All this talk about work in past columns—and the end of summer looming—makes me think about golf. You may not discuss golf and measurement in the same breath, but there are a lot of critical measurements involved in golf. There are also a lot of variables in angle, force, and direction to be considered and adjusted for when using that equipment, no matter how well—or poorly—you play.

Some basics
In case you aren’t a golfer, let’s start with some basics to put the measurements into context. The United States Golf Association sets specific guidelines for golf equipment. First, there is the ball. Although they can’t weigh more than 1.62 ounces and must be spherical with a diameter of at least 1.68 inches, golf balls aren’t all alike (not to mention that British specs are slightly different). How much the ball compresses when struck at the typical velocity of ~70 meters/sec., the number of layers and their composition, and the size and shape of the dimples—which affect the aerodynamics of a ball in flight, causing turbulence that increases lift—are characteristics users don’t need to measure, but that affect how a ball feels and behaves when struck. (For this discussion, we will avoid the emotional and psychological aspects of the ball’s brand and cost.)

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