Club Head Velocity Research Articles

Do the Pelvic and Thorax Movements Differ between the Sexes and Influence Golf Club Velocity in Junior Golfers?

The aim of this study was to determine the differences in golf swing execution in terms of the parameters of the pelvis and thorax movement between the sexes in junior golfers and their relation to the golf club velocity. Elite female and male players (age: 15.4 ± 1.0 and 15.8 ± 1.7 years, respectively) performed 10 golf swings with a driver under laboratory conditions. Pelvis and thorax movement parameters and golf club velocities were measured using a three-dimensional motion capture system. Statistical parametric mapping analysis of pelvis-thorax coupling revealed a significant difference (p < 0.05) between boys and girls during backswing. Analysis of variance showed a significant effect of sex on the parameters of maximal pelvic rotation (F = 6.28, p = 0.02), X-factor (F = 5.41, p = 0.03), and golf club velocity (F = 31.98, p < 0.01). No significant relationship was found between pelvis and thorax movement parameters and golf club velocity in the girls. We found a significant negative relationship between the parameters of maximal thorax rotation and golf club velocity (r = -0.941, p < 0.01) and between X-Factor and golf club velocity (r = -0.847, p < 0.05) in the boys. We suggest that these negative relationships in males were caused by the influence of hormones during their maturation and biological development, where there is decreased flexibility (lower shoulders rotation and X-factor) and growth of muscle strength (higher club head velocity).

Do Kinematic Study Assessments Improve Accuracy &amp; Precision in Golf Putting? A Comparison between Elite and Amateur Golfers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

<strong>Introduction:</strong> The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether kinematic assessments help to improve golf putting accuracy and precision, and increase the success rate of golf putts. Specifically, this study also investigated the differences in club head velocity and putter face angle at impact (°) between elite and amateur golfers. <strong>Methods:</strong> A total of 25 articles were used in this review. An initial, broad search of electronic databases including PubMed, SPORT discus, Scopus, Science Direct and Google Scholar was conducted for literature using the keywords “biomechanics” AND “golf putting”. The total number of studies screened for this review was n = 897. Among these articles, only n = 63 were assessed for eligibility. The number of articles were reduced further to n = 25 and included in the qualitative and quantitative synthesis. <strong>Results:</strong> Out of the initial n = 897, n = 834 records were excluded. After the articles were assessed for eligibility, n = 17 articles were excluded for not meeting the inclusion criteria. The studies included demonstrated that kinematic approaches can help improve accuracy and precision of golf putts which help to increase the success rate of putts and reduce overall scoring. Elite golfers have a more accurate direction and face angle when compared to amateur golfers. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> This systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that kinematic assessments of face angle at impact, putter path, the vertical spot and backswing are critical determinants of a golfer’s success and are useful indicators to help improve accuracy and precision of golf putts. This study also noted that elite golfers had slightly less velocity but more precise putter face angles at impact which increased their accuracy in completing more successful putts than amateur golfers.

The effect of upper body sprint interval training on golf drive performance

Improving golf fitness is one way to improve club head velocity and subsequently golf performance. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of a three-week upper-body sprint training (SIT) program on power output and golf performance. Eleven golfers (handicap: 5.5±2.8) completed the SIT intervention. This was a self-controlled experiment with three testing points (pre-control, post-control and post-intervention) where subjects completed a ballistic bench press, upper-body Wingate and golf testing session. Significant improvements were observed (13.3-15.5%) in peak and mean power production during the Wingate post-intervention in comparison to pre- and post-control time points (P<0.05). This was replicated in peak power for the ballistic bench press for both peak power (P<0.05), but significance for mean power was only observed between post-control and post-intervention (P<0.05) (improvements of 6.1-8.5%). These improvements were not seen consistently in golf performance variables measured, with no significance identified for the 7-iron and significant improvements (P<0.05) observed in Carry Distance (2.2%) and Ball Velocity (1.4%) between pre-control and post-intervention. Lack of golf performance improvements could be because of the natural variation in club-head velocity across sessions or the inability of subjects to utilise their power gains during the golf swing. Longer SIT interventions may be needed to observe improvements in golf performance.

