Golf Term: CG Signification
Hangin' Low and Flyin' High: demystifying the CG in golf
When chatting about golf club design, you might hear the term CG tossed around. But what does it really mean and how does it affect your shots? Let's break it down, shall we?
G is for Gravity, baby
CG stands for center of gravity, and it's all about where that gravity center is located within the club-head. Think of it like a see-saw - when you find the middle point, that's your CG. Equipment manufacturers will often talk about a low, back, or high CG, each description revealing its place in the club-head.
Riding the Launch Wave
Got a lower CG? Well, buckle up, because you're likely in for a higher launch angle. The opposite is true for a higher CG, which generally produces a lower launch angle. But remember, we're talking launch angle, not trajectory here. The vertical CG affects the launch angle, while the horizontal location can influence the curve of your shots.
Curve Ball
When the ball strikes the club on either side of the CG, it'll start off misaligned with the target. However, the ball will work its way back towards the CG as it spins, providing some correction in terms of the spin axis and thus the spin itself. This is known as gear effect.
Workin' that Draw
Some manufacturers will intentionally position the CG closer to the heel of the club to help promote a draw-biased spin axis. This can be an effective strategy to help counteract a natural fade in your game.
A Balancing Act
The depth of the CG plays a significant role in maintaining the stability and forgiveness of a clubhead, particularly in drivers. Clubs like the Ping G430 Max 10K and TaylorMade Qi10 Max incorporate heavy fixed weights far away from the face to increase stability on mis-hits, making them more forgiving for those off-center strikes.
Rearranging the Gravity
There are various methods used to adjust the CG in clubheads, from handy self-adhesive lead tape to advanced techniques like hot melt. The latter involves inserting liquid glue inside hollow heads, which dries quickly and solidifies in place. But tread lightly - once the glue sets, it's practically impossible to undo.
Hope this breakdown has helped demystify CG in golf. But remember, this is just a start, and there's always more to learn in the world of golf club design and construction! So keep exploring, and happy putting!
In the context of golf club design, a lower CG (center of gravity) leads to a higher launch angle, while a higher CG generates a lower launch angle. Interestingly, some manufacturers intentionally position the CG closer to the heel of the club to help promote a draw-biased spin axis, an effective strategy for counteracting a natural fade in one's game.
