Physical Determinants of Golf Swing Performance: Considerations for Youth Golfers

Abstract

In the sport of golf, club head speed has been associated with higher skill levels in golfers and lower overall scoring. Research has shown that club head speed is an important measure of golf swing performance that can be enhanced with appropriate strength and conditioning interventions. Understanding the determinants of club head speed can help inform the design of testing batteries for talent identification and talent development of youth golfers. This review aims to highlight the current literature surrounding the biomechanical and physical determinants of golf swing performance and to examine the available tests that can be used to test these determinants in youth golfers.

Within- and Between-Session Reliability of Golf Swing Variables Using the TrackMan Launch Monitor in Talented Golfers

“…Notably, CHS was the most reliable variable reported for both 6-iron and driver, which displayed excellent ICCs (ICC = 0.98 and 0.99, respectively) and very low CVs (1.3 and 0.9%) respectively. Notably, CHS is also the most commonly reported golf swing variable reported in the scientific literature (24). Because of the ability of the TrackMan to produce ball speed, carry distance, and total distance data reliably and instantaneously alongside CHS, these variables can be confidently used by practitioners to assess golf swing performance in a single session.…”

Perceptions and approaches of golf coaches towards strength and conditioning activities for youth golfers

“…This finding reflects recent literature that has highlighted that these training modalities can enhance CHS, ball speed and carry distance when delivered as part of a periodised strength and conditioning programme. 3,4,40 Most of the respondents 'strongly' and 'somewhat agreed' that exercises that mimic the golf swing can improve golf performance in youth golfers. Within the research, exercises such as rotational medicine ball throws have indeed been shown to improve golf swing performance, 41 and these exercises are often used on the grounds of movement specificity.…”

“…11 Warm-ups are recognised as an important means to acutely enhance athletic performance via pathways that increase the rate of force development, strength and power which have been highlighted to be key determinants of golf swing performance. 3 For example, research has shown that a dynamic warm-up including a range of strength and power exercises can significantly increase CHS in junior golfers. 12 Previous research has surveyed the warm-up behaviours of mid to high handicap, adult male, amateur golfers.…”

“…growth, maturation, nutrition and training dosage) and physical performance trajectories are different in children and adolescents in comparison to adult populations. Despite the acknowledgement that strength and conditioning can positively enhance CHS in adult golfers, 3 and that recent survey data has suggested that strength and conditioning is perceived as beneficial for performance by PGA Assistant Professionals, 7 the awareness PGA Professional and Assistant Professional (assistant to the PGA Professional) golf coaches have about strength and conditioning specifically for young golfers remains unclear.…”

“…attack angle, dynamic loft, club path, face angle, face to path, spin loft, swing plane, swing direction, low point, impact height, impact offset and dynamic lie), the primary contributing factor for greater golf shot distance is club head speed (CHS). 2 Key physical determinants such as strength and power can positively influence CHS, 3 with strength and conditioning programmes having been shown to enhance those identified determinants. 4,5 Strength and conditioning is also an integral part of the long-term athletic development process of young athletes.…”