A Salute to Aerodynamic Genius in the Golf Industry; Part 1 – Why Not Let Air Pass Through the Club Head?

Ask most golfers about aerodynamics and they will immediately start spouting off buzz words pertaining to golf balls… dimples, drag, lift, etc…

Well, have you ever thought about the aerodynamics of your golf clubs? Fortunately there have been many inventors over the years that have been fixated on the aerodynamics of the golf club head.

I would love to interview a golf club design engineer regarding the significance, or lack thereof, of a golf club head’s aerodynamics. I suspect that at Tiger’s swing speed it may have minor significance, but virtually no significance for most golfers… but that is just a hunch. While the idea makes some sense, if it were a truly great idea then one of the major manufacturers would have been all over it a long time ago.

Part 1 of this series focuses on a handful of patents that disclose clubs which aim to channel airflow through the club head in a particular manner. Part 2 of the series will honor those inventors that think… “the only think missing from a golf club head is fins!”

First, perhaps my favorite club head design patent is USPN D481430 titled “Aerodynamic Golf Driver Club Head.” It is hard to believe that this one never made it to market.

Next, check out USPN 3468544 titled “Golf Club of the Wood Type with Improved Aerodynamic Characteristics.”

Look at the ram-air scoops (below) in USPN 4809982 titled “Golf Club Head.”

Another interesting variation is seen below in USPN 4930783 titled “Golf Club.”

A common theme is shown below in USPN 5054784 titled “Golf Club Head.”

USPN 5158296 titled “Golf Club” (seen below) discloses yet another creative design.

Lastly, Wilson even got on the band wagon in the mid 1990’s with USPN D356130 titled “Golf Club Head,” seen below.

My driver has no worries about being replaced with one of these clubs. Interesting stuff nonetheless.

Dave Dawsey – The Aerodynamic Lawyer