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Effects of physical conditioning on intercollegiate golfer performance
Brandon K Doan1, Robert U Newton, Young-Hoo Kwon
1The Human Performance Laboratory, HQ USAFA/AHML, US Air Force Academy, Colorado 80840, USA. Doan@usafa.af.mil
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
|March 1, 2006
Summary
Golf-specific physical conditioning improved clubhead speed and driving distance in collegiate golfers. The 11-week program enhanced strength and power without negatively impacting consistency or putting control.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Biomechanics
- Golf Performance
Background:
- Collegiate golf performance relies on physical attributes like clubhead speed and control.
- Optimizing physical conditioning programs can enhance player capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of an 11-week physical conditioning program on collegiate golfers.
- To assess changes in clubhead speed, consistency, and putting distance control.
Main Methods:
- 16 NCAA Division I golfers (10 men, 6 women) participated in supervised strength, power, and flexibility training.
- Training was conducted 3 times per week for 11 weeks.
- Performance tests were administered pre- and post-training.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements (p < 0.05) were observed in strength, power, and flexibility (7.3–19.9%).
- Clubhead speed increased by 1.6%, correlating to a 4.9-m increase in driving distance.
- Men showed significant improvement in putting distance control (29.6%), while women and the total group did not.
Conclusions:
- An 11-week golf-specific physical conditioning program effectively enhances clubhead speed and driving distance in intercollegiate golfers.
- The program improved physical metrics without compromising consistency or overall putting distance control.
- Gender-specific differences in putting control improvement warrant further investigation.
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