Amateur Golfers Research Articles

An Ergonomic Golf Grip Leads to Lower Forearm Muscle Activity - A Prospective Case Series of 30 Right-Handed Amateur and Professional Golfers

BackgroundThe elbow is a common site for overuse injuries in golfers. Tendinopathies, such as medial and lateral epicondylitis, are frequently diagnosed in amateur and professional golfers. The aim of our study was to determine the effect of an ergonomic golf grip on forearm muscle activity during the five phases of the golf swing.MethodsThirty right-handed golfers with a mean age of 32 years (range, 18–70 years) and a mean handicap of 15 (range, 0–43) performed 10 golf swings with a standard and ergonomic golf grip respectively. The mean and maximum muscle activity of the Musculus (M.) extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB), M. flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU), M. pronator teres (PT) and M. biceps brachii (BB) of the lead and trail arms were assessed during the five phases of the golf swing using surface electromyography (EMG). Subgroup analyses were performed regarding sex, playing ability (handicap < 10 vs. ≥10), weekly playing time (≤ 5 h, 5–20 h, > 20 h) and preexisting elbow pain during golfing (VAS < 2 vs. VAS ≥ 2). Significance was set at p < 0.05.ResultsAn ergonomic golf grip resulted in a reduction in muscle activity in at least one but up to three consecutive phases of the golf swing for the ECRB, FCU and PT of the lead arm and for the PT of the trail arm. Amateurs, a playing time < 20 h per week and golfers without preexisting elbow pain were factors that were associated with greater reductions in muscle activity.ConclusionForearm muscle activity can be decreased using an ergonomic golf grip, indicating the possible role of an ergonomic golf grip as a preventive measure against overuse syndromes such as medial and lateral epicondylitis.Trial registration numberThis study was retrospectively registered at the German Clinical Trials Register DRKS-ID: DRKS00033732 (01/03/2024).

A prospective study of injuries and illnesses among 910 amateur golfers during one season

ObjectivesOur aims were (a) to describe the prevalence and incidence of self-reported injuries and illnesses of amateur golfers over a 5-month period and (b) to investigate potential risk factors for...

Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Pain in Amateur Golfers in the State of São Paulo: A Cross-sectional Study.

Objective To verify the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in amateur golfers in the State of São Paulo, Brazil. Methods The present is a cross-sectional study performed from September 2019 to March 2020 in golf clubs affiliated to Federação Paulista de Golfe (São Paulo Golf Federation). Federation players were evaluated regarding data on golf practice and sport routine by a main investigator, though an assessment form with multiple-choice questions, to determine sample characteristics and recent pain intensity by the Visual Analogue Scale. Results Approximately 359 amateur golfers were analyzed. The prevalence of pain was of 55.15% (95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 50.0% to 60.3%); the average pain intensity according to the VAS was moderate (mean ± standard deviation: 5.21 ± 2.04; odds ration [OR]: 47,98%). The golfer's age range was significantly associated with the presence of pain ( p < 0.05). The highest prevalence estimate of pain was of 68.80% in the age group between 30 and 39 years (OR: 7,33; 95%CI: 2,26 to 23,85; p = 0,0009). The segments most affected by pain were the upper limbs (65.66%), followed by the spine (59.09%) and the lower limbs (32.83%). Conclusion There is a high prevalence rate of pain in Brazilian amateur golfers, especially in younger players in the age group between 30 and 39 years.

Epidemiology of musculoskeletal injury in professional and amateur golfers: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence and incidence of musculoskeletal injury in amateur and professional golfers, and to identify common injury sites and factors associated with increased injury frequency.DesignSystematic epidemiological review and...

Golfers' Performance Is Improved More by Combining Foam Rolling and Dynamic Stretch to the Lead Hip Than Practice Golf Swinging.

