easily repaired by reheating and reshaping.

Comparing the two types of golf balls, the Featherie golf ball was said to travel farther than the Guttie golf ball because the Guttie golf ball’s smooth surface prevented it from covering more distance.

With this discovery, the developers of golf balls came up with the “dimpled” golf balls that are so predominant in modern golf nowadays.

The dimples on the golf balls help reduce the aerodynamic drag. Aerodynamic drag normally affects smooth golf balls and slows them down, because when they sail through the air, they leave a pocket of low-pressure air in its stir thus creating a drag.

By applying dimples to the golf ball surface, the pressure differential goes down and the drag force is reduced. These dimples create turbulence in the air surrounding the golf ball, which, in turn, forces the air to clasp the golf ball more closely. By doing so, the air trails the warp created by the golf ball towards the back instead of flowing past it. This results in a smaller wake and lesser drag.

Dimples were first added onto golf ball surfaces back during the gutta percha phase. Coburn Haskell introduced the one-piece rubber cored golf ball encased in a gutta percha sphere. Then in 1905 William Taylor applied the dimple pattern to a Haskell golf ball, thus giving rise to the modern golf ball as we know it today.

After its beginning, dimpled golf balls were officially used in every golf tournament. In 1921, the golf ball took its current form with standard size and weight. Nowadays there is a wide range of golf balls to fit every style, game and condition, with some golf balls offering control, and other golf balls offering distance.

Though a common sight nowadays, the dimpled golf ball is not just a mere element of the sports arena; it is a showcase of physics at work.

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Twitter
  • Technorati
  • Live
  • LinkedIn
  • MySpace
  • MySpace
Share This Post

posted in Golf Articles | 0 Comments

16th July 2009

Golf Bags for the beginner

Current info about Golf Bags is not always the easiest thing to locate. Fortunately, this report includes the latest info about Golf Bags available.

It seems like new information is discovered about something every day. And the topic of weight loss Success is no exception. Keep reading to get more fresh news about weight loss Success.

You might be a golf beginner looking for your first set of golf clubs and equipment or a pro shopping for upgrades, but all will agree that golf bags are essential in the game. Next to golf clubs, a golf bag is one of the most important golfing equipment there is.

It is considered a necessity. A good golf bag will lessen your worries on the golf course, (i.e. all your clubs are in their proper place) and you can focus on your teeing.

If you’re a beginner golfer, then golf bags are definitely a must. However, there are things that you should know before going to the nearest golf store and buying a golf bag on impulse. First, there are two types of golf bags? carry bags and cart bags.

Carry bags are golf bags that are used when you are planning to have a lot of walking on the golf course. Cart golf bags are those that you use when walking is not possible (as some golf courses prohibit walking), and riding a golf cart is your option. A beginner golfer will most definitely buy a walking bag at first, although if you are a serious beginner of the game, then you will eventually buy both types of golf bags.

If you are a newbie in the game, you might ask “What is a golf bag for? I only have four golf clubs.” A golf bag is a functional equipment rather than a fashion statement. It is not just for your golf clubs, but it can also hold your other golf equipment and accessories. Some advanced golf bags even have pocket coolers that can keep your drink ice-cold even for hours! You might want to consider that, especially when you will buy a carry golf bag.

When buying a golf bag, especially a carry golf bag, find a comfortable one. One should check the straps to see if it fits comfortably and whether it can be carried easily. Remember that your golf bag will be one of your trusted companions on the greens, and that you will spend hours with it. So choose wisely. Don’t buy low quality bags, because you will end up purchasing another bag in the next few months if your old golf bag tears up. You should also buy your golf bag depending on the number of golf clubs that you have. Most golf bags can carry up to 15 golf clubs. A tournament however limits the number of golf clubs in your golf bag.

Another important thing to consider when purchasing a golf bag is its weight. This is one of the most important things to know. Golf bags should be light enough to be carried or carted easily, but sturdy enough to hold your clubs and protect them. Some golf bags are even water resistant, and are rain proofed for the protection of your clubs. Most of these golf bags have 8 or 9 dividers or pockets. Again, the number of dividers that you will need depend on the amount of clubs and accessories you will carry. If you have many golf clubs then choose a golf bag with many dividers. However, these types of golf bags have the tendency to be heavier. Some bags can weigh less than 5 pounds! These types of bags are made up of space-age materials such as graphite, however, they more expensive.

Remember that when buying golf bags, the lighter it is, the better and more comfortable it will be.

Take time to consider the points presented above. What you learn may help you overcome your hesitation to take action.

