The Physics of Golf (Paperback)

by Theodore P. Jorgensen (Author) "Golf, with its intense frustrations, bitter disappointments, sturdy enjoyments, and, yes, extreme ecstasies, would not be the game it is without the continual dream to..." (more)
Key Phrases: cock angle, poorer golfer, three dynamic parameters, Technical Appendix, Bobby Jones, Harry Vardon (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"Golf teachers and students of the game have an American hero, Theodore P. Jorgensen, Ph.D....The Physics of Golf gives new insights and precise views into the forces and torques developed in the downswing.... Thank you, Dr. Jorgensen.... We will all treasure your book." (American Golf Pro) -- on first edition

"The heart of golfer Ted Jorgensen's delightful book lies in his analysis of the swing of the golf club and how, armed with insights from that analysis, you, he and I might all swing the club better and play better golf.... [The book] is designed to be accessible to the casual reader while satisfying the critical student. But first word or last, for anyone who has swung a golf club, the book is fun to read." (Physics Today) -- on first edition

"This very enjoyable book covers most aspects of golf from the swing, to club selection, golf balls, and human motion." (Appl Mech Rev) -- on first edition

From the reviews: "… Gives new insights and precise views into the forces and torques developed in the downswing.... Thank you, Dr. Jorgensen...We will all treasure your book." American Golf Pro "The heart of golfer Ted Jorgensen's delightful book lies in his analysis of the swing of the golf club and how, armed with insights from that analysis, you, he and I might all swing the club better and play better golf . . . [The book] is designed to be accessible to the casual reader while satisfying the critical student. But first word or last, for anyone who has swung a golf club, the book is fun to read." Physics Today (BOB ADAIR, AUTHOR OF PHYSICS OF BASEBALL) --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Description
"For anyone who has swung a golf club, the book is fun to read." Robert K. Adair, author of The Physics of Baseball "Jorgensen tells golfers what they ought to be doing and why, the correct technique according to the principles of physics." Golf Weekly In The Physics of Golf readers learn how to apply the principles of dynamics and energy to perfect their golf stroke, to choose the right clubs, and to make the handicap system work optimally. Using stroboscopic photographs, the author shows what effect small changes in their swing, have on the distance the ball travels. This thoroughly engaging book provides golfers with tips concerning the critical components of a good swing plus advice on how to take their game to a higher level by increasing their understanding of the technical aspects of the golf stroke.

Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: Amer Inst of Physics (January 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0883189550
• ISBN-13: 978-0883189559
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,098,432 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Just needs decent graphics and illustrations, May 25, 2000

By	joe_n_bloe (Ester AK USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Physics of Golf (Paperback)

I enthusiastically recommend this book to golfers with an interest in science/math/engineering, or scientists/mathematicians/engineers with an interest in golf. You should get Search for the Perfect Swing first. But once you have that out of the way, this book is an excellent addition to a golf library.

The biggest shortcomings of The Physics of Golf are (1) a lack of quality illustrations/pictures/graphics and (2) a rather terse treatment of the material. I feel that the author probably has enough research to go on for 4-500 pages but called it quits at a much more concise size. I'm all for concise, but not when it leaves me feeling some useful material was left out.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best insight into the golf swing I've ever read, March 25, 1999

By	[e-mail] (South Africa) - See all my reviews

The book's major contribution is that it distinguishes clearly between style and fundamentals. It focuses the reader's attention on the downswing and demonstrates the simple moves required to ensure club head acceleration through to impact. By showing how these moves differ when the shaft is above and below the horizontal and how certain other moves destroy club head acceleration in these positions the reader will probably for the first time come away with the true fundamental moves in a golf swing. The most insightful book on golf I've ever read. If you can't handle equations read the chapters for the less mathematically gifted - all the gems are still there.

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars It reads more like a physics thesis than a golf book., December 28, 1998

By A Customer

Only get this book if you love physics and want to analyze in detail mathematical models of golf swings and ball flight. This book is written by a physicist, and it shows. The author does an admirable job of analyzing the golf swing, but spends so much time describing how he built his models that the "so what" gets lost in the details. If you're looking to improve your golf game, other books will get you there with much less pain. For example Dave Pelz is also a physicist, and his book, "Putt Like the Pros" has very readable analyses and offers valuable and practical advice.