3. Simulating the Motion in a Synthesised Environment

In this chapter, we discuss the algorithm and numerical techniques that we use to simulate a golf ball’s motion in a synthesised golf course environment. The physical models that govern the motion of the ball are integrated with the golf course environment in the form of a computer algorithm which comprises of four subroutines: flight, bounce, roll and validity check. In the flight subroutine, the ball’s flight trajectory is computed as an initial value problem using numerical schemes. When the ball hits the ground, the bounce subroutine computes the rebound velocity and spin rate vector from the impact velocity and spin rate vector. When the balls motion transitions from bouncing to pure rolling, the roll subroutine takes over and numerically computes the motion. Finally, we describe the procedure we use to model a real or an arbitrary golf course and explain how we incorporate it in the simulation programme so that the ball interacts with it.