Gravity Golf - Space Physics Putting Game
Gravity Golf is a 2D space-themed golf puzzle game where traditional putting meets orbital mechanics. Navigate your ball across 6 increasingly complex courses, using the gravitational pull of planets to slingshot around obstacles and reach the hole. Each level has a par score based on optimal physics trajectories eagle for under par, birdie for one under, or bogey if you overshoot. Drag from the ball to set your aim and power, then watch as planets bend your trajectory in real-time. Perfect for physics enthusiasts, puzzle lovers, or anyone who wants to combine golf with Newton's law of universal gravitation. Features hole-in-one achievements, course score tracking, and progressively challenging layouts requiring precise gravity calculations. Runs entirely client-side with no downloads required.
Course Record
How to Play This Game
- Step 1 - Study the level layout: identify planet positions (colored circles) and their gravity wells (outer rings showing influence radius). Larger planets have stronger gravity.
- Step 2 - Click and drag from the ball to aim your shot. The yellow line shows direction, and the circle shows power based on drag distance. Adjust power slider (1-20) for fine control.
- Step 3 - Release to shoot. Watch as your ball follows a curved trajectory influenced by planetary gravity. Planets pull the ball toward their center based on inverse-square law physics.
- Step 4 - Land in the green hole with low velocity to complete the level. Check your score against par: Hole-in-One (1), Eagle (≤Par-2), Birdie (Par-1), Par, Bogey (Par+1). Progress through all 6 courses to complete the game.
Why This Gravity Mechanic?
Gravity Golf uses inverse-square law physics where each planet exerts force proportional to mass / distance². This mirrors real orbital mechanics closer objects exert exponentially stronger pull. The simulation updates at 60 FPS using Euler integration for velocity and position, with friction (0.995 damping) to prevent infinite orbits. Planets have varying masses (50-150) and radii, creating diverse gravity well strengths that require strategic trajectory planning.
The slingshot effect emerges naturally from conservation of momentum approach a planet at the right angle and it accelerates your ball around its orbit, much like NASA's gravity assist maneuvers. Unlike traditional golf where you fight a single downward gravity, here you juggle multiple competing forces. Each level's par score reflects the minimum strokes needed using optimal gravity wells as shortcuts, rewarding players who understand orbital mechanics over brute force power shots.
Pro tip: Aim tangent to a planet's edge to maximize slingshot acceleration. For tight gaps between two planets, shoot between their Lagrange point where gravitational forces cancel out. Use high power (15-20) for long shots across multiple gravity wells, low power (5-10) for precise approaches near the hole. The trail visualization helps you learn watch failed attempts to refine your understanding of how planets bend trajectories. Mastering gravity golf teaches real physics concepts through satisfying, puzzle-like gameplay.