Relationships between highly skilled golfers’ clubhead velocity and kinetic variables during a countermovement jump

ABSTRACT Previous research has sought to establish the relationship countermovement jump (CMJ) performance has with clubhead velocity (CHV). However, these investigations either assessed lower skilled golfers, or utilised field-based protocols, which are unable to assess a number of biomechanical variables. Fifty highly skilled golfers performed CMJs on Kistler force platforms in laboratory conditions. The CMJ variables included positive impulse, net impulse, average power, peak power, peak force, force at zero velocity and jump height. Clubhead velocity was measured using a TrackMan 3e launch monitor at a driving range. A Pearsons correlation was employed to measure the strength and direction of the relationships between CHV and CMJ derived performance variables. Results indicated strong positive relationships (all p’s <0.001) between CHV and positive impulse (r = 0.695), net impulse (r = 0.689), average power (r = 0.645), peak power (r = 0.656), peak force (r = 0.517) and force at zero velocity (r = 0.528) with no significant relationship with jump height. However, if investigators only have access to field-based protocols, it is recommended that they measure jump height and utilise inverse dynamics to calculate take-off velocity. By multiplying take-off velocity by mass, this allows the attainment of net impulse.

Skill Differences in a Discrete Motor Task Emerging From the Environmental Perception Phase.

Because of the challenges associated with measuring human perception and strategy, the process of human performance from perception to motion to results is not fully understood. Therefore, this study clarifies the phase at which errors occur and how differences in skill level manifest in a motor task requiring an accurate environmental perception and fine movement control. We assigned a golf putting task and comprehensively examined various errors committed in five phases of execution. Twelve tour professionals and twelve intermediate amateur golfers performed the putting task on two surface conditions: flat and a 0.4-degree incline. The participants were instructed to describe the topographical characteristics of the green before starting the trials on each surface (environmental perception phase). Before each attempt, the participants used the reflective markers to indicate their aim point from which the ball would be launched (decision-making phase). We measured the clubface angle and impact velocity to highlight the pre-motion and motion errors (pre-motion and motion phase). In addition, mistakes in the final ball position were analyzed as result errors (post-performance phase). Our results showed that more than half of the amateurs committed visual–somatosensory errors in the perception phase. Moreover, their aiming angles in the decision-making phase differed significantly from the professionals, with no significant differences between slope conditions. In addition, alignment errors, as reported in previous studies, occurred in the pre-motion phase regardless of skill level (i.e., increased in the 0.4-degree condition). In the motion phase, the intermediate-level amateurs could not adjust their clubhead velocity control to the appropriate level, and the clubhead velocity and clubface angle control were less reproducible than those of the professionals. To understand the amateur result errors in those who misperceived the slopes, we checked the individual results focusing on the final ball position. We found that most of these participants had poor performance, especially in the 0.4-degree condition. Our results suggest that the amateurs’ pre-motion and strategy errors depended on their visual–somatosensory errors.

Relationships Between Highly Skilled Golfers' Clubhead Velocity and Vertical Ground Reaction Force Asymmetry During Vertical Jumps and an Isometric Midthigh Pull

Wells, JET, Mitchell, ACS, Charalambous, LH, and Fletcher, IM. Relationships between highly skilled golfers' clubhead velocity and vertical ground reaction force asymmetry during vertical jumps and an isometric midthigh pull. J Strength Cond Res 34(10): 2824-2831, 2020-Clubhead velocity (CHV) is a commonly measured variable within golf due to strong associations with increased drive distance. Previous research has revealed significant relationships between CHV and vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) variables during bilateral tasks including a countermovement jump (CMJ), squat jump (SJ), drop jump (DJ), and isometric midthigh pull (IMTP). Asymmetries have been linked to performance outcomes in a number of sports; however, few studies have assessed asymmetries within golf. The current study, therefore, examined the relationships between CHV and vGRF asymmetries for CMJ positive impulse, SJ positive impulse, DJ positive impulse, and IMTP peak force (PF). Furthermore, the level of agreement for asymmetries between protocols was assessed by using Kappa coefficients. Fifty highly skilled (handicap ≤5) male golfers attended laboratory and range-based testing sessions. Positive impulse and PF were measured using a dual force platform system, with CHV measured using a TrackMan 3e launch monitor. There was no significant relationship (r = -0.14 to 0.22) between CHV and each of the vGRF asymmetry measures. Of the golfers tested, 26 had a "real" asymmetry in the CMJ, 18 had a "real" asymmetry in the SJ, 25 had a "real" asymmetry in the DJ, and 27 had a "real" asymmetry in the IMTP. Kappa coefficients indicated that asymmetries rarely favored the same limb (k = 0.06 to 0.39) with asymmetries varying for individual golfers between protocols. As such, asymmetries are neither beneficial nor detrimental to CHV but are inherently individual and dependent on the task.

