An assessment of the relationships between ball flight results, impact factors, and golf performance

Abstract

Purpose. the aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between golf players' performance, impact factors, and ball flight results with individual clubs when performing a full swing. Methods. the study involved 9 amateur golfers who performed a full swing test with 4 different clubs (short, middle, long iron, and driver) and then played a tournament round of golf. the players' performance was assessed by handicap and by game statistics from the tournament. the ball flight results were based on the resulting carry distance and the resulting side deviation from the target line. the impact factors were the initial ball speed, the club head speed, the smash factor, the face angle, the club path, and the face to path. Relationships between the players' performance, impact factors, and ball flight results were investigated. Results. A significant relationship was found between the resulting ball flight distance and handicap for long iron (r = -0.85; p < 0.01) and driver (r = -0.9; p < 0.01). Conversely, the resulting ball flight side deviation from the target line correlated with handicap in short iron (r = 0.78; p = 0.02). Conclusions. ball flight distance of long iron and driver and ball flight side deviation of short iron are key attributes of performance. the results suggest that in order to improve long term performance, players should aim for maximal distance with drivers and long irons (high smash factor) and for maximal accuracy with short irons (low face angle).

Motor learning in golf—a systematic review

“…Thus, it must be acknowledged that the results might be of limited relevance for semi-professional or professional golf athletes and also for amateur golfers regardless of their level of performance ( 129 ). Previous research mostly refers to distance and accuracy as of the most important parameters to represent performance in golf ( 130 ). However, in a real game, distance is not always synonymous with the desired result of a shot, as various factors can influence the (required) distance of a shot on a course.…”

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

“…At the age of 14, we can talk about the beginning of the elite golf training, and at about the age of 16, we can begin to discuss the performance level [ 40 ] reflecting a consistent golf swing technique. The increase in performance in both sexes in the junior age is closely related to the achieved length of the individual shots, especially while playing with the driver [ 41 , 42 ] and its correspondence to a high GCV at impact. These changes in GCV are achieved by the improvement in the fitness parameters (increase in muscle strength, muscle firming up, and reduction of flexibility in men) [ 42 ], which are achieved not only by hormonal changes but also by targeted fitness training.…”

Monitoring Performance in Golf: More Than Just Clubhead Speed

“…Both golf score and handicap provide a general metric for golf performance; however, these metrics cannot break down the individual factors that may have contributed the most to performance. Technological advances have allowed professional organizations (i.e., PGA Tour) to collate a range of tournament performance statistics such as driving distance, driving accuracy, greens in regulation (GIR), and putts per round, to name a few (1,10,30). These metrics may provide some measure of the necessary skills that lead to a player's success or failure.…”