Performance measures across playing categories in competitive golfers with disabilities: a cross-sectional study

The aims of the study were to establish normative full golf swing launch data for golfers with disabilities and to examine the relationships between Sport Class and swing performance.

142 competitive golfers (mean ± SD, age = 40.6 ± 14.1 years, 27 female, 115 male), across four disability Classes struck shots with three different clubs. Club and ball launch variables were measured using a Doppler-radar based launch monitor. Descriptive statistics and generalized linear models were used to establish normative data and within-class effects.

These novel normative data across seven key performance variables indicate a wide range of ball-striking ability and consistency both between and within classes. The Sitting playing style displayed lower carry distance [B = -60.9, SE = 7.3, p < 0.001, 95% CI (-75.2 -46.6), partial f ² = 0.17], higher carry distance variability [B = 2.4, SE = 1.0, p = 0.013, 95% CI (0.5 4.3), partial f ² = 0.01] and lower variability in offline distance [B = -2.9, SE = 0.7, p < 0.001, 95% CI (-4.4 -1.5), partial f ² = 0.04]. The visual playing style displayed higher carry distance variability [B = 2.6, SE = 0.8, p = 0.002, 95% CI (1.0 4.2), partial f ² = 0.02]. No other statistical performance differences were observed.

The golfers displayed a wide range of ability in the key performance variables studied. Sitting golfers displayed significantly lower carry distance with all clubs compared to the other categories. These normative data will inform future research, governing bodies and tournament organizers.