The Best Golfers Have More Strength, Balance and Flexibility than Those with Generous Handicaps!

According to the National Golf Foundation, there are an estimated 13 million golfers who play at least 8 times per year.  With an increased number of golfers, various videos, training programs and tools have been introduced into the fitness market to help increase golf performance.  However, researchers have questioned that while such programs are well-intentioned - are these programs targeting the correct physical characteristics? 

Golf can be an enigma to many.  However, the best golfers seem to understand the physical requirements necessary to excel in the sport.  Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh wanted to better understand what physical characteristics were necessary to increase mastery of the golf swing for increased proficiency and driving distance.  Their study, published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research [2007, 21(4):1166-1171], took 257 golfers and grouped them by their golf handicap (HCP).  Researchers tested the strength, flexibility and balance in each group from HCP <0 , 1-9 and 10-20.  Those in the HCP category of HCP<0, showed greater hip strength, torso strength, shoulder strength, hip, torso and shoulder flexibility as well as better balance than golfers with a HCP from 0-20.  The implications of the research on program design are significant.  For instance, the HCP <0 group showed greater shoulder strength, specifically in the rotator cuff, important in injury prevention and shoulder stability - helping higher proficiency golfers to prevent injuries.  Increased flexibility is important in creating enough separation of the upper and lower torso to help increase velocity of the golf swing - leading to increased ball velocity and drive (more flexibility allows the core musculature to store energy efficiently for release during the downswing- remember the stretch-shortening cycle).  Additionally, increased balance, as displayed by golfers with the lowest handicaps, may help golfers handle the weight shift during the swing; another important component in increased golf performance.