Everything at Once

A full swing takes about 1.2 seconds from takeaway to impact. In that time a golfer coordinates hips, shoulders, arms, wrists, and weight transfer to strike a ball just 4.27 cm across.

• Clubhead path sets the curve (draw or fade)
• Face angle sets the starting direction
• Strike location sets energy transfer
• Loft and attack angle set launch conditions
• Swing speed sets maximum distance

Five variables, all resolved in the brief instant the club and ball are touching. Golf looks slow. That contact is among the fastest, most precise collisions in sport.