When golfers use their irons they hit a divot behind the ball wouldn’t it be a more efficient transfer of energy if they did not hit a divot?

Question

When golfers use their irons they hit a divot behind the ball wouldn’t it be a more efficient transfer of energy if they did not hit a divot?

In: Physics

Answer 1

Ideally with an iron you want to initiate contact while the club is still going downward on the back of the ball, and let it roll up on the club face as you hit it. Since you’re looking more for accuracy, a higher shop with more backspin to limit roll is preferred. The pros can actually put so much back spin that the ball will hit the green and roll backwards. I’m more your weekend hack, so I will totally take a giant divot out before I scold the ball like 50 yards into the weeds.