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Low Scores, Top 10 Finishes, and Big Money: An Analysis of Professional Golf Association Tour Statistics and How These Relate to Overall Performance
Perceptual and Motor Skills
Abstract
The present study examined the relationship between primary golf skills of Professional Golf Association (PGA) Touring Professionals, i.e., driving distance, driving accuracy, reaching Greens in Regulation, and putting, and various performance outcomes for these same golfers including their scoring averages. Two additional variables, birdies and eagles, were also analyzed in relation to both the primary skill and performance outcome variables. Multiple regression along with simple correlations were applied. A significant proportion of variance in performance outcome (R2 = .33-.45), utilizing three different dependent variables (Scoring Average, Top 10 Finishes, and Money Won), was explained by measures of the four primary golf skills. Also, Driving Accuracy proved to be a better performance predictor than Driving Distance and accounted for 19% of the variance in Scoring Average. Both putting performance and reaching Greens in Regulation were significantly correlated with all three dependent variables. Iron play, reflected by hitting Greens in Regulation with approach shots, was the shot-making skill most highly correlated with Scoring Average (r = .45).
... The aim of driving from the tee is to hit the ball with maximum distance and sufficient accuracy, so that the distance that the subsequent approach shot needs to be hit can be minimised and that the shot to the pin can be hit from the fairway. Driving distance and driving accuracy have been found to be stronger predictors of lower scoring 3 average when compared to driving distance alone (Davidson & Templin, 1986;Belkin et al., 1994;Dorsel & Rotunda, 2001;Wiseman & Chaterjee, 2006). ...
... With driving distance being a key indicator of lower scoring (Dorsel & Rotunda, 2001;, the importance of maximising clubhead speed is paramount. ...
... In golf, driving ability consists of driving distance and driving accuracy and is associated with lower overall score (Belkin et al., 1994;Dorsel & Rotunda, 2001;Wiseman & Chaterjee, 2006). Technique factors, such as the so-called "X-factor" which is defined as the angular displacement between the pelvis and shoulders Joyce et al., 2013), and equipment factors such as the shaft of the driver, may influence driving distance. ...
... Research indicates that tee shot accuracy, as measured with fairway hit in regulation (FIR%), is important to the score (Belkin, Gansneder, Pickens, Rotella, & Striegel, 1994;Dorsel & Rotunda, 2001;Engelhardt, 1997). Most research investigating tee shot accuracy has used US Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) Tour measures of percentage fairway hits (Alexander & Kern, 2005;Engelhardt, 1995Engelhardt, , 1997Moy & Liaw, 1998;Shmanske, 2008;Watkins, 2008;Wiseman & Chatterjee, 2006;Wiseman, Habibullah, Friar, & Yilmaz, 2008). ...
... The importance of striking distance for achieving low golf scores seems controversial. Some research suggests that tee shot distance is important to round scoring average (Belkin et al., 1994;Davidson & Templin, 1986;Jones, 1990), while other findings suggest that it is less important (Dorsel & Rotunda, 2001;Finley & Halsey, 2004). These studies are based on US PGA Tour measurements, where the driving distances on two holes facing opposite directions during a round are selected to equal out the effects of wind. ...
... Using the round scores as a dependent variable (Belkin et al., 1994;Davidson & Templin, 1986;Dorsel & Rotunda, 2001;Finley & Halsey, 2004;Jones, 1990) to the independent values on percentage fairway hits and striking distance means that the scores on all par-3 holes, where tee shots are not measured, will affect the results too. This definition makes validity weaker than if using scores on the same holes as where functional accuracy and distance were measured. ...
A player's ability to score low is critical to the tournament outcome in golf. The relationships of round scores to fairways hit in regulation or striking distance on two holes per round have been investigated before with some disagreement. The purpose is therefore to examine the relationships of par-4 and par-5 hole scores to tee shot functional accuracy and distance, measured as lie of the ball and penalty, and striking distance or distance to the pin for the second shot. Such information is possible to collect without interviewing players. The best US Professional Golfers' Association Tour players' statistics during a season are used, provided by the Professional Golfers' Association Tour and ShotLink. Distance was measured with laser equipment. The results include significant (P < 0.05) correlations between score and striking distance or distance to pin, when hitting rough but not fairway on par-4s and when hitting fairway and rough on par-5s. It is therefore relevant, for performance, to consider the type of fairway miss as well as the striking distance in relation to the par and length of the hole. The findings can be considered when making gap and needs profiles, and when making tactical decisions for tee shots on different types of holes.
... Several variables are used, such as ranking points, money earned, top finishes and scores. Several statistical studies have used earnings [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] or scoring average [2,4,5,[9][10][11][12] as the dependent variable to examine the relative importance of various parts of the game such as driving accuracy, greens in regulation, sand saves and putts per round. ...