Hamada, Y, Akasaka, K, Otsudo, T, Sawada, Y, Hattori, H, Kikuchi, Y, and Hall, T. Golfers' performance is improved more by combining foam rolling and dynamic stretch to the lead hip than practice golf swinging. J Strength Cond Res 38(7): e391-e397, 2024-Warming up is considered effective in improving performance and preventing injury. Despite this, there have been few studies investigating warm-up programs in golf and whether specific factors contribute to improved performance. The purpose of this study was to examine the immediate effects of combined foam rolling and dynamic stretch (FR + DS) to the lead hip on golf swing performance, hip range of motion (ROM), and muscle strength in amateur golfers using a randomized crossover design. The study sample comprised 22 men (mean ± SD ; age, 32.6 ± 8.5 years, body mass index (BMI), 23.4 ± 2.7 kg·m -2 ). Subjects were assigned to receive either FR + DS or repetitive golf swing practice (SW) before crossing over to the other intervention for another day. Measurements included golf swing performance (ball speed, club head speed, flight distance ["carry"], spin rate, and launch angle), hip internal rotation (IR), and external rotation (ER) ROM, as well as hip IR and ER muscle strength. Comparisons between groups were made before and after each intervention. For golf swing performance, FR + DS improved "carry" significantly more than SW ( p < 0.05). No significant differences in golf swing performance other than "carry" were found. In addition, IR ROM and IR muscle strength of the lead hip were significantly increased in the FR + DS group ( p < 0.05). FR + DS has effects on improving lead hip IR ROM and IR muscle strength, which may facilitate golfers' swing and "carry." FR + DS shows promise as a warm-up method for amateur golfers who want to improve golf performance.

Effects of golf instructors' professional certification levels on amateur golfers' perception of instructor expertise, instructor credibility, and lesson participation intention: testing placebo and nocebo effects.

This study investigated the differences in amateur golfers' perceptions of instructor expertise, instructor credibility, and lesson participation intention depending on the golf instructor's certification level to investigate whether placebo and nocebo effects exist depending on the certification level. Accordingly, the study analyzed 153 amateur golfers with at least 1 year of playing experience, and the results were as follows: First, there was a difference in the perception of instructor expertise among amateur golfers depending on the golf instructor's certification level. Specifically, there were significant differences in perceived performance and teaching skills but no differences in personality and emphasis on basic principles. Second, the participants reported significant differences in their perceptions of instructor credibility depending on the instructor's certification level. Instructor credibility of the tournament professional group was the highest, whereas that of the amateur group was the lowest. Third, the results showed differences in lesson participation intention among amateur golfers depending on the instructor's certification level. Lesson participation intention was higher for semi-professional and tournament professional instructors than for amateur instructors. These results verified the presence of psychological biases, such as placebo/nocebo effects, that result in differences in the perception of instructor expertise, instructor credibility, and lesson participation intention depending on the certification level of instructors. Additionally, based on the data obtained from this study, further research is required to improve the performance of golf instructors and create an efficient teaching environment.

Associations and Within-Group Differences in Physical Characteristics and Golf Performance Data in High-Level Amateur Players

The aim of the present study was to assess the relationship between a comprehensive physical testing battery and golf performance, as quantified through a variety of previously determined usable metrics from launch monitor data. Twenty-six high-level, amateur golfers undertook a series of physical assessments, including anthropometry measurements, isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP), isometric bench press, countermovement jump (CMJ), seated medicine ball throws for distance, and seated thoracic rotation tests. In addition, golf shot data were recorded in an indoor biomechanics laboratory, with a driver and 6-iron to quantify clubhead speed (CHS), ball speed, carry distance, and smash factor. Pearson’s r associative analyses showed that the strongest relationships with the golf shot data were with the isometric bench press for the upper body (r values up to 0.76) and countermovement jump for the lower body (r values up to 0.82). In addition, the median split analysis of the physical performance data revealed that players who were able to exhibit greater maximal and explosive strength capabilities in the IMTP, isometric bench press, and CMJ assessments had a significantly greater CHS (g range = 1.09–1.28; p &lt; 0.05), ball speed (g range = 1.18–1.41; p &lt; 0.05), carry distance (g range = 1.06–1.53; p &lt; 0.05), and smash factor (g range = 0.81–1.17; p &lt; 0.05). These data underscore the importance of superior physical capacity for golfers, especially for maximal force production in both the lower and upper body, as well as explosive force production for the lower body.

