Golf Swing

Golfers are well aware of the many overuse injuries that occur in their sport. Unfortunately, these injuries can persist for a long time, reducing a golfer's performance and enjoyment of the game. Golf research at ASMI has focused on the swing. Results have been published. Results are also used for individual evaluations. Evaluations focus on preventing injury or assessing return from injury. For more information about evaluations, please contact Jeremy Loftice.

Male vs. Female

While the motion of the male golfer has been investigated, there has been a limited amount of investigation focusing on the mechanics of female golfers. Due to the limited amount of specific knowledge of female mechanics, application of instructional techniques based on the mechanics of the male golfer may not be appropriate for the female golfer. The purpose of the study was to analyze the kinematics of female professional golfers and compare with male professional golfers. Twenty-five female golfers from the Ladies Professional Golf Association Tour and twenty-five male golfers from the Professional Golf Association Tour served as subjects. Ten displacement parameters were calculated at address, peak of back swing and the ball contact, with two additional parameters calculated at the peak of back swing. Thirteen angular velocity parameters and the respective temporal parameters were calculated during the downswing phase. The PGA group produced significantly greater club shaft, wrist and elbow extension angular velocities, while the LPGA group achieved greater pelvic rotation during the BSWG and greater pelvis rotation during the DSWG. The amount of trunk rotation during the DSWG was also greater for the LPGA.

Pro vs. Amateur

A quantitative description of proper swing mechanics can assist teachers, players, and physicians in improving performance and evaluating injury mechanisms. The purpose of this study was to calculate and compare upper body kinematics of healthy, male golfers from different skill levels. Seventy-two golfers were divided into four handicap groups (professional, low: 0-7, mid: 8-14, and high: 15+) with 18 golfers in each group. Eight displacement parameters were calculated at address, peak of back swing and the ball contact, with two additional parameters calculated at the peak of back swing. Eleven angular velocity parameters and respective temporal data were calculated during the downswing phase. Approximately 35% of the parameters showed a significant difference between handicap groups. Eighty-two percent of the parameters with significant differences involved differences between the higher skilled golfers (professional, low handicap) and the least skilled golfers (high handicap). At the peak of the swing, professionals produced the largest magnitudes for left shoulder horizontal adduction, right shoulder external rotation, and trunk rotation. During the downswing, the professionals produced the largest angular velocities for the club shaft, right elbow, and right and left wrist. Only one parameter, maximum club shaft angular velocity, was significantly different between the professional group and the low handicap group, which suggested that their mechanics are similar.