... Several variables are used, such as ranking points, money earned, top finishes and scores. Several statistical studies have used earnings [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] or scoring average [2,4,5,[9][10][11][12] as the dependent variable to examine the relative importance of various parts of the game such as driving accuracy, greens in regulation, sand saves and putts per round. ...
... [2,10] Better skills in putting, short game and long game are related to lower scores. [2,5,10,12] ...
Elite golfers commonly use fitness and technical training to become more competitive. The aim of this paper was to review the literature regarding the relationships between elite golfers' playing results, technique and physique. The competitive outcome is a direct function of the score. The three golf statistical measures that show the strongest correlations to scoring average are greens in regulation (GIR), scrambling, and putts per GIR. However, more detailed game statistics are needed where the distances to the targets are known before and after the strokes. Players affect ball displacement by controlling clubhead velocity and clubface angle during club and ball impact. X-factor studies have produced ambiguous results, possibly caused by different definitions of upper torso, rotation and top of backswing. Higher clubhead speed is generally associated with larger spinal rotation and shoulder girdle protraction at the top of the backswing. It is also associated with higher ground reaction forces and torques, a bottom-up and sequential increase of body segment angular velocities, a rapid increase of spinal rotation and a late adduction of the wrists during the downswing. Players can increase the clubhead speed generated by a swinging motion by actively adding a force couple. Wrist, elbow and shoulder force couple strategies should be differentiated when investigating the technique. Physical parameters such as anthropometrics, strength and flexibility are associated with skill level and clubhead speed. Current studies have investigated the linear correlation between arm and shaft lengths and clubhead speed, but a quadratic relationship may be stronger due to changes in moment of inertia. Fitness training can increase and perhaps decrease the clubhead speed and striking distance, depending on training methods and the player's fitness and level of skill. Future studies may focus on individual training needs and the relationship between physique, execution and its relation to accuracy of impact and ball displacement.
... The player with the lowest total number of strokes is the winner of the competition and it is usually determined by better short-game skills (chipping, pitching, bunkers shots and putting) . The best players on the Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) Tour are more accurate in the short-game than the rest of the players (Pelz, 1999;Dorsel & Rotunda, 2001). Accurately performed chipping, pitching or a bunker shot will have a significant effect on the number of one-putts (Pelz, 1999(Pelz, , 2000. ...
... In summary, it is clear that the subjects' long-game skills (DA, GIR) were at a higher level than their short-game skills (scrambling; putts per GIR; putts per round). The researchers (Pelz, 1999(Pelz, , 2000Dorsel & Rotunda, 2001; noted that better short-game skills were directly related to better outcome; the best players in the world distinguish themselves from the rest of the players by the short-game skills. Hence, in the future, it is necessary for junior golfers to improve their short-game skills because the indicators describing these skills have the strongest correlations with the scoring average . ...
Background. Sport performance indicators, physiological demands and psychological hallmarks are the key
factors in the development of golf performance. However, no research was found in youth golf. We hypothesized
that the peculiarities of pre-competitive psychological factors, sport performance indicators, physiological demands
in youth golf are not adequate compared with adult golf.
Methods. Ten male golfers participated in this study. The aim of the research was to assess and evaluate the
peculiarities of pre-competitive psychological factors, sport performance indicators, physiological demands in youth
golf. Sport performance indicators in golf were recorded using a personal sport performance statistical protocol.
Locomotion and physiological demands were recorded using the FRWD W 400 Series (Finland) device. Competitive
state anxiety was assessed with the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 (CSAI-2). The CSAI-2 assesses two
components of state anxiety, cognitive and somatic anxiety, as well as a related construct, self-confidence.
Results. The subjects’ long-game skills were at a higher level than their short-game skills. Pre-competitive
cognitive and somatic anxiety was low, but self-confidence was high. Training effect on young golfers’ aerobic
fitness was low (1.28 – recovery zone).
Conclusions. Opposite to elite golfers, the long-game skills of youth golfers are more developed than their
short-game skills. Playing golf does not have a positive training effect on young golfers’ aerobic fitness. High level
of self-confidence in youth golfers, which is adequate to elite golfers, could be determined by the similar level of mastership among competitive participants.
Keywords: cognitive and somatic anxiety, self-confidence, long-game skills, short-game skills, aerobic fitness.
... The player with the lowest total number of strokes is the winner of the competition and it is usually determined by better short-game skills (chipping, pitching, bunkers shots and putting) . The best players on the Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) Tour are more accurate in the short-game than the rest of the players (Pelz, 1999;Dorsel & Rotunda, 2001). Accurately performed chipping, pitching or a bunker shot will have a significant effect on the number of one-putts (Pelz, 1999(Pelz, , 2000. ...