Revisiting the Nesbit and McGinnis optimization model of the golf swing hub path.

This article details the development of adopting the Nesbit and McGinnis model of the golf swing as a starting point for studying golf performance optimization. The model was selected as it presents an opportunity to examine how non-naïve participants can learn and improve their swing mechanics, which could prove valuable in studying human learning in sports, rehabilitation, and re-education. Kinematic data was acquired in laboratory and real-world environments using the motion capture systems Qualysis and CodaMotion CX-Sport, respectively. In the early stages of developing the model in MATLAB, we identified limitations in the Nesbit and McGinnis methodology, including the filtering techniques applied to swing vectors and the selection of swing variables and the solutions to their boundary conditions solutions during the downswing. By addressing these issues, our goal was to revise the model and make it more robust and capable of optimizing the impact velocities from a wider variety of subjects with varying swing mechanics. By increasing the cutoff frequency used to filter the swing vectors and expanding the swing variable polynomial equations, we found it was possible for all participants to increase their club head velocity at impact while respecting their unique kinematic limitations. The manner of the kinematic changes and the percent of velocity improvement are participant dependent. Our study showed that the observed and optimized hub paths differed among participants, which suggests participants might also differ in their approaches and capacities to adopt the latter.

Positive Relationships Between Golf Performance Variables and Upper Body Power Capabilities.

Sorbie GG, Glen J, and Richardson AK Positive relationships between golf performance variables and upper body power capabilities. J Strength Cond Res 35(12S): S97-S102, 2021-The importance of lower body and trunk strength and power, as well as upper body strength in golf is well documented; however, the relationship between upper body power and golf performance has yet to be determined. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to investigate the relationships between golf performance and upper body power. Thirteen golfers (mean ± SD: age: 30 ± 7 years and handicap: 6.1 ± 4.9) participated in the study. Club head velocity (CHV) and ball velocity were measured during the golf test. To assess upper body power, subjects completed a ballistic bench press and upper body Wingate test. Pearson product-moment correlations were used to assess the relationships between golf performance and upper body power. The results demonstrated that there were strong relationships between ballistic bench press and CHV and ball velocity when using the driver (r > 0.6-0.7), and moderate-to-strong relationships (r > 0.4-0.6) when using the 7-iron. Strong relationships were found between the upper body Wingate test and CHV and ball velocity (r > 0.5-0.8) when using the driver and 7-iron. As a result of the findings, strength and conditioning coaches may use both the ballistic bench press test and the Wingate test as a primary assessment to measure the effectiveness of upper body training interventions with the aim of improving golf performance. Although, when performing the golf swings at higher velocities (i.e., with the driver), the ballistic bench press may be more beneficial.

Biomechanical Comparison Of The Half To Full Golf Swing - Clinical Implications

PURPOSE: Golf is popular, with many middle-aged participants. A concern for healthcare workers is how to advise those wishing to return to golf after a lower extremity (LE) injury or surgery. A common recommendation is to use a half swing, however, it is not known whether this reduces the motion or muscular torque for the LE. The purpose of this study was to examine the peak torques and positions of the hip during a half swing versus a full golf. METHODS: 11 healthy amateur male golfers with handicaps &#8804; 21 participated in this study. All participants completed 20 golf swings (10 full swings, 10 half swings). A 10-camera motion analysis system, with force plates, were used to record swing data. Data was reduced using a 3-D modeling program and standard inverse dynamics were used to determine internal net joint torques. Peak torques (Nm; normalized by %BW.Ht) and movement positions (degrees) were analyzed in SPSS (Version 24) Differences and correlations considered significant if at the .05 level of probability. A repeated measures ANCOVA (club-head velocity in mph, as the covariate) was used to compare half to full swing for each movement. RESULTS: Subjects had an average age of 44±16 years and an average handicap of 13±6. Club-head speed ranged from 69 to 113mph, with an average of 91±12mph. The highest torques in both full (12.02±1.97 Nm/%BW.Ht) and half swings (12.04±2.07 Nm/%BW.Ht) occurred in trail hip extension. This was followed by lead hip flexion and hip abduction, and trail hip abduction in both swing styles. (6.58±2.46, 6.04±2.07 and 5.75±1.11 Nm/%BW.Ht, respectively). The highest peak positions were in the trail leg for flexion and abduction. There was a significant correlation between each half and full swing position ranging from r=.85 to r=.98. Repeated measures ANCOVAs found no significant differences between half and full golf swings. CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to a pilot study, our data show that using a half swing did not reduce the amount of internal torque around the hip, as compared to a full swing. All torques were similar to a published study in which it was noted that the torques were much higher than reported hip torques for walking and activities of daily living. These findings suggest that clinicians should use caution in recommending a half vs a full swing for those returning to golf following an injury or surgery.

