Golf Shot Quality Is Affected by Ball Lie.

With the recent developments in measuring golf ball lie, it is now possible to investigate the effects of ball lie on accuracy and distance of a golf shot.  Kentucky bluegrass [Poa pratensis (L.)], creeping bentgrass [Agrostis stolonifera (L.)], and tall fescue [Schedonorus phoenix (Scop.) Holub] were mown at heights ranging from one to ten centimeters to represent golf course conditions.  Two golfers hit five golf balls from various lies with a seven iron.  Shots were measured for spin rate, carry distance, and shot velocity using a golf ball tracking radar system.  Ball lie had a significant effect on spin, carry distance, and club and ball velocity.  From this study, a more precise understanding of the effects of golf ball lie on shot quality was achieved.  Although ball lie was significant, it cannot be used alone to predict shot quality.