Course:EOSC311/2023/Geology and Anthropology

Statement of connection

Golf is a game that is rapidly growing in popularity around the world, with an increased popularity comes with the demand for more, whether it’s courses, equipment, gadgets or anything related to the game there is a need for more. I chose this topic because I suddenly realized that Golf and Geology are far more intertwined than one might think, from the equipment all the way to courses that it is played on, geological materials, and processes are crucial in almost every aspect of how the game is played. As the current hype and popularity around the game of golf is growing at an exponential rate I found it appropriate to discuss the relationships between Golf and Geology.

Golf Equipment

Classic Titanium face

Special Edition Copper finished Irons for PGA player Rickie Fowler

Golf clubs may look relatively simple to an unassuming observer, they seem as though they are metal or wood sticks with a larger head on the end of them. The first golf clubs that were created were made of wood, and as you can imagine were quite heavy, slow, and not the most durable items on the planet . Golf clubs began to change in the early 1900’s, stronger materials were soon discovered to be more beneficial to golfers. Golf clubs were soon made out of steel and wood instead of just wood, further down the road titanium was used and seen as a massive discovery in performance. Modern golf clubs are in reality very complex feats of engineering, for hundreds of years countless engineers have set forth to make golf clubs lighter, stronger, and faster. The door to using earths metals and minerals was soon opened after this, with golf companies around the world striving to utilize material that was light in weight but also sturdy and strong so that it could withstand the high speed collision of a golf ball . Minerals and earth metals rapidly became popular and of high demand as soon as companies realized their strength and performance capabilities, so much so as there was a point where diamond particles were being placed on the face of golf clubs to increase their spin and control .

Copper x Beryllium Ping Eye2 irons

Copper

Copper is heavily mined around the world, it is used in many every day applications and will continue to do so. Due to its abundance and availability, along with its rather soft and malleable properties it made it a front runner for golf clubs. The soft feeling of golf clubs is what is desired by so many, copper seemingly was the answer to this problem. The issue came with its durability, the soft metal would not hold up to the test of golf, simply put they were not long lasting. By adding Beryllium (coating) to the copper this made it stronger and gave it a longer shelf life, issues arose as once the surface of beryllium was damaged it could pose danger and be carcinogenic to humans. Copper is no longer as prevalent in the golf world due to its increased global prices and rates, coupled with the fact it was not durable enough to withstand many rounds of golf.

Revolutionary Taylormade Carbon Face

Carbon

Graphite is a derivative of Carbon and likely one of the most commonly used words in the golf equipment industry, the use of graphite in golf (specifically golf shafts) has changed the out look of the game. Steel is one of the most common materials for golf shafts however, graphite is everywhere. Graphite is a much lighter material than steel, which allows the club to be swung faster which in theory generates longer and better shot . The use of graphite shafts is common in people who swing at a slower speed, the lightweight properties of graphite make it easier to swing a golf club. Titanium has long been the metal of golf, it has covered golf club heads and faces for generations, it was not until recently that it has changed. Taylormade seems to have changed the game and the market, recently they have introduced the games first golf club with a carbon face rather than titanium. Carbon fibre and graphite in the face of the golf club are said to produce greater speed, distance, and durability compared to titanium.

Golf Courses

Rugged Natural Golf Course

As it may seem obvious golf is played across vast landscapes, geological processes like erosion, weathering and landforms are often seen as benefits and are considered golf beauty. Letting land remain in its natural state is a common tactic of golf course architecture, original golf courses were essentially created by geological processes and that’s what’s made them so natural, difficult, and enjoyable. Sand and sediment is often strategically placed across golf courses, sandy areas prove to be very difficult to play out of. There are many types of sand that are present on golf courses, all with their own unique properties which gives a range of occurrences . Natural Golf courses are among the most adored across the world, the less work and design that has to be done to them gives them more allure and a feeling of heritage.

Conclusion

Golf and Geology have many ties and common places, geology is embedded throughout golf and its history. Earths minerals and metals are ever so present in the world of golf, stemming from equipment all the way to courses that it is played on Geologic process and occurrences are throughout. I apologize for the brevity of my work as this was quite a scramble, my original piece for some reason was not saved (although I had it saved...) I went to get help through UBCwiki with some formatting and my near completed page was no more. This page is not an accurate representation of this depth of the topic or the even the depth that I had gone through. Again I apologize for this.