Practice Motions Performed During Preperformance Preparation Drive the Actual Motion of Golf Putting.

Of the various types of preperformance preparatory behavior that are acquired during motor learning, the effect of a practice motion performed just prior to execution of an actual motion is not yet fully understood. Thus, the present study employed a golf putting task to investigate how a practice motion in the preparation phase would affect the accuracy of motor control in the execution phase and how proficiency would influence this relationship. To examine the impacts on kinematics and final ball position, the velocities of practice strokes made by tour professional and amateur golfers were experimentally manipulated in the following three conditions: the equal condition, which presented a target that was at the same distance during the practice strokes and the actual stroke; the confusing condition, which had two different distances during the practice and actual strokes; and the no condition, which did not include a practice stroke. The results, based on final ball position, indicated that practice strokes in the equal condition were linked with the highest accuracy levels during the actual stroke in both professionals and amateurs. In the confusing condition, regardless of skill level, the velocity of the actual stroke was influenced by a faster or slower stroke during the pre-shot phase. These relationships between the practice and actual strokes imply that the golfers effectively utilized kinesthetic information obtained during the practice strokes as a reference for the actual stroke. Furthermore, the differences in proficiency level indicated that the club head velocity of amateurs in the no condition was significantly faster than in the equal condition. Therefore, the present results imply that the role of a practice stroke may differ between professionals and amateurs.

Effects of Clubhead Velocity on GRF Magnitude and Time during 7-iron Swing

Effects of Clubhead Velocity on GRF Magnitude and Time during 7-iron Swing

Relationships between Challenge Tour golfers’ clubhead velocity and force producing capabilities during a countermovement jump and isometric mid-thigh pull

ABSTRACTA number of field-based investigations have evidenced practically significant relationships between clubhead velocity (CHV), vertical jump performance and maximum strength. Unfortunately, whilst these investigations provide a great deal of external validity, they are unable to ascertain vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) variables that may relate to golfers’ CHVs. This investigation aimed to assess if the variance in European Challenge Tour golfers’ CHVs could be predicted by countermovement jump (CMJ) positive impulse (PI), isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) peak force (PF) and rate of force development (RFD) from 0–50 ms, 0–100 ms, 0–150 ms and 0–200 ms. Thirty-one elite level European Challenge Tour golfers performed a CMJ and IMTP on dual force plates at a tournament venue, with CHV measured on a driving range. Hierarchical multiple regression results indicated that the variance in CHV was significantly predicted by all four models (model one R2 = 0.379; model two R2 = 0.392, model three R2 = 0.422, model four R2 = 0.480), with Akaike’s information criterion indicating that model one was the best fit. Individual standardised beta coefficients revealed that CMJ PI was the only significant variable, accounting for 37.9% of the variance in European Challenge Tour Golfers’ CHVs.

Matching Golfers’ Movement Patterns during a Golf Swing

The golf swing is a multidimensional movement requiring alternative data analysis methods to interpret non-linear relationships in biomechanics data related to golf shot outcomes. The purpose of this study was to use a combined principal component analysis (PCA), fuzzy coding, and multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) data analysis approach to visualise associations within key biomechanics movement patterns and impact parameters in a group of low handicap golfers. Biomechanics data was captured and analysed for 22 golfers when hitting shots with their own driver. Relationships between biomechanics variables were firstly achieved by quantifying principal components, followed by fuzzy coding and finally MCA. Clubhead velocity and ball velocity were included as supplementary data in MCA. A total of 35.9% of inertia was explained by the first factor plane of MCA. Dimension one and two, and subsequent visualisation of MCA results, showed a separation of golfers’ biomechanics (i.e., swing techniques). The MCA plot can be used to simply and quickly identify movement patterns of a group of similar handicap golfers if supported with appropriate descriptive interpretation of the data. This technique also has the potential to highlight mismatched golfer biomechanics variables which could be contributing to weaker impact parameters.