... In summary, it is clear that the subjects' long-game skills (DA, GIR) were at a higher level than their short-game skills (scrambling; putts per GIR; putts per round). The researchers (Pelz, 1999(Pelz, , 2000Dorsel & Rotunda, 2001; noted that better short-game skills were directly related to better outcome; the best players in the world distinguish themselves from the rest of the players by the short-game skills. Hence, in the future, it is necessary for junior golfers to improve their short-game skills because the indicators describing these skills have the strongest correlations with the scoring average . ...
Background. The adolescents seeking to conform to the ideal appearance associate the reduction of weight with smoking and alcohol consumption (Haley, Hedberg, & Leman, 2010) or go on a diet instead of increasing their physical activity (Liechty, 2010). The adolescents dissatisfied with their body have lower self-esteem (Neumark-Sztainer et al., 2006). In this study we assumed that the sociocultural attitudes towards appearance would be associated with adolescents’ harmful lifestyle and lower self-esteem. Research aim was to disclose the relationbetween the sociocultural attitudes towards appearance of adolescents and their lifestyle and self-esteem.
Methods. The research was carried out in Kaunas schools (n = 16) using the method of written survey. In total 805 adolescents were surveyed, 329 (41.1%) out of them were boys. The mean age (SD) of the respondents was 17.23 (0.6) years. Instruments: Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire-3 SATAQ-3-L (Thompson, van den Berg, Roehrig, Guarda, & Heinberg, 2004), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Questionnaire (Rosenberg, 1989). Physical activity (PA) was determined using the questions from the international study Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children. The frequency of dieting and having harmful habits were determined by individual questions.
Results. The weight of the majority of adolescents (75.5%) was normal. The numbers of adolescents were as follows: those who smoked (39.8%), consumed alcohol (80.5%), were on diet (36.8%), and had low levels of physical activity (74.4%). The adolescents who smoked, consumed alcohol and were on diet had significantly higher scores in all SATAQ subscales. Physically active adolescents were more striving to meet the Internalization of athletic body image. In the groups of boys and girls, BMI was related to more frequent sociocultural pressures (p < .01) and more frequent dieting (p < .01). In the group of boys, the frequency of smoking was related to lower self-esteem (p < .05). In the group of girls, sociocultural pressures were related to lower self-esteem (p < .05).
Conclusion. The sociocultural attitudes towards appearance of adolescents are related to more harmful lifestyle and lower self-esteem. Therefore, health literacy of the adolescents has to be increased by teaching proper attitudes towards their bodies, appropriate diet, and exercising.
Keywords: sociocultural attitudes towards appearance, body image, lifestyle, physical activity, self-esteem.
... The "Driving" category is divided into driver distance and driver accuracy, while the "Short Game" category is divided into subcategories such as greens in regulation, putting average, and sand saves. The "Scoring" category is divided into the subcategories of scoring average, top-10 finishes, victories, birdies, eagles, and rounds in the 60s [9,10]. ...
This study aimed to analyze the performance factors of both Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) and Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) players and suggest which performance factors they should improve to play in world-level games. Data from 180 LPGA and KLPGA players who ranked within the top 60 in prize money rankings from 2018 to 2020 were analyzed. Then, the data from LPGA and KLPGA golfers were compared using the seemingly unrelated estimation method. As a result of analyzing 178 data, excluding two players who had missing values, this study found that among LPGA player data, putting average (PA), sand save (SS), green in regulation (GIR), and birdies (BIR) had a significant impact in 2018. Additionally, scoring average (SA) and top-10 finish (T10) had a significant impact in 2019. However, there were no factors influencing performance in 2020.From the results of analyzing 180 players who ranked within the top 60 in KLPGA prize money rankings, there were no performance factors that significantly affected their performance in 2018. However, driver distance (DD) in 2019 and DD and T10 in 2020 affected performance. In conclusion, short games were the most important factor on the LPGA Tour, and driving distance was the most important trend on the KLPGA Tour. Therefore, KLPGA golfers should train in abilities such as putting and ironshots.
... These efforts are the same in the LPGA as in various other fields, and skill information such as the length of the game field, types or lay of the land, the level of difficulty of the course, the type of grass and green conditions, weather, and strategy for course targeting, is provided (McGarry et al., 2002). However, recently, prediction and description of the determinant of victory of the team and players, as well as the winner, have been required in sports competitions (Dorsel and Rotunda, 2001;Park and Chae, 2016). This requirement has reached a level wherein scholars statistically provide winner and rank possibilities employing prediction models on accumulated data (Hayes et al., 2015;Jida and Jie, 2015;Neeley et al., 2009). ...