Open Foot Stance Reduces Lead Knee Joint Loading During Golf Swing.

Foot stance and club type's relationship with lead knee joint biomechanics and possible involvement with injury incidences in amateur golfers have not been evaluated. This study included 16 male right-handed amateur golfers who performed golf swings with 2 different foot stances (straight and open) using 4 different club types (driver, 3 iron, 6 iron, and 9 iron) while standing on 2 force plates in a motion capture laboratory. A custom program calculated the kinematics and kinetics of the lead knee. Overall, the open stance reduced most translations, rotations, forces, and torques of the lead knee in all 4 club types when compared with the straight stance. The open stance reduced the rotation motion (-28%), compressive force (-5%), and rotation torque (-9%) when compared with the straight stance, which are the highest contributors to grinding of cartilage. The driver club had significantly larger values in most translations, rotations, forces, and torques when compared among the 4 club types. The open stance reduced the rotation motion, compressive force, and rotation torque in the lead knee joint compared with the straight stance. Lead knee joint biomechanics should be monitored to reduce injury in amateur golfers.

Keeping the Swing on Par: Golfers and Upper Extremity Injuries they Face

Golf is a sport enjoyed by a rapidly growing population. While it is perceived as a low-demand activity, golf and its thousands of high-energy rotational swings can result in a plethora of upper extremity injuries. We examine the biomechanics of the golf swing and carry out a review, divided by anatomical region of the upper extremity (shoulder, elbow, forearm, wrist, and hand), of common injuries associated with golf. Part I of this review details the shoulder and elbow pathology seen in golfers, while Part II covers the forearm, wrist, and hand injuries associated with the sport. PubMed was searched for articles using terms that corresponded to the specific injury and golf. Additional data was obtained via outside journal searches that did not appear in PubMed. This is a clinical review. Specific phases of the golf swing place golfers at risk for unique injuries that may affect either the leading (left side in a right-handed golfer) or trailing (right side in a left-handed golfer) extremity. Amateur and professional golfers are at higher risk for different injuries, as pros are more likely to suffer overuse injuries, while amateurs may have injuries secondary to improper grip or swing form. We identify and comment on six shoulders, two elbow, eight forearm and wrist, and three hand injuries associated with golf. Current trends in management, as well as golf-specific rehabilitation and return to sport timelines, are discussed for each injury. Growing participation and an aging population make golf a common source of upper extremity injury. We delineate 19 of the most common upper extremity injuries that golfers face and equip providers with up-to-date information to appropriately diagnose, manage, and rehabilitate these injuries.

Validation of Inertial Measurement Units for Analyzing Golf Swing Rotational Biomechanics.

Training devices to enhance golf swing technique are increasingly in demand. Golf swing biomechanics are typically assessed in a laboratory setting and not readily accessible. Inertial measurement units (IMUs) offer improved access as they are wearable, cost-effective, and user-friendly. This study investigates the accuracy of IMU-based golf swing kinematics of upper torso and pelvic rotation compared to lab-based 3D motion capture. Thirty-six male and female professional and amateur golfers participated in the study, nine in each sub-group. Golf swing rotational kinematics, including upper torso and pelvic rotation, pelvic rotational velocity, S-factor (shoulder obliquity), O-factor (pelvic obliquity), and X-factor were compared. Strong positive correlations between IMU and 3D motion capture were found for all parameters; Intraclass Correlations ranged from 0.91 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.89, 0.93) for O-factor to 1.00 (95% CI: 1.00, 1.00) for upper torso rotation; Pearson coefficients ranged from 0.92 (95% CI: 0.92, 0.93) for O-factor to 1.00 (95% CI: 1.00, 1.00) for upper torso rotation (p < 0.001 for all). Bland-Altman analysis demonstrated good agreement between the two methods; absolute mean differences ranged from 0.61 to 1.67 degrees. Results suggest that IMUs provide a practical and viable alternative for golf swing analysis, offering golfers accessible and wearable biomechanical feedback to enhance performance. Furthermore, integrating IMUs into golf coaching can advance swing analysis and personalized training protocols. In conclusion, IMUs show significant promise as cost-effective and practical devices for golf swing analysis, benefiting golfers across all skill levels and providing benchmarks for training.