Examining the influence of grip type on wrist and club head kinematics during the golf swing: Benefits of a local co-ordinate system

Wrist movements have been identified as an important factor in producing a successful golf swing, with their complex motion influencing both club head velocity and orientation. However, a detailed analysis of wrist angles is lacking in the literature. The purpose of this study was to determine kinematics across wrists and club head characteristics during the golf swing under weak, neutral and strong grip conditions. Twelve professional male golfers executed 24 shots using a driver under three grip conditions. A six degrees of freedom analysis of the hand with respect to the distal forearm was performed using a 10-camera three-dimensional motion capture system. Differences in joint angles were explored using repeated measures ANOVAs at key swing events (onset, top of backswing and impact), in addition club head velocity and clubface angle at impact were also explored. Main findings revealed significant differences in flexion/extension and internal/external rotation for both wrists at all swing events, whereas fewer significant interactions were found in ulnar/radial deviation across grips for both wrists at all events. Clubface angle only differed significantly between the weak and the strong and neural grips, presenting a more ‘open’ clubface to the intended hitting direction. This study is the first to explore tri-planar wrist movement and the effect of different grips, such analysis has implications for coaching knowledge and practice and should inform future research into different aspects of skill, technique analysis and may inform injury mechanisms/prevention.

Analysis of the X-Factor and X-Factor stretch during the completion of a golf practice session in low-handicap golfers

The X-Factor and X-Factor stretch have been positively correlated with golf long game performance. The aim of this study was to compare the X-Factor, X-Factor stretch and long game performance variables pre and following a golf practice session. A group of male golfers (n = 15, handicap = 3.3 ± 1.7) participated in the laboratory-based study. Movement and performance variables were collected from five golf swings performed pre and following a golf practice session using a motion-capture system and launch monitor, respectively. Following the practice session, significant increases were observed in the X-Factor ( p = 0.00, d = 0.22) and the X-Factor stretch ( p = 0.02, d = 0.25). Specifically, the X-Factor increased from 52.82 ± 5.64° to 54.06 ± 5.61° following the practice session. The X-Factor stretch increased from 1.54 ± 1.05° to 1.90 ± 1.41° following the practice session. Significant differences were displayed in club head velocity ( p = 0.00, d = 0.35), ball velocity ( p = 0.01, d = 0.21) and actual carry distance ( p = 0.00, d = 0.29) following the practice session. These findings suggest that performing multiple golf shots is not detrimental in terms of muscular fatigue in the long game performance. In actual fact, the findings demonstrate that performing 100 golf shots increases the X-Factor, X-Factor stretch patterns and performance variables which, in turn, increases the long game performance. These findings can help Professional Golfers’ Association golf Professionals improve teaching practices and formulation of golf programmes and warm-up sessions.

Hip Joint Torques During the Golf Swing of Young and Senior Healthy Females

Hip joint torques during the golf swing of young and senior healthy females Female participation in golf has increased throughout the past few decades and now comprises approximately 20% of all golf participants. However, little is known regarding the biomechanics of the golf swing for women, and even less is known about hip torques. PURPOSE: To describe and compare the hip torques associated with the golf swing of healthy young and senior female golfers. METHODS: 21 right-handed, female golfers, aged from 18-70 years old volunteered. Age groups were divided into young (18 – 39) and senior (40 – 70). Subjects completed 10 swings with a standardized driver. A high speed motion capture system and force plates were used to collect kinematic and kinetic data. . 3-D hip torques for trail and lead legs were calculated using inverse dynamic analyses. 2-way mixed model ANOVAs (group by leg) were calculated, with club head velocity as a covariate. RESULTS: There were no differences between the groups for BMI (24.6 ± 3.5), handicap (22 ± 7), or club head velocity (30.1 ± 4.2 m/s). The trail hip extensor torque was the largest torque produced by both groups. A main effect for leg was found for hip internal rotator torque (p=.024) with the largest torques produced by the trail leg. There was an interaction between the legs by groups for hip abductor torque (p=.043); the young group had larger torques for the lead leg, while the senior group had no difference between legs. Club head velocity was significantly (p<.05) correlated with hip internal rotator torques of both the lead and trail leg (r=.7 and .56, respectively), however, when separated by group, these correlations were only significant for the young group (r-.8; p=.001).Table: No title available.CONCLUSIONS: Overall, hip torques in the trail leg were larger, which suggests their important contribution to the golf swing. These findings are similar to previous literature for healthy male golfers.