This study aims to identify the most accurate prediction model for the possibility of victory from the annual average data of 25 seasons (1993–2017) of the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA), and to determine the importance of the predicting factors. The four prediction models considered in this study were a decision tree, discriminant analysis, logistic regression, and artificial neural network analysis. The mean difference in the classification accuracy of these models was analyzed using SPSS 22.0 software (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) and the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). When the prediction was based on technical variables, the most important predicting variables for determining victory were greens in regulation (GIR) and putting average (PA) in all four prediction models. When the prediction was based on the output of the technical variables, the most important predicting variable for determining victory was birdies in all four prediction models. When the prediction was based on the season outcome, the most important predicting variables for determining victory were the top 10 finish% (T10) and official money. A significant mean difference in classification accuracy was observed while performing the one-way ANOVA, and the least significant difference post-hoc test showed that artificial neural network analysis exhibited higher accuracy than the other models, especially, for larger data sizes. From the results of this study, it can be inferred that the player who wants to win the LPGA should aim to increase GIR, reduce PA, and improve driving distance and accuracy through training to increase the birdies chance at each hole, which can lead to lower average strokes and increased possibility of being within T10.
... In the sport of golf, learning the proper putting technique is crucial for success. This is because putting accounts for nearly 40% of the total strokes taken in a round of golf [1]. Good putting technique relies on the ability of a player to line up a shot, and then execute a stroke without moving off line. ...
Many golfers have trouble with short putts. This could be either due to poor putting
form, or they suffer psychologically from the yips. To reduce or potentially alleviate these
issues, an application (app) was developed to provide vibration feedback for putter
misalignment during the putting stroke. This was tested on three experimental subjects
along with a control subject who did not receive vibration feedback. Five trials were
conducted over a two-month period, where each trial consisted of 60 putt attempts. All
experimental subjects showed an improvement in putting form, with both an increase in
putts made, and a decrease in triggered vibration over the course of the trials. The average percentage of putts made for all three subjects improved from 25% to 50.6% over the five trials, while the average amount of vibration activation decreased from 35.1% to 32.2%. Conversely, the control subject showed a slight decline in performance through the five trials. The difference between the experimental group and the control was statistically significant (p<0.05). The results suggest that this app can be used by both novice and expert golfers to improve putting form by helping them maintain a straight putter swing path.
... Based on Professional Golf Association (PGA) Tour statistics during 2014, the putting stroke accounted for approximately 40% of all strokes during tournament rounds (PGA Tour, 2015a, 2015b. This is in accordance with Dorsel and Rotunda (2001) and Alexander and Kern (2005), who identified that putting average was a key contributor to determining earnings on the PGA Tour. A number of factors are considered to influence the success rate of a golf putt, namely, green reading, aim, stroke and ball roll (Karlsen, Smith, & Nilsson, 2008). ...
This study aimed to examine the effect of the impact point on the golf ball on the horizontal launch angle and side spin during putting with a mechanical putting arm and human participants. Putts of 3.2 m were completed with a mechanical putting arm (four putter-ball combinations, total of 160 trials) and human participants (two putter-ball combinations, total of 337 trials). The centre of the dimple pattern (centroid) was located and the following variables were measured: distance and angle of the impact point from the centroid and surface area of the impact zone. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to identify whether impact variables had significant associations with ball roll variables, horizontal launch angle and side spin. Significant associations were identified between impact variables and horizontal launch angle with the mechanical putting arm but this was not replicated with human participants. The variability caused by “dimple error” was minimal with the mechanical putting arm and not evident with human participants. Differences between the mechanical putting arm and human participants may be due to the way impulse is imparted on the ball. Therefore it is concluded that variability of impact point on the golf ball has a minimal effect on putting performance.
... While HCP and TS are typically used to characterise golfers' playing ability, they only provide limited information related to the parameters necessary to achieve an optimal performance. Indeed, in order to optimise golf performance, it is also essential to consider each specific technical skill, such as long game, short game and putting, which together allow players to reduce their HCP 4,5 . In professional players, relationships were reported between TS and greens in regulation, putts per green in regulation, and putts per round. ...
Background: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between golf performance (handicap, drive ball speed, approach and putting accuracy), anthropometrics and muscular strength and power in young elite golfers. Type of study: Observational, descriptive and transversal study, with accidental sampling (non-randomised). Methods: Forty-four male golfers participated in the study and the following information was obtained: anthropometrics, drive ball speed, approach accuracy, putting accuracy, medicine ball throwing speed, countermovement jump, bench press and parallel full squat. The relationship between these variables was assessed using Pearson's correlation coefficient, while a regression analysis was performed to assess which parameters were the best predictors of handicap. Results: The main results showed that peak and average drive ball speeds were the only golf performance indicators significantly correlated to handicap (r = -0.58 to -0.61, P<0.001). Significant correlations were observed between drive ball speed and body mass (r = 0.4, P<0.01). In addition, handicap and drive ball speed correlated significantly with muscular strength and power, even when adjusted with the anthropometric characteristics (r = 0.50 to 0.70; P<0.01). Finally, the regression analysis showed that 68.7% of the total variance in handicap was explained by height, drive ball speed average and medicine ball throwing performance. Conclusions: The high correlations found between drive ball speed, handicap and upper- and lower-body strength suggest that muscular strength and power are important. These results have important applications as it could help coaches with optimal development of physical and sport-specific conditioning and golf training programmes.
