Artificial intelligence (AI) has made a significant impact on various industries, and the golf industry is no exception. A recent article by Altair explores the influence of AI, simulation, high-performance computing (HPC), machine learning, and data science on the design and development of golf clubs.
Ismail Benhayoun, a Senior Director of Engineering and Account Director for the golf industry at Altair, has witnessed firsthand the revolutionary power of AI in golf. He emphasizes that AI, simulation, and data analysis have enabled companies to create better products faster and in a more sustainable manner. Machine learning, a critical component of AI, allows decision-making based on patterns in data, while AI adds prediction and creativity to enhance the design process.
Initially, many companies were hesitant to adopt AI on a large scale, preferring physical testing over virtual validation and simulation. However, over time, the industry has fully embraced these technologies. According to Benhayoun, the transformation has been gradual but revolutionary compared to the previous 100 years of club design.
Altair’s article delves into how AI improves traditional club design methods. By leveraging abundant and high-quality data, AI helps manufacturers optimize designs by rapidly creating, testing, and refining new prototypes using real-world impact and swing data. This approach allows engineers to focus on optimizing areas outside the “sweet spot,” where average players tend to hit the ball.
As a result, next-generation clubs are tailored to a wider range of players, enhancing their performance and enjoyment of the game.
Read more about the topic here.