I’ve been working on my physics project for the past few weeks, although it has become more of an AI / clustering project. I researched and studied for things my project needs and reviewed related works.
So I began to build a plan for my project. I’m currently designing an experiment to identify the difference between conventional and zero-torque putters. To achieve this, I must first divide the putts into “good” and “bad” ones, regardless of putter type, and see how changing the putter creates a difference in making a “good” or “bad” putt.
1. Experiment location
Originally, I wanted to use a program called GDR, which tells you the path of the ball along with few other data such as the ball speed and direction. However, since the machine was fixed in place in front of the player, there was little room for the camera. Another program called TrackMan had the same limitations. It was also unable to set a target and tell us if the ball had gone in or not. So, I decided to carry out the experiment in an indoor putting green.
But this had it’s limitations as well. The putting green had a lie (a slope), so I had to figure out a point where there was minimal slope that affected the ball’s direction (right or left). Since there was no data measured by GDR or TrackMan, there were more things to measure as well.
2. Participants
I hope to have at least 20 strokes per participant – ten with each putter – although I know this would take a lot of time. Participants would even need a few practice strokes before recording. So, the real challenge is how many people I can recruit. Since the putting facility is inside a large practice center, I’m planning to ask for help to people who have already come to practice. Of course, I’m also going to ask people around me if they can participate as well.
For grouping the participants, I’m planning to divide them by factors such as height, weight, gender, and golf experience. As skill gaps between beginners and experienced players will be significant, it would be important to group people as such.
3. Methodology
To analyze the movement of the putter, I’m planning to use AruCo markers to see the rotation. For now, I’ve printed them on paper and reinforced them with cardboard, then attaching them on the putter using a glue gun and clips.
I’m planning to film my first trial today, and I really hope the test will be successful, although I’m sure I’ll run into unexpected problems.