Kinematic differences between high and low handicap golfers

The widespread growth of golf is mainly due to its accessibility to people of all ages, socio-economic backgrounds and skill levels (Hume et al., 2005). To correspond with this increased participation, research in the area has also increased. The majority of research to date has focused on both professional and elite level golfers. However, with only 7% of male golfers falling into the category 1 group (handicap <5.5) and 53% falling into categories 3&4 (handicap 13- 24) the research does not reflect today’s average golfer (USGA, 2007). The aim of this study is to carry out a kinematic analysis of the golf swing for a category 1 and category 3&4 golfer. From this data it is possible to compare variables such as head movement, timing and delayed release of the wrist angle. METHOD: Eight healthy male golfers were divided into two groups, dependant on skill level. This was determined by each volunteers Golfing Union of Ireland (GUI) handicap. The groups consisted of four Category 1 (mean handicap 4.5 ± 0.5) and four Category 3&4 (mean handicap 17.8 ± 1.3). Following approval from the University of Limerick Ethics Committee each volunteer carried out 10 trials (golf swings) using their own driver into an indoor driving facility. Kinematic data was collected from 29 reflective markers placed on the body and the golf club using a 6-camera system (Motion Analysis Corp., Santa Rosa, California) operating at 200Hz. RESULTS: Based on the position of the club head and wrist marker the swing was divided into three events. Address (Add) was prior to any movement of the club head, top of backswing (TB) was defined as the maximal height of the wrist marker and Ball Impact (Imp) was defined as the moment when the club head returns to Add position.CONCLUSION: While anecdotal evidence suggests that lateral head movement is encouraged during the backswing to allow weight transfer the optimal amount is yet to be discovered. Further data will be presented comparing the differences in delayed release of wrist angle on the downswing and timing during the golf swing.