This podcast focusing on the effect of impact location on ball speed. Using the Quintic software and a robot, data was collected and visualized regarding the Impact Ratio (the ratio of ball speed to clubhead speed) at various points on the putter face.

The results clearly show that center strikes produce the highest Impact Ratio and thus the best ball speed, while off-center hits lead to significant losses in speed and distance. The analysis emphasizes the importance of a centered strike for consistent putting. The point of contact on the face significantly influences ball speed and the resulting distance. Sources stress that the middle of the sweet spot (the center of the center) is generally the optimal strike location to achieve maximum ball speed and thus the greatest distance.

Key findings from:

• Highest Impact Ratio in the Center: The Impact Ratio is typically highest when the ball is struck in the middle of the face. In one example, the center had an Impact Ratio of 1.69.

• No Speed Loss in the Center: A strike in the exact center resulted in 0% speed loss compared to the maximum possible value.

• Impact Ratio Decreases with Off-Center Strikes: Strikes away from the center lead to a reduced Impact Ratio and thus lower ball speed.

o Example – Heel: A strike 2 cm towards the heel reduced the Impact Ratio from 1.69 to 1.62. Ball speed dropped from 6.02 mph to 5.76 mph, and distance dropped from 17'4" to 15'10". The heel strike also caused the clubface to close.

o Example – Toe: A strike 2 cm towards the toe lowered the Impact Ratio to 1.63, with ball speed at 5.82 mph and a distance of 16'6". The toe strike led to the clubface opening.

o Example – Bottom Center: A low-center strike lowered the Impact Ratio to 1.63 and reduced distance to 15'8".

o Example – Bottom Heel: One of the worst strike points, with distance down to 14'11" and significant loss in ball speed.

o Example – Top Center: Only a slight effect on Impact Ratio (1.69 to 1.68) and a 4-inch distance loss.

o Example – High Heel: Noticeable drop in Impact Ratio to 1.63 and over a foot of distance loss.

o Example – High Toe: Surprisingly, this was the second worst strike location after the bottom heel.

• Visual Representation of Distance Loss: The use of Quintic software enables clear visualizations showing how different impact locations affect final ball position. Even with identical clubhead speed, off-center strikes result in shorter putts.

• Importance of Feel and Feedback: The sound at impact can also indicate strike location. A pure center strike produces a solid sound, while off-center hits often create a “nasty” or duller sound.

• Consistent Ball Speed is Crucial: Consistent ball speed is essential for judging distance and choosing the correct line. Finding and hitting the center of the face is key to maintaining this consistency.

Conclusion:

Striking the ball in the center of the putter face is crucial for maximizing and maintaining consistent ball speed, which in turn controls putt distance. Off-center strikes typically result in speed and distance loss, with the bottom heel being the most negatively affected location.

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