Relationships between highly skilled golfers’ clubhead velocity and force producing capabilities during vertical jumps and an isometric mid-thigh pull

ABSTRACTWhilst previous research has highlighted significant relationships between golfers’ clubhead velocity (CHV) and their vertical jump height and maximum strength, these field-based protocols were unable to measure the actual vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) variables that may correlate to performance. The aim of this study was to investigate relationships between isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP), countermovement jump (CMJ), squat jump (SJ) and drop jump (DJ) vGRF variables and CHV in highly skilled golfers. Twenty-seven male category 1 golfers performed IMTP, CMJ, SJ and DJ on a dual force platform. The vertical jumps were used to measure positive impulse during different stretch-shortening cycle velocities, with the IMTP assessing peak force (PF) and rate of force development (RFD). Clubhead velocity was measured using a TrackMan launch monitor at a golf driving range. Pearsons correlation coefficient analyses revealed significant relationships between peak CHV and CMJ positive impulse (r = 0.788, p < 0.001), SJ positive impulse (r = 0.692; p < 0.001), DJ positive impulse (r = 0.561, p < 0.01), PF (r = 0.482, p < 0.01), RFD from 0–150 ms (r = 0.343, p < 0.05) and RFD from 0–200 ms (r = 0.398, p < 0.05). The findings from this investigation indicate strong relationships between vertical ground reaction force variables and clubhead velocity.

THE EFFECTS OF A 5-WEEK GOLF SPECIFIC STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING INTERVENTION ON SWING PERFORMANCE FACTORS

BackgroundThe effects of golf specific strength and conditioning interventions on performance are scarcely researched. However, a multitude of research exists relative to golf related injuries. From those studies, it has...

Comparison of centre of gravity and centre of pressure patterns in the golf swing

Analysing the centre of pressure (COP) and centre of gravity (COG) could reveal stabilising strategies used by golfers throughout the golf swing. This study identified and compared golfers’ COP and COG patterns throughout the golf swing in medial–lateral (ML) and anterior–posterior (AP) directions using principal component analysis (PCA) and examined their relationship to clubhead velocity. Three-dimensional marker trajectories were collected using Vicon motion analysis and force plate data from two Kistler force plates for 22 low-handicap golfers during drives. Golfers’ COG and COP were expressed as a percentage distance between their feet. PCA was performed on COG and COP in ML and AP directions. Relationships between principal component (PC) scores were examined using Pearson correlation and regression analysis used to examine the relationship with clubhead velocity. ML COP movements varied in magnitude (PC1), rate of change and timing (PC2 and PC3). The COP and COG PC1 scores were strongly correlated in both directions (ML: r = 0.90, P < .05; AP: r = 0.81, P < .05). Clubhead velocity, explained by three PCs (74%), related to timing and rate of change in COPML near downswing (PC2 and PC3) and timing of COGML late backswing (PC2). The relationship between COPML and COGML PC1 scores identified extremes of COP and COG patterns in golfers and could indicate a golfer’s dynamic balance. Golfers with earlier movement of COP to the front foot (PC2) and rate of change (PC3) patterns in ML COP, prior to the downswing, may be more likely to generate higher clubhead velocity.

Spine biomechanics associated with the shortened, modern one-plane golf swing

The purpose of this study was to compare kinetic, kinematic, and performance variables associated with full and shortened modern backswings in a skilled group of modern swing (one-plane) golfers. Shortening the modern golf backswing is proposed to reduce vertebral spine stress, but supporting evidence is lacking and performance implications are unknown. Thirteen male golfers performed ten swings of each swing type using their own 7-iron club. Biomechanical-dependent variables included the X-Factor kinematic data and spine kinetics. Performance-related dependent variables included club head velocity (CHV), shot distance, and accuracy (distance from the target line). Data were analysed with repeated measures ANOVA with an a priori alpha of 0.05 (SPSS 22.0, IBM, Armonk, NY, USA). We found significant reductions for the X-Factor (p < 0.05) between the full and shortened swings. The shortened swing condition ameliorated vertebral compression force from 7.6 ± 1.4 to 7.0 ± 1.7 N (normalised to body weight, p = 0.01) and significantly reduced CHV (p < 0.05) by ~2 m/s with concomitant shot distance diminution by ~10 m (p < 0.05). Further research is necessary to examine the applicability of a shortened swing for golfers with low back pain.