Comparison of TrackMan Data between Professional and Amateur Golfers at Swinging to Uphill and Downhill Fairways

Suzuki, Takeru; Sheahan, John; Miyazawa, Taiki; Okuda, I.; Ichikawa, Daisuke

doi:10.2174/1875399x02114010137

Cited by 3 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 18 publications

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“…Low-handicap golfers exhibited more consistent and centered impacts compared to mid-handicap golfers, whose impacts were more dispersed. This aligns with previous research highlighting consistent ball impact as a key differentiator between skill levels [ 23 – 25 ]. These findings suggest that while technical aspects of the swing, such as face angle and swing path, are important, the consistency of ball impact is a more sensitive indicator of a golfer’s skill level.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 91%

Influence of biceps-triceps ratio on golf swing performance

Zou,

MacFarlane

2024

PLoS ONE

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Objective This study examines how maintaining a straight leading arm affects the muscle strength balance between the biceps and triceps in golfers and its influence on golf performance. Methods We recruited 20 male participants aged 18–45, including 10 golfers and 10 non-golfers. The participants’ average age was 25.6±6.2 years, height 1.8±0.07 m, and weight 75.6±10.2 kg. We measured isometric and isokinetic muscle strength using the Primus RS Dynamometer (BTE Technologies, Hanover, MD, USA) and assessed golf swing performance with the Optishot 2 Golf Simulator (Optishot, Brighton, MI, USA). Results Golfers exhibited significantly greater triceps strength (P = 0.02) and a lower biceps-to-triceps strength ratio (P = 0.002) than non-golfers. Low-handicap golfers showed more centered and consistent ball impacts compared to mid-handicap golfers. There were no significant differences in swing path and face angles between low- and mid-handicap golfers. Muscle strength and the biceps-to-triceps strength ratio correlated with driving distance, as well as the frequencies of specific swing paths, face angles, and ball impact points, highlighting the complex interplay between muscle balance and swing performance. Conclusion Greater triceps strength and a lower biceps-to-triceps strength ratio are key for maintaining a straight leading arm, especially in skilled golfers. While increased muscle strength tends to enhance driving distance, it does not necessarily improve accuracy. Consistent ball impact points may indicate higher skill levels. Future research should involve a larger, more diverse participant pool to validate these findings and further explore the complex nature of golf swing performance.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 91%

Influence of biceps-triceps ratio on golf swing performance

Zou,

MacFarlane

2024

PLoS ONE

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“…When considering the changes in ball trajectory, a trend was found towards negative angles for the attack angle by the DL group. It seems that golfers with a lower handicap prefer to adjust the attack angle according to the environmental requirements and usually adopt a ball trajectory close to the ground [53]. Another interpretation could be that in early stages of golf, the learners are still unable to take advantage of the positive aerodynamic effects of the ball spins and avoid hitting the ground [54].…”

Section: Differences Of the Intervention Between The DL And Rb Traini...mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This higher efficiency allows the ball to roll compared to sliding, leading towards less energy loss [8]. Complementarily, low handicap golfers display different visual search strategies, as they explore fewer fixation numbers but those of higher duration compared to their lower level counterparts [9,53]. For example, low handicap players are able to decrease the number of fixation numbers and use specific environmental cues (e.g., being aware of the contours and how it will affect the ball roll, using the tree to estimate distances), while high handicap players are more focused on the shot action, that is, how to perform the swing and properly adjust the body movement [58].…”

Section: Effects Of Rb Approach Between Low and High Handicap Golfersmentioning

confidence: 99%

Investigating the Effects of Differential Learning on Golfers’ Pitching Performance as a Function of Handicap

