How Golf Clubs Really Work and How to Optimize Their Design [Paperback]

Richard C. Grieg (Author), Dr. Frank D. Werner (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 4, 2000

The book entitled How Golf Clubs Really Work and How to Optimize Their Design, is the first book published that focuses on the golf club and the way that golfers can utilize their specific clubs to achieve better shot control, leading to lower scores for all golfers. The book is the end result of a 10-year, full-time dedicated research effort for co-authors Frank D. Werner and Richard C. Grieg. Both have advanced degrees in aerospace engineering and together have over 90 patents.

The authors have discussed many issues relevant to the game of golf and analyzed the way that different factors play a part in shot making. Chapters are included on optimal face curvature (bulge and roll may be extinct), shaft length and head weight to maximize distance, and the effects of wind drag on club head speed (less than you would expect). In addition, the authors have developed new aiming and shot control techniques that could allow golfers to have better control, hit more fairways and greens, and lower their scores.

The book will provide useful insights for a broad spectrum of golfers from touring pros and teaching professionals to struggling beginners and serious golfers looking to shave a few strokes off their game. By providing an analysis of all that happens from impact until the ball stops, the authors have de-mystified one of the world’s greatest games.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

This book is unique in the golf industry and we are confident that in time, it will become an essential reference work for future researchers and teachers in the basics of golf. No previous work approximates the content of this book.

The book confirms much of what golfers know, adds much previously unknown information and provides an analysis of all that happens from impact until the ball stops. The foundation of this book is experimental and theoretical research carried out over the last 10 years by 2 aerospace engineers in a full-time, dedicated research effort.

From the Inside Flap

A unique book! Much new and basic information is presented in a novel and useful format- each chapter has A general section for golfers and most have Technical Notes for club designers.

This book confirms much of what golfers know, adds much previously unknown information, helps one to understand what goes on in a golf shot, and backs it all up with good science. The back-up work includes numerous measurements with golfers and analysis of all that happens from impact until the ball stops.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 183 pages
• Publisher: Origin Inc (August 4, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0967762502
• ISBN-13: 978-0967762500
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #264,190 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #8 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Miscellaneous > Sports Science

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally, facts over opinion., September 13, 2001

By 

Marc Halley (Leesburg, VA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: How Golf Clubs Really Work and How to Optimize Their Design (Paperback)

This is a terrific book for those who have been searching for truth about golf clubs. The authors have developed a mathematical model of the golf club and have used computers to analyze innumerable combinations of head speed, center or gravity, club loft, club length, etc. They have come up with an analysis of what is important and what doesn't matter in golf club design. Here's what works for a driver: long (46 inches), low center of gravity, huge club face, unique bulge and roll, and very stiff light shaft. All the other stuff is of no importance, so forget about it. Outstanding.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars How golf clubs work, in great detail, September 18, 2000

By 

John W. Larsen - See all my reviews

This review is from: How Golf Clubs Really Work and How to Optimize Their Design (Paperback)

Werner and Greig have written an excellent book on club design that is suprisingly practical. Each chapter is short and readable.The subject matter is directly applicable to playing golf. Golfers who have read Pelz and Hogan will enjoy the combination of analysis and golfing tips. The graphs and technical information can be difficult to interpert, but aren't essential to understanding the key points.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Engineers as authors are unique, November 1, 2010

By 

O. L. Johnson (FLA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: How Golf Clubs Really Work and How to Optimize Their Design (Paperback)

Well, it certainly seems that the authors put a LOT of time and effort into this work. They seem to have done a tremendous amount of testing, of clubs in particular. And, then they developed a mathematical model to introduce variables that would take a lifetime to replicate by actual imperical testing with (exhausted) golfers. The result is this work, with lots of experimentation and documentation, and quite a few conclusions. However, I don't think this is the book you want to labor through if you are looking for clear and concise explanations and recommendations for your personal club selection or modification. They say you can learn something from every experience. I have to say I learned quite a few things while reading. But it was a little tough going.

The authors have a newer, and perhaps more concise book on nearly the same topic, which I have not read.