... This was demonstrated by statistics compiled by the Professional Golfers Association, which showed that the best players in the world expend approximately 40% of their total strokes in a round on putting. 1,3 Because putting requires intense concentration and fine motor control, under pressure situations, the physical act of putting may break down. ...
Background: Putting represents one of the most important components of golf. However, associated with it is the ‘yips,’ which is involuntary motions of the body of a presumed psychological and physiological nature that adversely affect performance. Many golfers are afflicted with the yips, especially those with long-term experience in golf. In the current study, selected body movements and physiological functions, as well as perceived stress level, were monitored under conditions that modulated the golfer’s stress level. Methods: Five young-adult, visually-normal students who were experienced golfers participated in the investigation. Putting was assessed for 6-foot and 3-foot putts, with a reward/penalty system that favored the former but not the latter, to create a sensation of ‘stress’ as would be found in a real golf tournament. Eye, head, and putter movements were assessed objectively, as well as heart and breathing rates. In addition, a 5-point subjective rating scale was used to quantify the perceived level of stress during the test conditions. Results: Heart rate significantly increased for the stressed 3-foot versus the unstressed 6-foot putts, while breathing rate remained unchanged. Also, eye movement variation increased in three of the five subjects under the more stressful putting condition. Conclusions: The results suggest that the increased stress level imposed by the different putting conditions was reflected in changes in both physiological and psychological states. It is hypothesized that the yips is produced by the corruption of the central command motor control signal by the avoidance reflex associated with the shorter putts under pressure conditions.
... While HCP and TS are typically used to characterise golfers' playing ability, they only provide limited information related to the parameters necessary to achieve an optimal performance. Indeed, in order to optimise golf performance, it is also essential to consider each specific technical skill, such as long game, short game and putting, which together allow players to reduce their HCP 4,5 . In professional players, relationships were reported between TS and greens in regulation, putts per green in regulation, and putts per round. ...
Background: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between golf performance (handicap, drive ball speed, approach and putting accuracy), anthropometrics and muscular strength and power in young elite golfers. Type of study: Observational, descriptive and transversal study, with accidental sampling (non-randomised). Methods: Forty-four male golfers participated in the study and the following information was obtained: anthropometrics, drive ball speed, approach accuracy, putting accuracy, medicine ball throwing speed, countermovement jump, bench press and parallel full squat. The relationship between these variables was assessed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient, while a regression analysis was performed to assess which parameters were the best predictors of handicap. Results: The main results showed that peak and average drive ball speeds were the only golf performance indicators significantly correlated to handicap (r = -0.58 to -0.61, P<0.001). Significant correlations were observed between drive ball speed and body mass (r = 0.4, P<0.01). In addition, handicap and drive ball speed correlated significantly with muscular strength and power, even when adjusted with the anthropometric characteristics (r = 0.50 to 0.70; P<0.01). Finally, the regression analysis showed that 68.7% of the total variance in handicap was explained by height, drive ball speed average and medicine ball throwing performance. Conclusions: The high correlations found between drive ball speed, handicap and upper- and lower-body strength suggest that muscular strength and power are important. These results have important applications as it could help coaches with optimal development of physical and sport-specific conditioning and golf training programmes.
... In golf, driving ability consists of driving distance and driving accuracy and is associated with lower overall score. [1][2][3] Technique factors, such as the so-called X-factor which is defined as the angular displacement between the pelvis and shoulders, [4][5][6] and equipment factors, such as the shaft of the driver, may influence driving distance. Shaft properties can be altered to help optimise swing parameters and related launch conditions. ...
In golf, many parameters of the driver can be modified to maximise hitting distance. The main objective of this study was to determine whether drivers fitted with shafts having high and low kick points would alter selected swing parameters and related launch conditions. In total, 12 elite male golfers (handicap score = 1.2 ± 1.8) had three shots analysed for two drivers fitted with 'stiff' shafts with differing kick point location. Stiffness profiles of these shafts were also measured. Five swing and related launch parameters were measured using a real-time launch monitor. The locations of the low and high kick points on each shaft during the golf swing (the dynamic kick points) were confirmed via motion analysis. The driver fitted with the shaft containing the high kick point displayed a more negative (steeper) angle of attack (p < 0.01), a lower launch angle (p < 0.01) and an increased spin rate (p < 0.01) when compared to a driver fitted with a low kick point shaft. It is possible that the attack angle differed between drivers due to the greater amount of shaft bending found late in the downswing (80% of the downswing and just before impact). Future work is needed in this under-researched area to determine why these differences occurred.
