Golf Performance Research Articles

The Acute Effect of a Performance Mouthpiece on Golf Performance

The Acute Effect of a Performance Mouthpiece on Golf Performance

Effects of core and non-dominant arm strength training on drive distance in elite golfers

BackgroundVarious training schemes have sought to improve golf-related athletic ability. In the golf swing motion, the muscle strengths of the core and arms play important roles, where a difference typically exists in the power of arm muscles between the dominant and non-dominant sides. The purposes of this study were to determine the effects of exercises strengthening the core and non-dominant arm muscles of elite golf players (handicap < 3) on the increase in drive distance, and to present a corresponding training scheme aimed at improving golf performance ability. MethodsSixty elite golfers were randomized into the control group (CG, n = 20), core exercise group (CEG, n = 20), and group receiving a combination of muscle strengthening exercises of the non-dominant arm and the core (NCEG, n = 20). The 3 groups conducted the corresponding exercises for 8 weeks, after which the changes in drive distances and isokinetic strength were measured. ResultsSignificant differences in the overall improvement of drive distance were observed among the groups (p < 0.001). Enhancement of the drive distance of NCEG was greater than both CG (p < 0.001) and CEG (p = 0.001). Except for trunk flexion, all variables of the measurements of isokinetic strength for NCEG also showed the highest values compared to the other groups. Examination of the correlation between drive distance and isokinetic strength revealed significant correlations of all variables except trunk flexion, wrist extension, and elbow extension. ConclusionThe combination of core and non-dominant arm strength exercises can provide a more effective specialized training program than core alone training for golfers to increase their drive distances.

Vibration exercise as a warm-up modality for deadlift power output.

Vibration exercise (VbX) has gained popularity as a warm-up modality to enhance performance in golf, baseball, and sprint cycling, but little is known about the efficacy of using VbX as a warm-up before resistance exercise, such as deadlifting. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of a deadlift (DL)-specific warm-up, VbX warm-up, and Control on DL power output (PO). The DL warm-up (DL-WU) included 10, 8, and 5 repetitions performed at 30, 40, and 50% 1-repetition maximum (1RM), respectively, where the number of repetitions was matched by body-weight squats performed with vibration and without vibration (Control). The warm-up conditions were randomized and performed at least 2 days apart. Peak power (PP), mean power, rate of force development (RFD), and electromyography (EMG) were measured during the concentric phase of 2 consecutive DLs (75% 1RM) at 30 seconds and 2:30 minutes after the warm-up conditions. There was no significant (p > 0.05) main effect or interaction effect between the DL-WU, VbX warm-up, and Control for PP, mean power, RFD, and EMG. Vibration exercise warm-up did not exhibit an ergogenic effect to potentiate muscle activity more than the specific DL-WU and Control. Therefore, DL PO is affected to a similar extent, irrespective of the type of stimuli, when the warm-up is not focused on raising muscle temperature.

Improving performance in golf: current research and implications from a clinical perspective.

Golf, a global sport enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities, involves relatively long periods of low intensity exercise interspersed with short bursts of high intensity activity. To meet the physical demands of full swing shots and the mental and physical demands of putting and walking the course, it is frequently recommended that golfers undertake golf-specific exercise programs. Biomechanics, motor learning, and motor control research has increased the understanding of the physical requirements of the game, and using this knowledge, exercise programs aimed at improving golf performance have been developed. However, while it is generally accepted that an exercise program can improve a golfer's physical measurements and some golf performance variables, translating the findings from research into clinical practice to optimise an individual golfer's performance remains challenging. This paper discusses how biomechanical and motor control research has informed current practice and discusses how emerging sophisticated tools and research designs may better assist golfers improve their performance.

Use of a Ball Alignment Mark Improves Putting Performance in Golf

Golfers place alignment marks on their balls in the belief that this improves the ability to align and hole more putts. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of using an alignment mark on a golf ball on the number of putts holed. Twenty-nine amateur golfers (handicap 7.6 ± 4.06) performed 10 straight putts from a distance of 1.7m to ascertain putting ability. Based on putting ability they then performed 30 putts from a distance of 1.7m, 2.3m or 2.6m, with better putters putting further from the hole. Fifteen of the putts were performed using a ball with an alignment mark (AM) and 15 with no alignment mark (NAM). The order of putts with each ball was randomized. On average participants holed 17.1 ± 3.9 putts out of the 30 putts completed using both balls. The number of putts holed at each of the three distances from the hole did not differ (*p* = .60). More putts were holed with AM compared with NAM at a distance of 2.6m (AM 9.7 ± 2.4 putts, NAM 7.6 ± 2.8, *p* \< .01), but not at the shorter distances of 1.7m (*p* = .67) and 2.3m (*p* = .39). The use of an alignment mark on a golf ball improves putting success for straight putts from a distance of 2.6m.