Author J. Brian Keith is a proud contributing author for<a href="http://www.Golf” target=”_blank”>www.golfsuperstoreonline.com”>Golf Equipment,Home Exercise Equipment and enjoys writing about
many different topics. Please visit my other web sites
for Golf Articles andPicture Sharing.
WordPress Plugins
Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Twitter
  • Technorati
  • Live
  • LinkedIn
  • MySpace
  • MySpace
Share This Post

posted in Golf Articles | 0 Comments

15th July 2009

A Brief History of Golfing

One of the most elegant and prolific games of this century, golf has a fascinating trail of history running behind. The word ”golf” is actually a modification of the Dutch word “kolf” which simply means a “bat,” “stick,” or “club”. If defined literally, the game is all about striking a ball with a club from the teeing ground into the hole by a stroke or successive strokes while complying with the rules of the game. It is one of those rare games which do not require playing area; rather golf is played on golf “courses.” The competitions of golf are based on stroke play, where the individual or team posts with lowest score on the most individual for a full round, wins the game. Some other team games of golf such as fourball have been pioneered, and are played either using matchplay format or stroke. Several alternative styles of golf playing have been introduced like disc golf and miniature golf. However, it is still interesting to find out the History of golf.

Most scholars agree with the “fact” that the Scots were first to popularize the game of golf. However, there exists no common consensus in the history of golf about the inventors of the classy sport. The records suggest a golf-like game was played in a city called Loenen aan de Vecht, Netherlands, on 26 February 1297. The Dutchmen played this game with leather ball and a stick. Actually, the game required the players to hit the ball into a target situated several hundreds of meters away.

The emphasis on golf’s Scottish origin is contributed to the fact that the game was mentioned in two 15th-century Acts of the Scottish Parliament. Further, there are evidences that in A.D 1456, the first game of golf was played at Bruntsfield Links, in Edinburgh, Scotland, as recorded in the archives of The Royal Burgess Golfing Society.

There are some reports which record evidences of golf from continental Europe. Different forms of sports similar to golf were played in 14th century in the countries of France, Belgium, and Holland, apart from Scotland. However, the game was introduced in England by a keen Scottish Baron, James VI, after succeeding on the English throne in 1603.

In the early years of golf, the players never thought of forming a club or society until in 1744 a group of Edinburgh golfers united into a club named Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers. It was here that the first 13 rules of golf were drawn up for an annual contest. In 1766, Royal Blackheath Golf Club was formed in England – the first golf club formed outside Scotland.

Although traces of golf can be encountered in 18th century United States, however the game was still waiting to be popularized. The history of golf in North America began with its roots in Canada. In 1873, The Royal Montreal Club was formed, which was followed by the Quebec Golf Club in 1875 and the golf club in Toronto a year later. It was in 1888 that golf re-emerged in the United States. For the first time the “three-hole golf course” was built in Yonkers, New York by a Scotsman, John Reid on a 30-acre site. From a modest beginning, golf emerged as the new national pastime in the United States.

In the recent times golf has become a complete spectators’ game, involving professionals at different levels and amateur tours across various terrains of the world. Not only the game, but the golf players -Tiger Woods, Annika Sorenstam and Jack Nicklaus to name a few, have gained worldwide recognition as great sports personalities. Engrossingly huge sponsorships and new technologies being developed to assist golfers and dedication and raw talent from the emerging players all suggest a luminous new chapter in the “history of golf”.

Patrick Carpen is the designer, writer and owner of the website http://golfing.infobay.ws/
Infobay.ws is a content based, consumer oriented website that provides professionally researched, and up to the minute content on selected subjects. This website was created as a resource to the golfing enthusiast.
WordPress Plugins
Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Twitter
  • Technorati
  • Live
  • LinkedIn
  • MySpace
  • MySpace
Share This Post

posted in Golf Articles | 0 Comments

15th July 2009

Gearing Up for Golf – Information for the Novice

Learning how to play golf requires more than just skill. Basic golf equipment and learning about your golfing needs are necessary features for gearing up for golf. Here are some golf tips for the amateur to aid you in learning how to play the game.

For starters, the basic golf equipment is a golf ball. Golf balls are dimpled so they can go very far when driven by golf clubs. Most courses will provide you with balls if you ask.

When gearing up for golf, spend a lot of time educating yourself about your golf club or golf driver. Golf drivers come in different types. This because each course has different landscapes and several golf clubs are needed to make the proper drive. Depending on the landscape, be it sand, grass or cement, a golf club is essential to make the right drive. Professional golfers generally have a bag or two of clubs to handle their golf needs. Most sports equipment stores sell golf clubs. Some are sold in sets while other are sold singly.

To protect your purchases, such as your golf clubs, a club cover is vital for your golfing needs. A golf bag will, of course, contain your clubs in one place and will make it more practical for you to transport many. Golf bags can also hold balls and other items like a water bottle to quench your thirst while under the sun or an extra shirt or your walking shoes. It also covers the edge of your golf club. This is done so to protect it from unsightly scratches and dents. Dents can cause your drive to go from ok to awful.