... Anecdotal and scientific evidence suggests that there is a trade-off between the generation of club-head velocity and the likelihood of the drive landing in the desired area. Whilst club-head velocity and the driving distance it is associated with has been linked to performance in golf (Belkin et al., 1994;Davidson & Templin, 1986;Jones, 1990), the accuracy of the drive is clearly also important as fairways hit have been shown to be pertinent to good scoring (Belkin, Gansneder, Pickens, Rotella, & Striegel, 1994;Dorsel & Rotunda, 2001). Given the clear paucity of published work investigating the mechanics of accurate driving it is recommended that future investigations consider the discrete biomechanical parameters linked to accurate golf driving. ...
Golfers are able to attain a competitive advantage when they are able to achieve long hitting distances from the tee. Club-head velocity is perhaps the most commonly reported kinematic variable in the golfing scientific literature. This study aimed to identify 3-D kinematic aspects of the golf swing linked to the generation of club-head velocity using regression analyses. Maximal golf swings were obtained from fifty golfers using an eight camera motion capture system operating at 500 Hz. Full body three-dimensional kinematics were obtained. Multiple regression modelling was used to identify the discrete 3-D kinematic parameters associated with the development of club-head velocity. Two biomechanical parameters; sagittal plane wrist velocity and peak transverse plane torso rotation (Adj R2=0.58, p≤0.01) were obtained as significant predictors of club-head velocity. The findings from this study therefore suggest these parameters are the strongest contributors to ball velocity and potentially overall driving performance. It is conceivable based on these observations, that golfers may benefit from exposure to coaching and conditioning techniques geared towards the improvement of these parameters in order to improve their driving distance.
... For each hole, the probability of the player needing any of the possible number of strokes is established. The procedure to arrive at such data can be a combination of self analysis by the player, projection by captains and coaches, input from caddies with specific knowledge of the course, as well as actual performance up to the time of analysis (Dorsel and Rotunda, 2001;Fried et al., 2004;Ketzscher and Ringrose, 2002;McHale and Forrest, 2005). Technically, we assume it is the product of appropriate focus groups. ...
In sport tournaments where teams compete in match play format, the pairing of players in matches is critical to the final outcomes. This paper presents simulation models using only commonplace spreadsheet software to analyze and compare strategies in such pairings based on actual or estimated performance of individual players. The approach can be a useful decision support tool for captains and coaches of competing teams in collegiate conferences, club leagues, or international sport tournaments.
... Pelz (2000) states that putting accounts for 43% of shots made, highlighting the importance of this aspect of the game. A number of studies have examined the correlation between putting and overall performance (Dorsel & Rotunda, 2001; Quinn, 2006; Wiseman & Chatterjee, 2006). Wiseman and Chatterjee (2006) reported a strong correlation (r = .68) ...
Golf handicap is significantly correlated to putting performance with low handi-cap golfers (LH) demonstrating increased putting accuracy compared with high handicap golfers (HH). Smaller center of pressure excursion (CPE) during putting has been demonstrated by LH golfers, suggesting balance is important during successful putts. The aim of this study was to examine CPE in low, mid and high handicap golfers about the mediolateral axis (ML) and anteriorposterior axis (AP). Nineteen subjects participated in the study; subjects were split into LH, mid handicap and HH groups. Subjects completed five successful 2.5m putts, standing on an RS FootScan. The LH group demonstrated significantly smaller CPE in comparison with the HH group about the AP axis, for all three phases of the putt. No significant differences were found between the groups about the ML axis. The reduction of CPE about the AP axis suggests increased balance in that direction, which may contribute to increased accuracy. Coaches should place emphasis on reducing CPE about the AP axis, consequently increasing balance during the putting stroke.
Purpose] The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of the Bomb and Gouge strategy, which received significant media and industrial attention recently. The current research analyzed the influence of the driving distance of the KLPGA Tour on golfers' performances, considering the circumstance of increasing annual yardage on the tour. [Method] For the empirical analysis, we collected official event and player data between 2012 and 2023 from the website of the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour Data Center. Generalized Least Squares(GLS) regression analysis was conducted using STATA 16. [Result] The results showed that driving distance, a core element of the bomb and gouge strategy, had a positive and significant influence on earnings and top-10 finishes before 2017. However, since 2018, the influence has become insignificant as the annual yardage of the tour has increased. [Conclusion] With the increasing annual yardage of the KLPGA Tour, the bomb and gouge strategy is no longer effective. Therefore, the KLPGA Tour professionals should equip themselves with another competitive advantage in terms of golf skills to remain competitive in the tour.