Optimizing Practice for Performance Under Pressure

The purpose of this paper is to explain the science behind motor skill learning and describe a specific method for optimizing the learning and performance of golf. *The Challenge Point Framework for Motor Learning* (Guadagnoli & Lee, 2004) is used as the basis to describe the process of learning a new skill, and is used to describe how this process can be significantly increased, specifically as it pertains to golf. Strategies are prescribed that will serve to enhance the stress-resistant learning that properly planned and executed practice can afford. This paper focuses on the practice method of contextual interference relative to *Challenge Point Framework*.

So What Do We Do With the Rest of the Day? Going Beyond the Pre-Shot Routine in Professional Golf

Optimally focused attention has been shown to be a key psychological characteristic for peak performance in golf; a feature commonly achieved with a pre-shot routine. However, research to date has yet to address how a golfer’s attention should best shift across the broader period of a whole game, or even including pre-event preparations, to support the pre-shot process and, ultimately, performance. Reflecting this knowledge gap, the present review aims to clarify current conceptual understanding and best practice against this wider perspective on attentional control, as well as highlight areas which must be considered for advances to be made. Specifically, research is required on the cognitive, behavioral, and temporal elements of routines used between shots and holes. Furthermore, to manage the attentional demands of the entire golf performance experience, such investigation also needs to explore the critical role of the support team and pretournament planning.

The Effects of Resistance Training on Junior Golfers’ Strength and On-Course Performance

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of resistance training on strength characteristics in junior golfers and observe the effect this has on golf performance. The study used a quasi-experimental design. Junior golfers (n = 30) were recruited and allocated to either an intervention (n = 20) or a control (n = 10) group for the 12-week study period. Assessments were conducted at baseline and 12 weeks. The primary outcome was change in strength over the intervention period. Effects on handicap were also assessed. No significant differences were found between groups at baseline for handicap or physical fitness variables. The intervention resulted in strength increases with all variables showing moderate to high effect sizes (d = 0.64–0.96). There was a moderate effect size for handicap (d = 0.42). Resistance-training programs can positively affect strength characteristics in junior golfers, which may influence golf performance.

Effects of a dietary supplement on golf drive distance and functional indices of golf performance

Effects of a dietary supplement on golf drive distance and functional indices of golf performance

Frequency-effect of playing screen golf on body composition and golf performance in middle-aged men.

There are many studies showing that physical training improves body composition including bone mineral density (BMD) in almost all subjects. However, the frequency-dependent effect of playing golf on body composition is still not clearly comprehended. Moreover, the effect of screen golf in relations with exercise-frequency on body composition and golf performance has not been documented. Forty year old men participated and were classified into 4 groups: Control group (n= 10), BMD1 group (n= 10) played screen golf less than 1 day per a week, BMD2–3 group (n= 10) played screen golf 2–3 days per a week, and BMD5 group (n= 10) played screen golf 5 days per week. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was performed on 30 male recreational golfers and 10 sedentary individuals. The data gained through DXA were fat mass, lean mass, regional (head, rib, arm, leg, pelvis, spine and trunk) BMD level, and total BMD level summed by regional scores. The club speeds were measured using the Golfzon Vision machine and the handicap points were measured using a simple questionnaire. The present results suggest that the long-frequency of playing screen golf does not improve bone mineral density, lean mass, and handicap point yet improves fat mass and club speed in the middle-aged men.

Isokinetic muscle strength profile of ladies professional tour golfers

BACKGROUND: The highly trained professional tour golfers would likely have different strength profiles in their muscle groups from non-athletes, which may be associated with the level of golf performance. OBJECTIVES: To describe an isokinetic muscle strength profile of several upper and lower extremity muscles of ladies professional tour golfers in comparison to non-athlete controls, and to explore possible correlations between strength and driving distance and average score. METHODS: Sixty seven ladies professional tour golfers and 25 non-athletic women were enrolled. Absolute and weightadjusted concentric isokinetic peak torque (PT) at 60◦/s of the shoulder abductors, adductors and rotators, and elbow and knee flexors and extensors were measured bilaterally. RESULTS: All absolute and most weight-adjusted PTs were significantly higher in professional tour golfers than non-athletes. The weight-adjusted PT differed significantly only with respect to the shoulder adductors and knee muscles. Significantly higher strength ratios: bilateral shoulder adductor/abductor, right shoulder internal/external rotator, right elbow extensor/flexor, and bilateral knee flexor/extensor characterized the golfers. Further, the correlations between the strength of any of the tested muscles and either the driving distance or the average score were low to negligible. CONCLUSIONS: These results furnish a reference framework for isokinetic strength of the abovementioned muscles of professional tour golfers, and thus be used in setting realistic rehabilitation goals for lady golfers who suffer from some injury involving, directly or indirectly, these muscles.