One piece of standard golf equipment that you need to purchase is a quality pair of golf shoes. Golf shoes are unique from usual rubber shoes or street footwear. They were designed to walk on greens. Golf shoes normally have pointed rubber on the soles to penetrate the earth and grass under your feet. This way, distracting shaking or moving is minimized. This is important because shaking can cause you to miss the ball or do it in the wrong direction. If you want to play professional golf, a sturdy pair of golf shoes is a key piece of golf equipment to purchase. Choose ones that are sturdy yet comfortable enough for you to walk in. Golf is a sport that requires traveling from one hole to another or to where your ball landed and thus, if your golf shoes are painful, you will have a hard time concentrating on your game.

Golf equipment typically supplied by most golf courses (aside from the golf ball) is the tee. The tee is the little pin that you push in the ground to stand your ball onto. It is used for teeing off (the start of your first drive) thus the name.

The most practical piece of golf equipment ever made is the golf cart. Golf carts can take you from one hole to the next, and while they are not allowed on the greens, nevertheless they reduce the burden of having to walk under the hot sun. This golf equipment can be acquired from golf courses. Players are generally made to use a cart to give them a better and more relaxed time playing the sport.

Many specialty and sport shops offer golf equipment. Cyberspace is also a good source. If you are on a tight budget, second hand golf equipment is auctioned off the Internet at E-bay or Yahoo. Or feel out your local golf and sports shops for your golfing necessaties. Don’t be wary about asking for proper education at one of your local clubs or on the course. Just about golf clubs offer courses or a seasoned member may be prepared to give you tips regarding your swing, stroke or how to play the game. Gearing up for golf needs the expenditure of money and time, but once you have your fundamental golf equipment in hand, you’ll be ready to score your 1st hole in one!

For more info, check out Basic Golf Equipment or Articles On Golf Gear. Ron King is a web developer; visit his website Authoring Articles.
Copyright 2008 Ron King. This article may be reprinted if the resource box is left intact and the links live.
WordPress Plugins
Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Twitter
  • Technorati
  • Live
  • LinkedIn
  • MySpace
  • MySpace
Share This Post

posted in Golf Articles | 0 Comments

14th July 2009

How to Buy The Right Golf Cart Bag

Is it time to replace your golf cart bag? Depending how much you play, the golf cart bag is a very important piece of golf equipment. The reasons are simple. Obviously, it is very important because it assists you with the storage and transportation of your golf clubs as well as other golf equipment.
With the size of a golf cart bag, you can easily carry your clubs, tees, markers as well as other things you will need during your round of golf. The bag itself does not necessarily have a direct correlation to your score however, it can allow you to carry items that could make your round of golf more comfortable and more enjoyable for you.
The basic golf bag comes in three sizes. The first is a staff golf bag or tour golf bag. Obviously, this name comes from the professionals that are on staff with a certain company to promote the company’s products. The second is the golf cart bag. These bags are typically not quite as large as a staff or tour bag and are meant to be placed on the rear of a golf cart. These golf bags are not meant to be carried by the average player during their round of golf.
A golf stand carry bag can be used on the back of a golf cart as well as carried by the player during the round. These bags are typically about 4 pounds in weight prior to adding your golf equipment. Depending on the golf you usually play, any one of these styles can suit your needs.
In determining the kind of golf bag will best suit you and the type of golf that you play, you need to first decide if you walk or ride most of your rounds of golf. If you walk the majority of your rounds, you will need a golf stand carry bag. You may choose to also have a cart golf bag for trips or special occasions. In addition, you will need to think about your typical golf club and how your golf clubs are normally transported about the club.
Do you have to personally carry them quite a bit or is the staff able to assist you with your bag? I think that you get the drift, the more that you carry your own clubs the more you need a golf stand carry bag.
The golf stand carry bag is a smaller bag designed for those who are prone to walk the golf course or have to transport their own clubs around the club. These lightweight golf bags are designed for the players comfort as they are carried by the player. Although these bags are light weight they can hold a full set of golf clubs (fourteen), golf balls, range finder GPS unit, tees, umbrella as well as a rain suit. These bags typically have room for a pair of golf shoes for when you travel.
The staff/tour bag is the largest selection of golf bags which is available, they are much larger that the travel/carry bag or the cart golf bag. You see the professional golfers on TV use these golf bags. However, they do not personally carry them due to their weight. They travel with caddies to help them instead. The amount of equipment that these golfers can carry is as much as they would like and an average PGA Tour Bag is 40-45 lbs with all the equipment in it. The price for the staff tour bags is substantially higher than that of the cart golf bag or the travel/carry bag.
The golf cart bag is a smaller version of the tour bag. Again, these bags are deigned to ride on the back of a golf cart. The pockets are typically designed for easy access as the bag sits on a golf cart.
Determine your golfing habits and with this information make an informed decision on which bag would best suit you and allow you to enjoy the great game of golf.

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Twitter
  • Technorati
  • Live
  • LinkedIn
  • MySpace
  • MySpace
Share This Post

posted in Golf Articles | 0 Comments