Final answer:
In golf, a good follow-through increases the time the club head is in contact with the ball, leading to a greater impulse and hence a change in the ball's momentum. This results in a higher velocity and further distance. The principle is analogous to finding the sweet spot in tennis, where efficient momentum transfer occurs.
Step-by-step explanation:
In golf, follow-through is integral in driving the ball a greater distance. The impulse-momentum theorem helps explain this phenomena. The theorem states that the change in an object's momentum is equal to the impulse applied to it. In golf terms, the longer the club head is in contact with the ball, the greater the time interval over which the force is applied, leading to a larger impulse.
Now, imagine the ball being hit. If the force from the club is applied over a longer time, the resulting change in momentum, and hence the velocity of the ball, will be greater according to the relationship Fnet = Δp / Δt, where Fnet represents the net force applied, Δp is the change in momentum, and Δt is the change in time. Thus, to maximize the distance, a good follow-through, ensuring the club stays in contact with the ball for the longest possible time, is beneficial.
In comparison with other sports, similar principles apply. Just as in tennis, where hitting the ball at the racquet's sweet spot causes minimal force on the player's hand and less vibration, in golf, a good contact with the ball results in a more efficient transfer of momentum.