Associations and within-group differences in physical characteristics and golf performance data in high-level amateur players

The aim of the present study was to assess the relationship between a comprehensive physical testing battery and golf performance, as quantified through a variety of previously determined usable metrics from launch monitor data. Twenty-six high level, amateur golfers undertook a series of physical assessments, including: anthropometry measurements, isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP), isometric bench press, countermovement jump (CMJ), seated medicine ball throws for distance, and a seated thoracic rotation test. In addition, golf shot data was recorded in an indoor biomechanics laboratory, with a driver and 6-iron to quantify clubhead speed (CHS), ball speed, carry distance, and smash factor. Pearson’s r associative analysis showed that the strongest relationships between golf shot data was with the isometric bench press for the upper body (r values up to 0.76), and countermovement jump for the lower body (r values up to 0.82). In addition, median split analysis for physical performance data revealed that players who were able to exhibit greater maximal and explosive strength capabilities in the IMTP, isometric bench press and CMJ assessments, had significantly greater CHS (g range = 1.09-1.28; p < 0.05), ball speed (g range = 1.18-1.41; p < 0.05), carry distance (g range = 1.06-1.53; p < 0.05), and smash factor (g range = 0.81-1.17; p < 0.05). These data underscore the importance of superior physical capacity for golfers, especially for maximal force production in both the lower and upper body, as well as explosive force production for the lower body.

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