Effects of left thigh blood flow restriction exercise on muscle strength and golf performance in amateur golfers.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of lower-extremity strengthening exercise (LSE) with and without blood flow restriction (BFR) on the left thigh on golf performance. Eighteen amateur golfers with more than 1 year of golf experience participated in the study and were randomly divided into two groups: LSE+BFR group (LSE with BFR on the left thigh, n=9) and LSE group (LSE without BFR, n=9). The LSEs consisted of squats, lunges, and standing leg curls. All exercises were performed 3 times a week for 6 weeks. Changes in thigh muscle strength, plantar foot pressure (weight transfer), and golf performance, such as club head speed, ball speed, and carry distance were measured before and after the exercise program. Right knee extension (P<0.001) and left knee extension and flexion (P<0.001) strength were higher in the LSE+BFR group than in the LSE group. The changes in plantar foot pressure confirmed that smooth weight transfer appeared in E1 (event 1) (address) (P<0.05) of the LSE+BFR group, which confirmed that the carry distance (P<0.05) of the LSE+BFR group improved after the exercise program. The results of this study showed that BFR muscle strengthening exercise are more effective than basic simple muscle strengthening exercise in improving golf performance through muscle strength and weight transfer improvement.

Understanding golf tourists' memorable tourism experiences emphasizing the double mediating effects and moderating effects: the case of East Asia

PurposeAlthough much of the research has examined the positive relationship between memorable tourism experiences (MTEs) and tourist satisfaction, little research has attempted to analyze the double mediating effects of cognitive and affective responses and the moderating effects of tourism motivation on the relationship. To address these gaps, this study developed a theoretical framework including MTEs, cognitive response, affective response, tourism motivation and tourist satisfaction with golf tourism using a stimulus-organism-response (SOR) theory.Design/methodology/approachThe author collected data from domestic and international tourists that attended amateur golf tournaments for non-commercial purposes as amateur athletes in Jeju and Gunsan, South Korea, in 2022. Construct validity of the measurement scale was verified by confirmatory factor analysis, factor loadings, average variance extracted and construct reliability. The reliability of the measurement scale was verified by Cronbach's analysis. The current study utilizes structural equation modeling with maximum likelihood estimation to analyze the positive relationships and double mediating effects. Jamovi statistical software was also used to conduct a moderation analysis.FindingsThe findings displayed the significant impacts of MTEs on cognitive response, affective response, and tourist satisfaction, and the positive impacts of cognitive response and affective response on tourist satisfaction. Moreover, cognitive and affective responses were found to partially mediate the aforementioned relationships and golf tourism motivation moderated the aforementioned paths.Originality/valueThe current study shows that there is a double mediating role of the cognitive and affective responses and moderating role of tourism motivation on the relationship between MTEs and tourist satisfaction and explores golf tourists who participate in an amateur golf tournament for non-commercial purposes as amateur athletes, which has largely been ignored in golf tourism research.

Kinematics Analysis of Differences in Driver Swing Depending on Ball Quality among Professional and Amateur Golfers

Kinematics Analysis of Differences in Driver Swing Depending on Ball Quality among Professional and Amateur Golfers

Structural Relationships among Perceived Sporting Event Quality, Image, Trust, Satisfaction, and Loyalty of Small-scale Golf Tournament Participants : A Case of Korea Family Golf Challenge

PURPOSE Sporting events constitute attractive platforms for providing participants with unique experiences. This study was aimed at investigating the structural relationships among perceived sporting event quality, image, trust, satisfaction, and loyalty of small-scale golf tournament participants.METHODS The questionnaire was structured in five dimensions: sporting event quality (4 sub-dimensions and 13 items), image (3 items), trust (3 items), satisfaction (3 items), and loyalty (4 items). A total of 217 amateur golfers from four Ecolian public golf clubs (Gwangsan, Jechon, Jeoungsun, and Younggwang) during the golf tournament participated in this study. Factor, reliability, validity, and structural equation model analyses were performed utilizing SPSS 24.0 and AMOS 24.0.RESULTS This study indicated that sporting event quality in a small-scale sporting event was the crucial factor of image, trust, and satisfaction, which, in turn, significantly impacted loyalty.CONCLUSIONS The results of this study contribute to theoretical understandings of sporting event quality factors that predict sport consumers’ image, trust, and satisfaction in the context of sports and leisure. Additionally, this study offers practical suggestions for administrators who develop marketing strategies for small-scale sporting events.