Development and measurement properties of a putting skill test for high-level golf

Despite a recent increase in the amount of research investigating performance in golf, a comprehensive putting skill test has not been reported in the peer-reviewed literature. In this study, the Golf Australia Putting Test (GAPT) was developed and a series of measurement properties were assessed. Elite (n = 18) and high-level amateur (HLA; n = 22) participants completed six single putts from various areas on six concentric circles (circle radii = 0.9, 1.5, 3.0, 4.6, 6.1 and 7.6 m). Using a scoring system that rewarded participants for holing putts from longer distances, the maximum score from a single round of the test (i.e. 36 putts) was 27 points. After two rounds of the test were completed by all players, a subsample of participants (elite, n = 15; HLA, n = 7) had their putting performance recorded during tournament play for a period of 90 days to assess criterion (predictive) validity of the test. The reliability, sensitivity and discriminative validity of the GAPT were also assessed. Better agreement between Rounds 1 and 2 scores was noted in the elite group, whilst reliability values were similar for both groups. Further, the GAPT scores were shown to predict players from the elite and high-ability groups with a low classification error. An equation for predicting on-course performance from GAPT scores was also developed. Findings from this study indicate that the GAPT is a valid and reliable tool for high-level players and the GAPT may be used for player evaluation in the field.

Exploring the Determinants of Success among Ladies Golfers by DEA-SBM Model

Different from previous studies focusing on the skill performance in professional golf, this study utilize the non-oriented SBM model of DEA to evaluate the performance of the Ladies Professional Golf Association Tournament players. DEA is used to assess the overall efficiencies, as well as to conduct slack variable analysis of players' performance in 2008 based on the LPGA official web statistical data. In this study, four inputs (including Average Non-green Shots, Putts Per GIR, Sand Saves, and Average Driving Distance) and two outputs (Scoring Average and Official Money Ranking) are selected as the performance index of LPGA players. The results confirm that the most efficient players are not necessarily the top players on the list of official money ranking but also the lower positions. Inefficient players could advance their games varied by skills in lowering the strokes and raising their earnings as improving range suggested. Skill competencies of professional golf players seemed to be weighted differently and players shall choose the right direction for improvement to advance their career earning efficiently on the tours.

Model Validation and Comparison of Serious Leisure and Leisure Constraints between Golfers and Windsurfers

This cross-activity study aimed to compare and confirm the models for measuring serious leisure and leisure constraints in windsurfers and golfers, and to explore the correlation between these two concepts under different socioeconomic status. Purposive sampling was obtained from 210 windsurfers and 143 golfers, who met the criteria for serious leisure. The Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) results showed that all indicators in the measurement models for serious leisure and leisure constraint established in this study were statistically significant. The reliability and validity of constructs and indicators were confirmed. For both activities, serious leisure had a significant negative correlation with leisure constraints. This study concluded that of the six serious leisure indicators defined by Stebbins personal attributes (perseverance, career, personal effort and long-lasting benefits) had a stronger power than social attributes (subculture and identification) for both windsurfing and golf participants. Because of the different distribution of socioeconomic status between windsurfers and golfers, windsurfers considered equipment cost, personal skill and group companionship, which had similar leisure constraint effects on activity participation. Whereas, golfers considered personal skill as the major constraint factor in golf performance. In terms of serious leisure characteristics, windsurfers treated windsurfing as a personal lifetime pursuit (career), while golfers considered overcoming all obstacles in golfing (perseverance) was most important. Finally, specific recommendations regarding future studies on serious leisure and leisure constraint are necessary.

Which Warm-up Components Are Essential To Improve Female Golf Performance?

Which Warm-up Components Are Essential To Improve Female Golf Performance?