This manuscript aims to study the reliability of different variables related to performance and acceleration during the golf putt in players with medium-to-high handicaps and to determine the number of attempts necessary to find reliable values for these variables. Eight males and two females [55.67 (13.64) years, 78.4 (11.4) kg, 1.75 (7.95) m] participated in two experimental sessions separated by one week. In these sessions, they performed three blocks of 10 putts trying to stop the golf ball at the center of a dartboard painted 2 m away. The performance was assessed depending on the area of the dartboard where the ball stopped, and the acceleration signals were acquired using the Xsens Dot. The results showed that to evaluate performance, 18 trials were necessary to reach reliable values using the 0–10 scoring system, and 28 trials were necessary for the 0–3 scoring system. Regarding the reliability of the accelerometer-related variables, 7 attempts were necessary to obtain good-to-excellent reliability values for most of the variables. It could be concluded that putting in medium-to-high handicap golf players can be reliably measured using the abovementioned protocol.
Introduction
Golf swing generates power through coordinated rotations of the pelvis and upper torso, which are highly consistent among professionals. Currently, golf performance is graded on handicap, length-of-shot, and clubhead-speed-at-impact. No performance indices are grading the technique of pelvic and torso rotations. As an initial step toward developing a performance index, we collected kinematic metrics of swing rotational biomechanics and hypothesized that a set of these metrics could differentiate between amateur and pro players. The aim of this study was to develop a single-score index of rotational biomechanics based on metrics that are consistent among pros and could be derived in the future using inertial measurement units (IMU).
Methods
Golf swing rotational biomechanics was analyzed using 3D kinematics on eleven professional (age 31.0 ± 5.9 years) and five amateur (age 28.4 ± 6.9 years) golfers. Nine kinematic metrics known to be consistent among professionals and could be obtained using IMUs were selected as candidate variables. Oversampling was used to account for dataset imbalances. All combinations, up to three metrics, were tested for suitability for factor analysis using Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin tests. Principal component analysis was performed, and the logarithm of Euclidean distance of principal components between golf swings and the average pro vector was used to classify pro vs. amateur golf swings employing logistic regression and leave-one-out cross-validation. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine the optimal set of kinematic metrics.
Results
A single-score index calculated using peak pelvic rotational velocity pre-impact, pelvic rotational velocity at impact, and peak upper torso rotational velocity post-impact demonstrated strong predictive performance to differentiate pro (mean ± SD:100 ± 10) vs. amateur (mean ± SD:82 ± 4) golfers with an AUC of 0.97 and a standardized mean difference of 2.12.
Discussion
In this initial analysis, an index derived from peak pelvic rotational velocity pre-impact, pelvic rotational velocity at impact, and peak upper torso rotational velocity post-impact demonstrated strong predictive performance to differentiate pro from amateur golfers. Swing Performance Index was developed using a limited sample size; future research is needed to confirm results. The Swing Performance Index aims to provide quantified feedback on swing technique to improve performance, expedite training, and prevent injuries.
Background: The main factors to influence on the stroking performance of club head are alloy and spring-like effect. Design the structure of new club face to create the fairway wood which can show best stroking feeling and let driving distance become longer. Purpose: The club face of fairway wood is processed through the iron alloy heating procedure and CNC to innovate the club head with high spring-like effect (characteristic time). Method: (1) Use 455 stainless steel processed by heating and aging treatment, to do the analysis on microstructure and mechanical properties. (2) Through CNC to design seven different patterns for the back of club face, each pattern for three club head. The total amount is twenty-one. (3) Make finished product be test the characteristic time and the ability of strike by the practical measurement. (4) To analyze after the compare between three-way ANOVA and LSD. Results: After 455 stainless steel was heated in procedure S850℃-A550℃, mechanical properties became superior and had the better malleability, it is suitable for developing the club face of high spring-like effect. Before and after grinding among three-way ANOVA (pattern*thickness*place), did not achieve the significant level on the figure of characteristic time. Through two-way ANOVA (pattern*place and thickness*place), showed the significant deviation before and after grinding. After doing the crash test by 45m/s, all the results can reach the higher limited standard. Summary: 455 stainless steel was designed with the different club face’s thicknesses of fairway wood can make spring-like effect achieve high characteristic time. The much thinner club face let the characteristic time perform highly. But there was no obvious effects from the patterns of the back club face.
Movement variability has been considered important to execute an effective golf swing yet is comparatively unexplored regarding the golf putt. Movement variability could potentially be important considering the small margins of error between a successful and a missed putt. The aim of this study was to assess whether variability of body segment rotations influence putting performance (ball kinematic measures). Eight golfers (handicap range 0–10) performed a 3.2 m level putt wearing retro-reflective markers which were tracked using a three-dimensional motion analysis system sampling at 120 Hz. Ball roll kinematics were recorded using Quintic Ball Roll launch monitor. Movement (segment) variability was calculated based on a scalene ellipsoid volume concept and correlated with the coefficient of variation of ball kinematics. Statistical analysis showed no significant relationships between segment variability and putting proficiency. One significant relationship was identified between left forearm variability and horizontal launch angle, but this did not result in deficits in putting success. Results show that performance variability in the backswing and downswing is not related to putting proficiency or the majority of ball roll measures. Differing strategies may exist where certain golfers may have more fluid movement patterns thereby effectively utilising variability of movement. Therefore, golf instructors should consider movement variability when coaching the golf putt.
