CLASS: Learning from TrackMan Research on Smash Factor

[Kevin Shields]

From my experience fitting players, very few players can get it up to the 110mph arena unless you are looking at a limited sample of fairly good low handicap players.

Well, in MY experience, there is a fair amount of decent players who play recreationally who can get it up around 110mph.

 

[Bronco Billy]

An Optimal Golf Shot Defined.....

I think on a lot of his driver shots, Phil (also Tiger, and many others) do hit down on the ball (negative Angle of Attack).

This leads me to one of my biggest beliefs (so far...), that there is a trade off between efficient impact conditions and efficient launch conditions (see earlier thread). I think the best players will still hit down on the ball (or at least not hit up on it as much as is "most optimal") because their swing is better when they do.

I also don't like confusing the "optimal" term with maximizing distance. If I maximize my distance into the bush, how optimal is that? "Optimal" to me means something more than just the most distance.
Bubba Watson has shown a great ability to hit more up on it when he wants to bomb it, but also hit down on it when the shot calls for a fairway finder.

My hypothesis (I eagerly await the trackman data on this) is that the most consistent, accurate drivers of the ball will hit down on the ball (or at least not hit up on it as much), and the best overall drivers (PGA TOUR's stat combining distance and accuracy rankings) will be the guys able to vary their attack angle.

An Optimal Golf Shot is a Vectored Smash Factor.... Ie. Any Vector is Defined by Magnitude and Direction... Smash Factor Defines the Most Efficient way a Golf Ball May be Propelled... Smash Factor is a Ratio and is All about Efficiency and Does Not Necessarily define Maximum Distance but Necessarily Defines Maximum Efficiency....An Optimal Golf Shot is a Vectored(Magnitude and Direction) Smash Factor which Defines a Golf Shot that Hits a Defined Target Precisely.... Have a Great Day With Your New Found Knowledge....