The STEM of Golf—Resources that help youth make the STEM and Golf Connection. Thanks to Chevron!
The amazing thing about STEM is that it’s part of life all around us—the weather, cars and even the sports you watch and play—including golf!
How does a golfer get a ball to go faster? It’s science!
Engineering is an application of scientific and mathematical knowledge to build nearly everything we see around us. Computers, buildings, bridges, ships, planes and – YES – even the equipment used in the game of golf.
Through the years, players discovered that golf balls with dings and dents flew farther. Those bumps and dents reduce wind resistance causing balls to travel greater distances.
In professional and amateur golf, the head of the club can be no more than 2.8 in (7.1 cm) high and 5 in (12.7 cm) wide. The volume can be no larger than 28.07 cubic inches (460 cubic centimeters). Measuring the height and width of a club is straightforward. But how do you measure the volume?
You may see a funny, bumpy ball sitting on a tee, but a golf ball is designed to be aerodynamic.
When a golf club hits the ball, the force of friction grabs the ball and spins it backwards. The roughness on the face of the club increases friction, causing the ball to spin more.
A golf bag contains a variety of clubs. The face of each club has a different angle or slope to it. For long drives, it is best to use a club with a face that is only slightly angled, or nearly vertical. For higher, shorter shots a club with a more angled face is better. Different angled clubs will produce different results.
Bounce - it's all about energy! When a ball is dropped, its potential energy is changed into kinetic energy. An important rule is that energy can’t be created or destroyed. It can only change into different forms of energy. This is called Conservation of Energy.
Quiz yourself with a crossword puzzle!
Innovative STEM and golf programs for schools
The First Green—a STEM education program that uses golf courses as environmental learning labs. In the summer of 2018, Latinx Golf partnered with the First Green to provide a unique STEM learning experience for Latinx youth. Teachers and educators: check out their site to expand your STEM curriculum with one of their low cost/free golf trips.