Golf's Most Frustrating Moment: Unraveling the Physics of the 'Lip Out' Phenomenon
Imagine the 18th hole, the pressure's on, and your swing is flawless. You line up your putt, take a deep breath, and release the ball. It starts to roll, but then, in a cruel twist of fate, it bounces back onto the green. This is the infamous 'lip out' phenomenon, a golfing conundrum that has baffled players for years.
A recent study led by the University of Bristol delves into the physics behind this frustrating occurrence, shedding light on why it happens and how to avoid it. The research, published in Royal Society Open Science, is a fascinating exploration of the mechanics at play on the golf course.
Professor John Hogan, an expert in mechanics from the University of Bristol, has given these peculiar golf balls a fitting nickname: 'the golf balls of death.' He explains that there are two types of 'lip out' scenarios, each with its own unique characteristics.
The first, known as the rim lip out, occurs when the golf ball's center of mass doesn't drop below the green's level. It teeters on the edge of the hole, resembling a motorcycle performing the 'wall of death' stunt. A slight perturbation, like a grain of sand or a gust of wind, can determine whether the ball rolls back or sinks into the hole.
The second type, the hole lip out, is more rare. Here, the ball falls into the hole, experiencing a pendulum-like motion as it rolls around the hole's wall. Its potential energy is converted into spin, and if it doesn't touch the bottom of the hole, it can return to the rim and continue its journey back onto the green.
At the core of these 'lip out' scenarios are 'degenerate saddle equilibria,' a balanced point where the ball hovers on the rim. It's a delicate situation, as the ball is neither falling in nor resting safely on the green.
So, how can golfers overcome this challenge? Professor Hogan suggests that the key is to aim for the center of the hole and approach the rim with minimal speed. This way, the ball's momentum is just enough to tip it into the hole without carrying it around the rim.
This study highlights the application of mechanics in sports, building on Professor Hogan's previous work on skateboarding and basketball. By understanding the physics behind the 'lip out,' golfers can refine their technique and improve their chances of success on the course.
For more information, visit the research page: Mechanics of the golf lip out, Royal Society Open Science (2025). DOI: 10.1098/rsos.250907