Supplements, analgesics and alcohol use of German amateur golfers

Problem: To cope with the increasing pressure to perform, more and more amateur athletes are turning to performance-enhancing substances. Although the use of dietary supplements, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and alcohol does not fall into the category of ‘doping’, it nevertheless harbors risks and side effects during sporting activity. Methods: An online questionnaire developed specifically for this study was used to research the consumption of supplements, analgesics, and alcohol among golfers. Results: A total of 877 golfers (257 women, 619 men; 1 diverse person; age: M=56; SD=15 years) participated in the survey. The results of the survey showed that 40.1% of golfers consumed supplements, 46.6% analgesics, and 40.4% alcohol. Dependent on participation in golf tournaments, the consumption of supplements (43.0%), analgesics (52.1%) and alcohol (47.2%) increases significantly. Gender correlates significantly with the consumption of alcohol at golf tournaments (p=0.001); more men consume alcohol than women. Age correlates significantly and negatively with the consumption of supplements at golf tournaments (r=- 0.131; p=0.001) and the consumption of alcohol at golf tournaments (r=- 0.238; p=0.000). Discussion: The frequency of consumption was alarming for a large proportion of the golfers surveyed. Therefore, there is an urgent need to educate golfers about the risks associated with increased consumption of supplements, analgesics, and alcohol in connection with sporting activities to avoid damage to one’s body.

골프동호인의 긍정적 정서와 열정 및 자아존중감의 관계

This study was designed to analyze the relationship between the relationship between golf participants’ positive emotion, passion, and self-esteem. The study subjects were selected among the amateur golf participants in Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Inchun region. The survey tools consisted of questionnaires about golf, positive emotion, passion, and self-esteem and personal characteristics of the subjects. The survey used the questionnaire form of internet portal Naver. Data was collected final 248 players who have agreed to their data being used for the purpose of this research from November 1st to the 15th, 2022. For the collected data, frequency analysis, reliability verification, confirmatory factor analysis, correlation analysis, and structural model analysis using SPSS 22.0 and AMOS 22.0 programs. The results of this study were as follows. First, amateur golf participants’ positive emotion had a positive effect on obsessive passion and harmonious passion. Second, golf participants’ positive emotion had a positive effect on self-esteem Third, golf participants’ obsessive passion had a no significant effect on self-esteem. but, golf participants’ harmonious passion had a positive effect on self-esteem.

Effect of slope change on kinematics of amateur golfers' full swing.

Golf courses are designed with uneven terrain. These factors are especially important when facing (slope), players need to straighten the posture of each part of the body in order to complete the swing on an inclined surface such as flat ground. Amateur players may be more likely to change the movement patterns of their shots due to uneven terrain. Therefore, it may be necessary to clarify the shot characteristics of amateur players and provide reference materials for technical improvement. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of slope on amateur golfers' swing kinematics by analyzing the variation of time variables, body center of gravity (COG), and shot parameters of amateur golfers' swing at different ground slopes. Six male amateur golfers participated in the experiment. The 7-iron was used for 5 swings each at three slopes: flat ground (FG, 0∘), ball below foot (BBF, +10∘), and foot below ball (FBB, -10∘). The OptiTrack-Motion capture system was used to collect kinematic data, and the three-dimensional motion data will be transmitted to Visual3D software for subsequent data analysis such as golf swing division and body COG changes. Shot parameters (carry, swing speed, ball speed, and smash factor) were recorded for each swing using the Caddie SC300 radar monitoring device. The results showed that there was no difference in the overall swing time and the time required for each interval at different slopes (p> 0.05) there is no significant difference in the change of the COG of the body in the forward and backward directions (p> 0.05). The three slopes of swing speed, ball speed, carry and smash factor were not significantly different (p> 0.05). The rhythm of the amateur golfer's swing was not affected by the slope, but the slope restricts the movement of the body's COG, which may affect the weight movement, and ultimately cause the performance parameters to not reach the level of the FG.