This study aimed to examine the reliability of an experimental method identifying the location of the impact point on a golf ball during putting. Forty trials were completed using a mechanical putting robot set to reproduce a putt of 3.2 m, with four different putter-ball combinations. After locating the centre of the dimple pattern (centroid) the following variables were tested; distance of the impact point from the centroid, angle of the impact point from the centroid and distance of the impact point from the centroid derived from the X, Y coordinates. Good to excellent reliability was demonstrated in all impact variables reflected in very strong relative (ICC = 0.98-1.00) and absolute reliability (SEM% = 0.9-4.3%). The highest SEM% observed was 7% for the angle of the impact point from the centroid. In conclusion, the experimental method was shown to be reliable at locating the centroid location of a golf ball, therefore allowing for the identification of the point of impact with the putter head and is suitable for use in subsequent studies.
This paper investigates the determinants of player performance as measured by scoring average and earnings on the United States LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) tour for the 2004 season. Among other findings, this research shows that the percentage of greens reached in regulation and putts per round are by far the most important determinants of both scoring average and earnings on the LPGA tour. Driving distance and driving accuracy are found to be equally important factors in success on the LPGA tour.
Studies examining the determinants of success in professional golf constitute a relatively new and growing literature. Based on the consistency of empirical findings, there is little debate that certain shot-making skills influence a golfer's score and hence tournament earnings. However, the theoretical development of a players production function in support of empirical specifications is locking in the literature. Moreover virtually all studies specify single-equation models that assume a direct relationship between performance and skill, an approach recently questioned in the literature. In response, this research develops a structural model of a professional golfer's tournament success and uses a multiequation framework to estimate the determinants of a player's season-ending earnings. Using this framework, estimates of the value of the marginal product for each shot-making skill are determined and found to be markedly different from those derived from single-equation models.
The concept of tournament validity was explored in three studies. In the first study, measures of tournament validity, difficulty, and discrimination were introduced. These measures were illustrated with data from the 2003 Professional Golf Association (PGA) Tour. In the second study, the relationship between difficulty and discrimination was tested by analyzing United States Golf Association slope and course rating data. In the third study, the validity of an entire season of PGA tournaments was examined. Tournaments did differ in validity, and some tournaments were not valid at all. Difficult, high-scoring tournaments were somewhat more valid and led to greater discrimination than low-scoring tournaments. Implications of golf tournament validity are discussed as are implications for measuring the validity of other types of competitions.
Professional Golf Association (PGA) statistics for the 2002 season were analyzed to estimate the relationships between performance variables, scoring, and earnings. Two newly considered variables, Scrambling and Bounce Back percentages, showed meaningful correlation to Simple Scoring Average (rs = –.69 and –.40, respectively), and each made a significant contribution to a regression model. While the full model of performance variables explained most of the variance in Simple Scoring Average (R² = .94), an adjusted scoring figure, accounting for the performance of the full field of players in each round, better correlated with Earnings over a PGA Tour season (r = .77).
Researchers have investigated the relationship between different shot-making measures and performance on the PGA Tour. Prior studies have typically focused on a short period of time or used a restricted sample so long-term trends were not discernible. To remedy this situation, the present study looked at the longitudinal performance of professional golfers from 1990–2004. The findings indicated a remarkable stability in terms of the relative importance of Greens In Regulation and Putting Average in explaining the variability in Scoring Average. The findings also indicated a declining importance of driving in recent years due, in part, to a strengthening of the negative relationship between Driving Distance and Driving Accuracy.
This paper examines why some professional golfers are more successful than others. We assume that achieved skills are the primary determinants of players' scoring averages and total earnings. We also assume that touring pros who are proficient at all the various shot-making skills are more successful than players who excell in some areas (e.g., the long game) more than others (e.g., the short game). We test these assumptions using official statistics from the 1983 Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) tour. The evidence supports our hypotheses and specifies the relative importance of various shot-making skills. The implications for future theory and research are discussed.
Trained observers completed a behavior analysis on 12 tour players (aged 23–44 yrs) of the Ladies Professional Golf Association during competition, recording preshot routine behavior for the full swing and putt. Total times, partial times, different components of the routines, postshot behaviors, 1983 rank on tour, 1983 scoring average, playing performance, and years on tour were analyzed. Results indicate that all Ss were remarkably consistent with regard to time and behavioral actions such as waggles and glances at the hole. It was observed that the more successful players utilized significantly longer full swing and preshot routines and varied from lower-ranked players in length. It is suggested that the longer preshot routines of successful players reflect more developed visualization and imagery strategies. (French abstract) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)