Physicist Explains if a Fly Could Really Help Tommy Fleetwood Sink a Golf Putt

The Viral Golf Putt Theory

• 🐦 A viral video shows golfer Tommy Fleetwood's ball resting on the edge of the cup, with a fly appearing to land on it just before the ball drops in.
• 💰 The clip gained traction on social media, with some misleadingly suggesting the fly directly led to Fleetwood winning over $2 million.
• 🎯 In reality, Fleetwood made the birdie putt during the BMW Championship, but his earnings were $910,000 for tying for fourth place, not millions.

Physics of the Fly and the Putt

• 🔬 Theoretical physics professor Michio Kaku suggests it's highly unlikely but possible for an insect to cause a ball on the tipping point to fall into the hole.
• ⚖️ Kaku explains that objects near a tipping point can collapse with minimal external force, and an insect could theoretically be that force.
• 💨 A more plausible explanation offered by Kaku and online commentators is that wind or ground vibrations, rather than the fly itself, gently pushed the ball into the cup.

Debunking the Myth

• 📊 The actual prize money breakdown shows the winner received $3.6 million, and Fleetwood's earnings were significantly less than the viral claims.
• ⚠️ The incident serves as a reminder that not everything seen on the internet is true, especially when sensationalized.
• 😂 Social media users humorously reacted to the video with puns like "putterfly effect" and calling the fly a "wingman."