Integrating strength and conditioning training and golf practice during the golf season: Approaches and perceptions of highly skilled golfers

Contemporary evidence has demonstrated strength and conditioning (S&amp;C) training benefits golf performance, primarily by improving clubhead speed. However, no empirical data exist that describe how, or even if, golfers integrate their S&amp;C training and golf practice. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the perceptions and practices of skilled golfers with regards to planning the season and how S&amp;C is structured in the golf year. Sixty-five (male n = 48; female n = 17) Category 1 amateur (n = 50) and professional (n = 15) golfers completed a mixed-methods online survey. Survey answers were either golf practice or S&amp;C training focused. Results showed the majority of golfers engage with S&amp;C training (n = 44; 67.7%) and follow a programme (n = 53. 81.5%). Contrastingly, they reported having little structure for golf practice, choosing to have no annual plan (n = 14; 21.9%), have a reactive approach (n = 22. 34.9%) based on recent performances or training what feels appropriate/enjoyable (n = 15; 23.8%). Golfers reported they adjust their training around competition (n = 47; 74.6%) but with various approaches. The dichotomous and contradictory responses received across multiple answers demonstrate that continued education and research are required to help golfers integrate S&amp;C training with their golf practice.

아마추어 골퍼의 사회적 자기개념과 심리적 행복감의 관계에서 운동만족의 매개효과

본 연구는 아마추어 골퍼의 사회적 자기개념과 심리적 행복감의 관계에서 운동만족의 매개효과를 규명하는 데 그 목적이 있다. 연구대상은 서울, 경기 및 인천의 아마추어 골퍼들을 모집단으로 하였으며, 2022년 12월 1일부터 20일까지 N사의 온라인 설문지 서식을 활용하였고, 표집은 유의표집방법을 이용하였다. 조사도구는 사회적 자기개념, 운동만족, 심리적 행복감 및 인구통계학적 특성 문항이다. 연구 이용에 동의한 275명의 자료 중 19부를 제외하고 최종 256의 자료를 확보하였다. 자료처리는 확인적 요인분석과 연구모형의 적합도 검증 절차를 거쳤다. 그리고 구조모형분석 및 매개효과(5000개 표본 재추출의 부트스트래핑)를 검증하였으며 통계적 유의수준은 .05로 하였다. 도출된 결론은 다음과 같다. 첫째, 아마추어 골퍼의 사회적 자기개념은 운동만족에 정의 영향을 미친다. 둘째, 아마추어 골퍼의 운동만족은 심리적 행복감에 정의 영향을 미친다. 셋째, 아마추어 골퍼의 사회적 자기개념은 심리적 행복감에 정의 영향을 미친다. 넷째, 아마추어 골퍼의 사회적 자기개념과 심리적 행복감의 관계에서 운동만족은 매개효과가 있었다. 본 연구에서 아마추어 골퍼의 심리적 행복감을 높이기 위해서는 자기개념과 운동만족도를 높여야 하고, 사회적 자기개념과 심리적 행복감의 관계에서 운동만족도의 긍정적 역할이 확인되었다.

매트 필라테스 운동이 골프 동호인의 균형능력 및 드라이버 비거리에 미치는 영향

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of mat pilates exercise on balance abilities and driver distance in amateur golfers. Statistical Data was processed by SPSS(Windows Version 12.0) using descriptive statistics regarding the physical characteristics of subjects as well as each variables(balance abilities, driver distance). The difference of within and between in two group was analyzed repeated measures ANOVA, significant level was set a=.05. The results were as follows: Balance abilities, there was significant difference according to the measurement, Driver distance the results, there was significant difference according to the measurement. From the results, We findings suggest that amateur golfers could improve their balance abilities and driver distance through mat pilates exercise program.