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Relationships between golf swing kinematics and driver performance in elite golfers
Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science, The Rydberg Laboratory for Applied Sciences (RLAS).ORCID iD: 0000-0003-1184-5036
Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science, The Rydberg Laboratory for Applied Sciences (RLAS). Swedish Golf Federation, Stockholm, Sweden.ORCID iD: 0000-0001-6486-5853
Halmstad University, School of Business, Engineering and Science, The Rydberg Laboratory for Applied Sciences (RLAS).ORCID iD: 0000-0002-9337-5113
(English)Manuscript (preprint) (Other academic)
Abstract [en]

Swing kinematics and driver performance are considered important factors in golf performance. In golf research clubhead speed (CHS) is commonly used as the driver performance measure, whereas carry distance (CD) is less investigated and together with final ball position determine the success of a drive. The aim of this study was to investigate which kinematic factors of the pelvis, thorax, and lead arm explain CHS and/or CD. Swing kinematics data on 15 elite golfers were collected using an electromagnetic 3-D system and a doppler-radar launch monitor system. Variables that emerged as important for both CHS and CD were: reduced pelvis rotation top of backswing (TOB); reduced X-factor TOB; and more thorax lateral bend TOB, along with greater thorax peak speed during the downswing. Variables that were distinctive for the CHS model were mainly during the downswing: greater X-factor stretch; and higher pelvis peak speed. Finally, factors distinctive to the regression model for CD were: reduced thorax rotation; and greater thorax lateral bend. Implications from the results suggest whilst greater peak pelvis speed and x-factor stretch effect CHS they do not significantly influence CD. Likewise, the variables unique to CD do not significantly influence CHS but may be a technical attributes which allow for more optimal clubhead delivery leading to improved CD.

Keywords [en]
Clubhead speed, biomechanics, driving distance, golf performance
National Category
Sport and Fitness Sciences
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:hh:diva-37788OAI: oai:DiVA.org:hh-37788DiVA, id: diva2:1242118
Funder
Knowledge Foundation, 2012/0319
Note

As manuscript in thesis

Available from: 2018-08-27 Created: 2018-08-27 Last updated: 2025-02-11Bibliographically approved
In thesis
1. A multi-disciplinary approach to studying performance among high-level golfers: physiological and biomechanical aspects
Open this publication in new window or tab >>A multi-disciplinary approach to studying performance among high-level golfers: physiological and biomechanical aspects
2018 (English)Licentiate thesis, comprehensive summary (Other academic)
Abstract [en]

In competitive golf, the player’s ability to hit the ball a long distance affects the score in a positive way. Swing kinematics is considered an important factor in driver performance; one way of improving swing kinematics is through strength and power training. Subsequently, high-level golfers and their coaches often explore novel ways of increasing the distance of a shot, in particular driver carry distance (CD). This licentiate thesis presents two studies with the overall aim of studying how swing kinematic and physical characteristics are associated with driver performance among intercollegiate golf players. The studies report swing kinematics associated with driver performance (study 1) and the impact of isokinetic rotational training on driver performance and swing kinematic variables (study 2).

The methods used were (1) a cross-sectional correlation study (n=15) and (2) an open trial intervention study (n=20). The studies investigated (1) the relationship between golf swing kinematics and driver performance, and (2) the impact of strength training on swing kinematics and driver performance variable.

The results show variables that were distinctive for the club head speed (CHS) were mainly during the downswing: greater X-factor stretch; and higher pelvis peak speed. Whilst, factors distinctive to the regression model for CD were mainly at impact: reduced thorax rotation; and greater thorax lateral bend. Nine weeks of isokinetic training increased seated rotational force and power, peak arm speed and arm acceleration, ball speed, and CD more compared to isotonic training. Even though isokinetic training did not increase CHS, it did result in greater CD.

This licentiate thesis contributes to the understanding of which variables influence driver performance, in particular CD, among high-level golfers. Segmental interactions (pelvis-thorax), lead arm speed and acceleration, isokinetic and isotonic training. These results may guide training interventions aiming to improve driver and golf performance among high-level golfers, particularly those with a background of strength training. Future studies could investigate how the interaction between swing kinematics, clubhead trajectory, and driver performance variables differ between male and female golfers.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Halmstad: Halmstad University Press, 2018. p. 73
Series
Halmstad University Dissertations ; 49
Keywords
Carry distance, clubhead speed, driver performance, golf kinematics, sports performance, strength training, isokinetic training
National Category
Sport and Fitness Sciences
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hh:diva-37792 (URN)978-91-88749-02-4 (ISBN)978-91-88749-03-1 (ISBN)
Presentation
2018-09-18, O125, Högskolan i Halmstad, Halmstad, 09:00 (English)
Opponent
Supervisors
Funder
Knowledge Foundation, 2012/0319
Available from: 2018-09-20 Created: 2018-08-27 Last updated: 2025-02-11Bibliographically approved

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Swing kinematics and driver performance(229 kB)1324 downloads
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Parker, JamesHellström, JohnOlsson, M. Charlotte

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