Valença

Coutinho

Schöllhorn

et al. 2022

IJERPH

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Traditionally, golf instruction has been oriented toward imitation of role models, guided by errors that surround a channel of supposedly correct repetition. Recent motor learning approaches relying on the dynamics of living systems suggest the inclusion of additional noise during practice for supporting players’ movement exploration and improving adaptability that in consequence will lead to increased performance. While the effectiveness of this approach has now been demonstrated in many sports, research exploring the effects of differential learning (DL) in golf is scarce, especially when considering different shot distances and players with various handicap levels. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the effects of an enriched learning and information intervention as opposed to a more constrained approach, on the pitching performance of golfers with different handicaps from different distances. A total of 29 adolescent golfers with an average experience of 7.8 years were divided into a DL (n = 15) and a repetitive-oriented (RB, n = 14) group. Both groups were further compared dependent on their handicap level (DL, low handicap n = 7, high handicap n = 8; RB, low handicap n = 5, high handicap n = 9). The TrackMan 4 was used to measure the shot performance for 20 m, 35 m, and 50 m distances (10 shots from each distance) based on a pre- and post-test design. Each group performed the same number of trials (n = 270, 9 executions per distance per session) across 10 sessions. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used for the statistical analysis, using the pre-test as covariate and the post-test as dependent variable. The DL group revealed advantageous adaptations in the attack and face angle (p ≤ 0.05), while also in the dynamic loft (p ≤ 0.05), mostly for the 35 m and 50 m. In addition, this intervention led to improvements in the score, club head speed, and carry distance for the 50 m when compared to the RB (p ≤ 0.05; small effects). The low handicap players from the DL group also revealed adaptation in the angles’ variables (p ≤ 0.05) when compared with high handicap players, who improved the score (p ≤ 0.05) in all distances after intervention. The low handicap players from the RB group improved the score (p ≤ 0.05) and club speed (p ≤ 0.05) for the 20 and 35 m, while the high handicap golfers revealed higher improvements for these variables only in the 50 m distance condition. Overall, coaches may incorporate approaches into their skill training that increase the number of opportunities to improve the performance of both experienced and non-experienced players by promoting the adaptability of movement patterns.

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Effects of Ground Slopes on Erector Spinae Muscle Activities and Characteristics of Golf Swing

Wang

et al. 2023

IJERPH

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(1) Background: ‘Slope’ refers to the position faced by golfers on the course. Research on the recruitment strategies of thoracolumbar erector spinae during golf swings on different slopes may help us to understand some underlying mechanisms of lower back pain. (2) Purpose: The purpose of the present study is to assess electromyography (EMG) patterns of the erector spinae muscles (ES) and the kinematics of the trunk and swing parameters while performing golf swings on three different ground slopes: (1) no slope where the ball is level with the feet (BLF), (2) a slope where the ball is above the feet (BAF), and (3) a slope where the ball is below the feet (BBF). Furthermore, the present study evaluates the effect of slope on the kinematics of the trunk, the X-factor angle, and the hitting parameters. (3) Methods: Eight right-handed recreational male golfers completed five swings using a seven-iron for each ground slope. Surface electromyograms from the left and right sides of the ES thoracolumbar region (T8 and L3 on the spinous process side) were evaluated. Each golf swing was divided into five phases. Kinematics of the shoulder, trunk, and spine were evaluated, and the ball speed, swing speed, carry, smash factor, launch angle, and apex were measured using Caddie SC300. (3) Results: The muscle activity of the BAF and BBF slopes was significantly lower than that of the BLF slope during the early follow-through phase of the thoracic ES on the lead side (i.e., left side) and during the acceleration and early follow-through phases of the lumbar ES on the lead side. The lead and trail side (i.e., right side) lumbar ES were more active during acceleration than the thoracic ES. Additionally, the trends of the lead and trail sides of the thoracolumbar regions on the three slopes were found to be the same across the five phases. Trunk angle and X-factor angles had no significant differences in address, top of backswing, or ball impact. The maximum separation angles of the X-factor appeared in the early phase of the downswing for all the three slopes. Regarding smash factor and launch angle, there were no significant differences between the three slopes. The ball speed, swing speed, carry, and apex were higher on BLF than on BAF and BBF slopes. (4) Conclusion: The findings suggest that amateur golfers face different slopes with altered muscle recruitment strategies. Specifically, during the acceleration phase of the golf swing, the BAF and the BBF slopes, compared with the BLF slope, significantly underactivated the lead side thoracolumbar erector spinae muscles, thereby increasing the risk of back injury. Changes in muscle activity during critical periods may affect neuromuscular deficits in high-handicap players and may have implications for the understanding and development of golf-related lower back pain. In addition, the X-factor angle was not affected by the slope, however, it can be found that the hitting parameters on the BLF slope are more dominant than on the other slopes.

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Comparison of TrackMan Data between Professional and Amateur Golfers at Swinging to Uphill and Downhill Fairways

Cited by 3 publications

References 18 publications

Influence of biceps-triceps ratio on golf swing performance

Influence of biceps-triceps ratio on golf swing performance

Investigating the Effects of Differential Learning on Golfers’ Pitching Performance as a Function of Handicap

Effects of Ground Slopes on Erector Spinae Muscle Activities and Characteristics of Golf Swing

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