Golf Research Update #6: Advancements & Insights
Clubhead Speed Factors & The Impact of Emotions on Performance
Paper #1 - Relationships and Within-Group Differences in Physical Attributes and Golf Performance in Elite Amateur Female Players
What: This study looked at how physical traits like strength, power, and flexibility affect golf performance in elite female amateur players. It measured things like clubhead speed (CHS), ball speed, carry distance, and smash factor to see how these physical attributes relate to golf skills.
How: The study included 19 top-level female golfers (handicap ≤ 5). They took part in a 90-minute testing session where their golf performance was measured using a Trackman 4 launch monitor. Physical tests included:
Seated thoracic rotation
Isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP)
Isometric bench press
Countermovement jump (CMJ)
Seated medicine ball throws
Results: Clubhead speed (CHS) was most strongly linked to physical performance, especially with the force during the isometric bench press. Golfers who produced more force 200 milliseconds after starting the IMTP had higher CHS, ball speed, and carry distance. Those who generated more power during the CMJ also had higher ball speed, carry distance, and smash factor.
Limitations: The study only looked at data from one time point, so we don't know if the results would be the same at different times of the year or after different training programs. Additionally, the number of golfers studied was small, so we don't know if the results would be the same for a larger group of golfers.
Implications: Increasing upper and lower body explosive force production through targeted strength and conditioning training can improve CHS.
Paper #2 - Examination of Cognitive Appraisals, Irrational Beliefs, and Challenge and Threat Evaluations in the Prediction of Tournament Affective States and Performance of Competitive Elite Indian Golfers
What: This study looked at how thoughts and beliefs impact the emotions and performance of elite Indian golfers before a tournament. It focused on how these psychological factors affect anxiety and performance before competing.
How: The study involved 107 elite Indian golfers who filled out surveys about their thoughts, beliefs, and anxiety at three times: one week before, the night before, and one hour before a competition. Their golf performance was also measured.
Results: Changes in irrational beliefs affected thoughts and anxiety. More irrational beliefs led to more negative thoughts, higher threat levels, and more anxiety. However, if people consistently had the same level of irrational beliefs, it didn't significantly affect their thoughts or anxiety.
Limitations: It used self-reported data, which can be biased. To make it easier for participants, shorter versions of some surveys were used, and irrational beliefs were only measured once. Anxiety was measured with two different tools, which isn't ideal. Also, only one question was used to assess how anxiety was interpreted.
Implications: To improve performance and reduce anxiety in golfers, it's important to address and change irrational beliefs. Coaches should consider the changing nature of thoughts and emotions before a competition and provide support at key times. They should help athletes challenge irrational beliefs to reduce stress and anxiety. Additionally, reducing anxiety with techniques like progressive muscle relaxation could also help decrease irrational beliefs.
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