Abstract: A method for measuring physical properties, e.g., firmness, smoothness, trueness, green speed, of a playing surface on a golf course, includes performing measurements via a measurement apparatus. The measurement apparatus includes a spherical sensor, which in turn includes an accelerometer for measuring motion data relating to motion of the spherical sensor, a memory for storing the motion data, and a communication module for wirelessly transmitting the motion data to a computing device.

Abstract: A golf ball having improved yardage performance for slow swing speed players without the same benefit of improved yardage for fast swing speed players. The golf ball preferably has a mass not exceeding 1.62 ounces and, more preferably is in the range of about 1.198 ounces to about 1.620 ounces; a diameter of preferably no more than about 1.680 inches and more preferably in the range of about 1.519 inches to 1.680 inches; and a density not to exceed about 0.653 ounces per cubic inches. The golf ball can have a diameter within the range of about 1.570 to 1.685 inches, a total ball weight in the range of about 1.30 ounces to 1.61 ounces and a density, for all balls, of about 0.642 ounces per cubic inch.

Abstract: The monitoring system employs a sensor to detect the replacement or removal and replacement of the flagstick in a golf hole liner. The sensor may be incorporated into the flagstick, the hole liner or any combination of the two. A central receiver remote from the sensors receives the two signals from respective sensor and has a timing device for recording the time of arrival of each signal from each sensor.

Abstract: The monitoring system employs a sensor to detect the replacement or removal and replacement of the flagstick in a golf hole liner. The sensor may be incorporated into the flagstick, the hole liner or any combination of the two. A central receiver remote from the sensors receives the two signals from respective sensor and has a timing device for recording the time of arrival of each signal from each sensor.

Abstract: The tuft impact tester mounts a test probe in a suspended manner from a tripod arrangement via a gimbals mechanism so that the test probe is able to move along a vertical axis. The test probe is dropped from a predetermined height, the velocity of the test probe is measured prior to impact on a ground surface and the deceleration of the test probe caused by the ground surface is measured. The two values are used to determine the relative hardness of the ground surface.

Abstract: The apparatus employs a steel impact ball which is mounted in a pendulum manner to swing against the face of a golf club head. The golf club is secured at one end to a spacer block on the base of the apparatus and the head of the club is freely mounted in facing relation to the impact ball. The ball is pivoted from a fixed position to impact against the head of the golf club and an oscilloscope is used to record et acceleration and movement of the ball after impact of the ball on the club face and also calculates a velocity history of the face of the ball. The time at which the calculated velocity is at a maximum is determined. Several impacts may be made to obtain a number of calculated times and the relative flexibility of the golf dub head is estimated in accordance with the equation: B = i c - A ? 1 V m k A simpler procedure may also be employed using a single velocity (with one or more than one impact).

Abstract: The apparatus employs a steel impact ball which is mounted in a pendulum manner to swing against the face of a golf club head. The golf club is secured at one end to a spacer block on the base of the apparatus and the head of the club is freely mounted in facing relation to the impact ball.The ball is pivoted from a fixed position to impact against the head of the golf club and an oscilloscope is used to record the acceleration and movement of the ball after impact of the ball on the club face and also calculates a velocity history of the face of the ball. The time at which the calculated velocity is at a maximum is determined.

Abstract: The apparatus employs a steel ball which is mounted in upstanding manner on a pin and a frame on which a golf club is pivotally mounted to freely pivot. The golf club is pivoted from a fixed position to impact the head of a golf club against the steel ball and an oscilloscope is used to record the acceleration and movement of the steel ball from its fixed point in response to the impact of the head and also calculates a velocity history of the steel ball. The time at which the calculated velocity is at a maximum is determined. Several impacts are made to obtain an average characteristics time (tz) and the representative spring constant (Kc) of the clubhead is calculated using the equation: Kc=0.2971×tz−2.15570.

Abstract: The apparatus employs a steel ball which is mounted in upstanding manner on a pin and a frame on which a golf club is pivotally mounted to freely pivot. The golf club is pivoted from a fixed position to impact the head of a golf club against the steel ball and an oscilloscope is used to record the acceleration and movement of the steel ball from its fixed point in response to the impact of the head and also calculates a velocity history of the steel ball. The time at which the calculated velocity is at a maximum is determined.