Practices and perceptions of strength and conditioning training in female golf: A cross-sectional survey study of high-level amateur players.

This study aims to ascertain an in-depth understanding of current practices and perceptions of S&C training in high-level amateur female golfers. A cross-sectional, explorative survey study was constructed which asked questions relating to four key areas: i) general participant information, ii) current strength and conditioning (S&C) practices, iii) the perceived influence of S&C training on golf performance, and iv) knowledge and awareness of S&C. Results showed that the majority of female players had participated in some form of S&C training in the past, with the majority believing that clubhead speed and carry distance were the primary golfing metrics which could be positively impacted. More specifically, 91-97% of the players "Strongly agreed" or "Agreed" that the key physical characteristics for golf were strength and power for the lower and upper body, and flexibility. Interestingly, 58% of the players believed that S&C training should mimic the movement of the golf swing, which based off current evidence, is not how drive metrics and ultimately shots gained, can be maximised. This survey study provides useful information relating to the practices and perceptions of S&C training in high-level female amateur players and areas where education may be able to further advance player understanding of physical preparation.

Associations Between Physical Characteristics and Golf Clubhead Speed: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Historically, golf does not have a strong tradition of fitness testing and physical training. However, in recent years, both players and practitioners have started to recognise the value of a fitter and healthier body, owing to its potential positive impacts on performance, namely clubhead speed (CHS). OBJECTIVE: The aim of this meta-analysis was to examine the associations between CHS (as measured using a driver) and a variety of physical characteristics. METHODS: A systematic literature search with meta-analysis was conducted using Medline, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL and PubMed databases. Inclusion criteria required studies to have (1) determined the association between physical characteristics assessed in at least one physical test and CHS, (2) included golfers of any skill level but they had to be free from injury and (3) been peer-reviewed and published in the English language. Methodological quality was assessed using a modified version of the Downs and Black Quality Index tool and heterogeneity assessed via the Q statistic and I2. To provide summary effects for each of the physical characteristics and their associations with CHS, a random effects model was used where z-transformed r values (i.e. zr) were computed to enable effect size pooling within the meta-analysis. RESULTS: Of the 3039 studies initially identified, 20 were included in the final analysis. CHS was significantly associated with lower body strength (zr = 0.47 [95% confidence intervals {CI} 0.24-0.69]), upper body strength (zr = 0.48 [95% CI 0.28-0.68]), jump displacement (zr = 0.53 [95% CI 0.28-0.78]), jump impulse (zr = 0.82 [95% CI 0.63-1.02]), jumping peak power (zr = 0.66 [95% CI 0.53-0.79]), upper body explosive strength (zr = 0.67 [95% CI 0.53-0.80]), anthropometry (zr = 0.43 [95% CI 0.29-0.58]) and muscle capacity (zr = 0.17 [95% CI 0.04-0.31]), but not flexibility (zr = - 0.04 [95% CI - 0.33 to 0.26]) or balance (zr = - 0.06 [95% CI - 0.46 to 0.34]). CONCLUSIONS: The findings from this meta-analysis highlight a range of physical characteristics are associated with CHS. Whilst significant associations ranged from trivial to large, noteworthy information is that jump impulse produced the strongest association, upper body explosive strength showed noticeably larger associations than upper body strength, and flexibility was not significant. These findings can be used to ensure practitioners prioritise appropriate fitness testing protocols for golfers.

Effects of Physical Training and Associations Between Physical Performance Characteristics and Golf Performance in Female Players: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis.

ABSTRACT: Robinson, L, Murray, A, Ehlert, A, Wells, J, Jarvis, P, Turner, A, Glover, D, Coughlan, D, Hembrough, R, and Bishop, C. Effects of physical training and associations between physical performance characteristics and golf performance in female players: A systematic review with meta-analysis. J Strength Cond Res 37(12): e646-e655, 2023-The aims of this systematic review were to assess the association between physical performance and measures of golf performance, and the effects of physical training on measures of golf performance, in female golfers. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Medline, and CINAHL. Inclusion criteria required studies to (a) have conducted a physical training intervention of any duration in female players and determine the effects on measures of golf performance, (b) determine the association between physical performance in at least one test and golf performance in female players, and (c) be peer-reviewed and published in English language. Methodological quality was assessed using a modified version of the Downs and Black Quality Index tool, and heterogeneity was examined through the Q statistic and I2 . Pooled effect sizes were calculated using standardized mean differences (SMDs) (with 95% confidence interval [CI]s) within a random-effects model, with Egger's regression test used to assess small study bias (inclusive of publication bias). Of the 2,378 articles screened, only 9 were included in the final review, with 3 of these being associative by design and 6 being training interventions. From an associative standpoint, clubhead speed (CHS) was reported in all 3 studies and was associated with measures of strength ( r = 0.54), lower-body power ( r = 0.60), upper-body power ( r = 0.56-0.57), and flexibility ( r = 0.52-0.71). When assessing the effects of physical training interventions, CHS was again the most commonly reported golf outcome measure ( n = 5). The random-effect model indicated that CHS significantly improves within each training group following training interventions (SMD = 0.73 [95% CIs: 0.32-1.14], Z = 3.50, p < 0.001), with trivial heterogeneity ( I2 = 0.00%, Q = 0.18; p = 0.9963) and no prevalence of small study bias depicted through the Egger's regression test ( z = -0.28, p = 0.78). From the available research, it seems that CHS can be positively affected from strength, power, and flexibility training interventions. From an associative standpoint, only 3 studies have been conducted solely in female players, with one showcasing questionable methodology. Future research should aim to carefully select test measures which better represent the physical capacities needed for the sport when determining the effects of and relationships with golf performance.