#110 The Physics of Putter Weights.

The podcast discusses a study by Jentsch and Jordan on adjustable weights in putters. Using a robot, golfers, and high-speed cameras, they examined how weight distribution affects impact angle, ball flight, and spin. The findings show that the position of the weights significantly impacts putting performance and influences the feel of the putter. The study highlights the importance of both physical and mental aspects in putting. Additionally, it emphasizes the potential for individual putter optimization through experimentation with weights.

The podcast describes a study that investigated the effect of weight and weight distribution on various aspects of putting. One of the key insights was that the total weight of the putter head has a substantial impact on the energy transfer ratio. The energy transfer ratio essentially refers to how efficiently energy is transferred from the putter to the ball.

The study found that a putter with a 28% weight increase compared to one without additional weight achieved the highest energy transfer ratio. This is because a heavier putter head carries more energy, resulting in a more powerful strike and longer ball roll. Think of it like throwing a baseball: a heavier ball, thrown with the same force, travels farther because it carries more energy.

The sources mentioned that shifting weight in the putter significantly impacts the swing weight. Swing weight describes how heavy the putter feels in the hands throughout the stroke. By altering the weights in the putter head, the researchers created a range of 32 different swing weights. This explains why golfers often have very specific preferences for how their putter feels.

Weight redistribution affects not only the swing weight but also the face balance and toe hang:

- Face balance: refers to how the putter face rests in a neutral position.

- Toe hang: describes how much the toe of the putter points downward when held horizontally.

More weight in the toe increases toe hang, while more weight in the heel reduces it. These characteristics, in turn, influence how the putter face aligns with the ball at impact.

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