Effect of Local Muscle Activation through Spinal Segmental Stabilization Exercise on Golf Performance

Effect of Local Muscle Activation through Spinal Segmental Stabilization Exercise on Golf Performance

Lower Extremity Work Is Associated with Club Head Velocity during the Golf Swing in Experienced Golfers

While the golf swing is a complex whole body movement requiring coordination of all joints to achieve maximum ball velocity, the kinetic contribution of the lower extremities to club head velocity has not been quantified, despite the perception that the legs are a primary source of power during the swing. Mechanical power at the hips, knees, and ankles was estimated during the downswing phase of a full swing with a driver using a passive optical motion capture system and 2 force plates for adult males across a range of age and self-reported skill levels. Total work by the lower extremities was calculated by integrating the powers of all 6 joints over the downswing. Regression analyses showed that total lower extremity work was a strong predictor of club head velocity (R=0.63). Secondary analyses showed different relationships to club head velocity in lead and trail leg lower extremity joints, but none of these were as predictive of club head velocity as the total work performed by the lower extremities. These results provide quantitative evidence that the lower body's kinetic contribution may be an important factor in achieving greater club head velocity, contributing to greater driving distance and overall golf performance.

Kinematic evaluation of movement smoothness in golf: relationship between the normalized jerk cost of body joints and the clubhead

BackgroundWhen the human body is introduced to a new motion or movement, it learns the placement of different body parts, sequential muscle control, and coordination between muscles to achieve necessary positions, and it hones this new skill over time and repetition. Previous studies have demonstrated definite differences in the smoothness of body movements with different levels of training, i.e., amateurs compared with professionals. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that skilled golfers swing a driver with a smoother motion than do unskilled golfers. In addition, the relationship between the smoothness of body joints and that of the clubhead was evaluated to provide further insight into the mechanism of smooth golf swing.MethodsTwo subject groups (skilled and unskilled) participated in the experiment. The skilled group comprised 20 male professional golfers registered with the Korea Professional Golf Association, and the unskilled group comprised 19 amateur golfers who enjoy golf as a hobby. Six infrared cameras (VICON460 system) were used to record the 3D trajectories of markers attached to the clubhead and body segments, and the resulting data was evaluated with kinematic analysis. A physical quantity called jerk was calculated to investigate differences in smoothness during downswing between the two study groups.ResultsThe hypothesis that skilled golfers swing a driver with a smoother motion than do unskilled golfers was supported. The normalized jerk of the clubhead of skilled golfers was lower than that of unskilled golfers in the anterior/posterior, medial/lateral, and proximal/distal directions. Most human joints, especially in the lower body, had statistically significant lower normalized jerk values in the skilled group. In addition, the normalized jerk of the skilled group’s lower body joints had a distinct positive correlation with the normalized jerk of the clubhead with r = 0.657 (p < 0.01).ConclusionsThe result of this study showed that skilled golfers have smoother swings than unskilled golfers during the downswing and revealed that the smoothness of a clubhead trajectory is related more to the smoothness of the lower body joints than that of the upper body joints. These findings can be used to understand the mechanisms behind smooth golf swings and, eventually, to improve golf performance.

Correlation of Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) Level 1 Movement Screens and Golf Swing Faults

Although some research in the past has examined how physical limitations in strength or flexibility affect a golfer's performance, the performance outcome most measured was driving distance. Currently, there are no data that have examined the relationship between selected strength and flexibility variables and golf swing faults. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) level 1 movement screen variables and 14 common golf swing faults. Thirty-six male and female golfers (mean age, 25.4 ± 9.9 years; height, 175.9 ± 16.2 cm; mass, 76.2 ± 14.6 kg; handicap, 14.2 ± 10.4) participated. Twelve physical tests of strength, flexibility, and balance were assessed using the TPI level 1 golf fitness screening tool. Golfers then hit 4 golf shots (with a 5-iron) while being videoed, and those were then analyzed for 14 different golf swing faults (using V1Pro software). Three significant associations between a physical limitation and a particular golf swing fault were found: toe touch and early hip extension (p = 0.015), bridge on right side with both early hip extension (p = 0.050), and loss of posture (p = 0.028). In addition, an odds ratio showed that when a golfer could not overhead deep squat or single leg balance on left side, they were 2-3 times more likely to exhibit a early hip extension, loss of posture, or slide during the golf swing, as compared with those who could perform a correct overhead deep squat. Based on our findings, it is important for the golf fitness professional to particularly address a golfer's core strength, balance, and hamstring flexibility to help avoid common golf swing faults, which affect a golfer's ball striking ability and ultimately their performance.

The effects of Z-score Neurofeedback on procedural learning

The effects of Z-score Neurofeedback on procedural learning