Golf's Heartbreaking Twist: Unraveling the Science Behind the Infamous 'Lip Out' Putts
Imagine the tension on the final hole, everything riding on that crucial putt. You eye the line perfectly, swing with confidence, and watch as the ball rolls straight toward the cup—only to kiss the edge and bounce right back out onto the green. It's a golfer's nightmare, and it's all thanks to the 'lip out' phenomenon. But here's where it gets controversial: New studies suggest this isn't just bad luck—it's pure physics at play. Dive in with me as we explore the mechanics that make lip outs so infuriating, and discover if there's really a way to outsmart them.
This frustrating quirk plagues both weekend hackers and PGA champions, where a putt strikes the hole's rim but refuses to plunge in, instead skittering away as if mocking your efforts. Fresh research from the University of Bristol, spearheaded by Emeritus Professor John Hogan in the School of Engineering Mathematics and Technology, dives deep into these 'rogue' balls. The findings were published in Royal Society Open Science, shedding light on why these shots seem so stubbornly unfair.
Professor Hogan, drawing from his expertise in mechanics—the study of how objects move under forces—coined a fitting nickname for these troublesome putts: 'the golf balls of death.' He likens them to motorcycle daredevils circling the 'wall of death' in a circus stunt, where balance teeters on a knife's edge. Through careful analysis, he revealed that lip outs come in two distinct flavors: the 'rim lip out' and the 'hole lip out.' Both hinge on what's called 'degenerate saddle equilibria' in the ball's dynamics on the rim—a delicate balance point where the ball hovers precariously. It's not fully committing to falling in, nor is it settling safely on the green; it's literally on the brink.
Let's break this down for beginners: Think of it like a marble balancing on the edge of a bowl. In the rim lip out, the ball spins around the hole's upper rim at a steady angle and speed. The slightest nudge—like a tiny grain of sand, a gentle breeze, or even the ball's own spin—can decide its fate: either tumbling back onto the green or finally dropping in for that sweet victory. Now, and this is the part most people miss, the hole lip out is rarer and trickier. It happens under very specific conditions where the ball does dip into the hole briefly, swinging like a pendulum along the wall. As it rolls, its potential energy— that's the stored energy based on its position, like a ball at the top of a hill ready to roll down—transforms into spin. If the ball avoids hitting the bottom, it can build up enough speed to catapult back over the rim and onto the green again. It's like a rollercoaster ride inside the cup!
So, how can golfers dodge these physics pitfalls? Easier said than done, right? Professor Hogan chatted with his golf buddies and found they often chalk up lip outs to hitting the ball too hard. His research backs that up, advising players to target the dead center of the hole and approach the rim with minimal speed. This way, the ball retains just enough momentum—the push from its motion—to nudge it in, without the excess energy needed to loop around and escape. Visualize it: Too much force is like overcooking a recipe—you end up with a mess instead of perfection.
But here's where it gets controversial—does this advice really translate to the course? Some pros swear by soft, centered putts, while others argue that feel and instinct trump science. Hogan's work draws inspiration from Sir Isaac Newton's Laws of Motion, which explain planetary orbits and are now applied to sports like skateboarding and basketball trajectories. His earlier studies dissected how a skateboarder gains speed on a half-pipe or why a basketball sometimes swishes even after grazing the hoop. By tying golf to these fundamentals, he's showing how everyday frustrations can reveal deeper truths about motion and energy.
Intriguingly, this raises a debate: Is golf purely a mental game, or can mastering physics give amateurs an edge over the pros? Critics might say Hogan's findings are too academic, overlooking the human element like nerves or green speed. Yet, others could argue it's empowering for players to understand these forces. What do you think—should golfers blend science with their swings, or is it just overcomplicating the fun? Share your takes in the comments below; I'd love to hear if you've battled a lip out and whether this changes your approach!
For more details, check out the full study: Mechanics of the golf lip out, Royal Society Open Science (2025). DOI: 10.1098/rsos.250907 (https://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsos.250907) from royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.250907.
Golf's cruelest moment: The physics behind the 'lip out' phenomenon (2025, November 4) retrieved 4 November 2025 from https://phys.org/news/2025-11-golf-cruelest-moment-physics-lip.html
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