Method and apparatus for measuring aerodynamic characteristics of a golf ball

A method of determining a spin decay rate of a golf ball along a flight path, wherein the method comprises the steps of:

• a. providing a launching device for launching the golf ball along the flight path;
• b. repeatedly launching the golf ball along the flight path at a plurality of different initial speeds and spin rates;
• c. after each launching measuring a final spin rate at a final position spaced from the launching device, wherein the step of measuring further includes taking two images of the ball at the final position, where the first initial spin rate equals a predetermined value and each subsequent initial spin rate equals the previous final spin rate;
• d. timing the flight of the ball from the launching to the final position;
• e. determining the spin decay rate using the images at the final position;
• and
• f. combining the spin decay rates for each launching to form the spin decay rate profile for the ball along the flight path.

A system for measuring a spin decay rate for a golf ball along a flight path having a plurality of flight intervals, wherein the system comprises:

• a launching device for launching the golf ball along the flight path at an initial spin rate;
• a timer for measuring a time interval for the flight of the golf ball between a first position and a spaced second position;
• and
• a first measuring device located at the first position for determining a first spin rate of the golf ball at the first position;
• and
• a computer for using the first spin rate to determine the spin decay rate for at least one flight interval.