Abstract: A multilayer golf ball with a solid center diameter in the range of about 1.40 to 1.52 inches, a ionomeric polymer mantle with a thickness of about 0.050 inches, and a hardness in the range of 50 to 55 Shore D and a polyurethane having a cover hardness in the range of 50 to 60 Shore D with a thickness of about 0.050 inches. The compression may be 50–60 PGA. The compression of the core may be 70–80 PGA. The compression of the above exemplary embodiment of the ball may be 80–90 PGA. A ball having such characteristics exhibits superior distance performance without compromising shot-making feel.

Abstract: A launch monitor system including a support structure, a first light-reflecting element disposed on this support structure, a lighting unit and an camera unit. A computer receives signals generated by light patterns received by the camera unit and computes a variety of flight characteristics for the object. The system may be moved back and forth to vary the field-of-view of the camera unit. The system also computes and displays object trajectories from the computed flight characteristics which account for the characteristics of the object and the atmospheric conditions.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product are provided to permit golf swing conditions, such as spin loft, club speed, angle of attack and club path, to be determined without direct measurements of the club swing and, instead, to be based upon the launch conditions of the ball. Initially, a plurality of launch conditions of a ball may be determined, such as by means of a launch monitor. Based upon the launch conditions of the ball, components of momentum 1 PN normal and tangential to the colliding surfaces of the club and the ball may be determined, such as by means of a computing device. At least one club swing parameter may then be determined based upon the normal and tangential components of momentum PN and PT. In this regard, the club swing condition may be spin loft, club speed, angle of attack and/or club path.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided that determine a measure of launch efficiency of a ball that is more readily understandable by golfers as being indicative of the quality of a shot. The method, apparatus and computer program product determine a calculated distance of travel of a ball based upon the measured launch conditions that may include the measured club speed. A maximum distance of travel of the ball is then determined. The maximum distance of travel may be determined for a ball struck by a club having the measured club speed and/or for a ball struck by a club having different launch angles and/or spin rate. The measure of launch efficiency is then determined based upon the calculated distance of travel and the maximum distance of travel, such as by forming the ratio of the calculated distance of travel to the maximum distance of travel.

Abstract: A multilayer golf ball with a solid center diameter in the range of about 1.40 to 1.52 inches, a ionomeric polymer mantle with a thickness of about 0.050 inches, and a hardness in the range of 50 to 55 Shore D and a polyurethane having a cover hardness in the range of 50 to 60 Shore D with a thickness of about 0.050 inches. The compression may be 50-60 PGA. The compression of the core may be 70-80 PGA. The compression of the above exemplary embodiment of the ball may be 80-90 PGA. A ball having such characteristics exhibits superior distance performance without compromising shot-making feel.

Abstract: A method for determining the lift and drag coefficients of a golf ball includes launching the ball along a flight path, measuring the velocity at two positions along the flight path, using the measured velocities to determine the coefficients of lift and drag. The step of measuring the velocity includes taking two images of the ball at the two positions, where the time interval between images at each position is less than about 0.01 seconds.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining at least one of the coefficient of lift and the coefficient of drag of a golf ball for a given range of velocities and a given range of spin rates from launch. A method is also described for simulating the flight of a golf ball in a computer. A ball is launched at a selected velocity, spin rate and launch angle. Calculations are made of the x and y coordinates of the ball during flight and the coefficients of lift and/or drag are calculated mathematically in dependence on the launch velocity, spin rate, angle and calculated x and y coordinates. Repeated launchings are made to obtain a plurality of mathematically calculated values of the coefficient(s). Thereafter, an aerodynamic model for the flight of the ball is mathematically determined in dependence upon the mathematically calculated values of at least one of the coefficients relative to the velocity and spin rate.