Extraction of differences in deformation behavior during swing of shafts with different kick points

Abstract

In playing the golf, using suitable golf club is important to put out high scores and hit the correct shot. Several studies have been conducted on good club choice and improved golf club performance. A good choice of golf club not only improves the shot, but also improves the feel. However, few studies have investigated the effect of changes in the physical properties of the club on the feel. Therefore, this study aims to clarify the factors that influence the feel when golfers swing shafts with different kick points. First, a golf club was modeled by a simulation model consisting of Euler-Bernoulli beams in order to calculate the deformation behavior of the shaft. Next, we performed a motion capture test to measure the grip movement of shafts with different kick points. We calculated the inertial force generated at each node from the measured grip movement and calculated the bending behavior by inputting it to the simulation model. Then, using the calculated bending behavior as an observation matrix, singular value decomposition was applied, and the main deformation behavior was calculated and compared. Finally, we were able to find common ground among testers who prefer high-kick points and identify behaviors that affect the feel.