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Context: Lateral epicondylopathy (LE) is a common overuse injury affecting elbow, wrist, and hand function. It is characterized by weakness and pain in the muscles and tendons of the forearm responsible for the extension of your wrist and fingers. Trigger point dry needling is a technique reported to be beneficial in managing pain and dysfunction after LE diagnosis. LE is also commonly treated with conservative treatment, such as joint and soft tissue mobilization, self-care home programs, and anti-inflammatory use. We explored a different dry needling approach consisting of in situ dry needling with electric stimulation combined with targeted therapeutic exercise to treat LE in 3 cases. Case Presentation: Three patients were referred for dry needling once a week for 6 weeks and home-based exercise therapy for LE. They were clinically evaluated using grip strength, a visual analog scale to assess pain, and Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation Test scores. These were measured at 4 time points (weeks 0, 2, 4, and 6). Management and Outcomes: The dry needling intervention incorporated 8 locations in the upper-extremity with 2 electric stimulation channels. The patients had reduced pain as measured by a visual analog scale, increased function as measured by the Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation Test, and increased grip strength over 6 weeks. Conclusions: This case series illustrates the use of dry needling and a home exercise program to provide a favorable outcome in a patient with LE. Patients had an 80% to 100% reduction in pain and similar improvements in function that were significantly beyond the minimum clinically important difference. This dry needling approach is a safe and effective treatment of LE in the short term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is important to identify the discriminative features for high dimensional clustering. However, due to the lack of cluster labels, the regularization methods developed for supervised feature selection can not be directly applied. To learn the pseudo labels and select the discriminative features simultaneously, we propose a new unsupervised feature selection method, named GlObal and Local information combined Feature Selection (GOLFS), for high dimensional clustering problems. The GOLFS algorithm combines both local geometric structure via manifold learning and global correlation structure of samples via regularized self-representation to select the discriminative features. The combination improves the accuracy of both feature selection and clustering by exploiting more comprehensive information. In addition, an iterative algorithm is proposed to solve the optimization problem and the convergency is proved. Simulations and two real data applications demonstrate the excellent finite-sample performance of GOLFS on both feature selection and clustering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the present studies was to examine whether providing superstitious instruction has beneficial effects on motor performance. The results of the effectiveness of superstitious instructions have been mixed. Additionally, the two present studies moved one step forward to examine the effects on motor learning, assessed by retention and transfer tests conducted 2 days after practice day. The tasks for Experiment 1 and 2 were throwing and golf-putting, respectively. In Experiment 1, the superstitious instruction was, "Here is your lucky color ball. Compared with other color balls, these white balls turned out to be luckier and had better throwing accuracy last week". In Experiment 2, the superstitious instruction was "This type of putter has been used by many professional golfers at some point in their career. This brand of golf ball, Pinnacle, has been used at many professional tournaments." Results of Experiment 1 and 2 showed no superstitious-instruction effect on both motor performance and learning, resulting in no difference between the superstitious instruction and control groups. Therefore, superstitious instruction may provide little to no impact on motor performance and learning; however, more studies are needed to conclude the effect of superstition on motor skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Golf is one of the most participated sports played worldwide. However, how injury distributions change between different golf populations is unknown, and associated injury risk factors are unclear. Therefore, this review aimed to describe the common musculoskeletal injuries in different golf populations and identify their associated risk factors. A systematic search was performed to identify eligible articles through PubMed, SPORTDiscus, EMBASE, and Scopus up until September 4, 2023. Of the 4643 studies identified, 58 satisfied the inclusion criteria. Data from 10,437 subjects were extracted, with the most common area of injury to all golf populations being the lower back. Different injury distributions were found between populations with elite male golfers (n = 1924 injuries, 62% of all injuries) and recreational male golfers (n = 442 injuries, 45% of all injuries) reporting the trunk as the most injured region, whereas upper-extremity injuries were the most prevalent injury in elite female golfers (n = 890 injuries, 42% of all injuries) and recreational female golfers (n = 178 injuries, 47% of all injuries). Range-of-motion deficits at the hip and spine were identified as risk factors for elite golfers, whereas measures of lower-limb and trunk strength endurance were identified as risk factors for recreational golfers, suggesting areas of focus for golf practitioners. However, there is a paucity of robust studies evaluating the epidemiology of musculoskeletal injuries in all golf populations, and because of the variety of methods and measures used, detailed comparisons and definitive recommendations were difficult to make. Nonetheless, this review provides an overview of the common golf injuries and possible risk factors, which can aid partitioners in developing strategies for injury prevention for all golfing demographics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a 12-week resistance training program in talented junior golfers. Eighteen talented youth golfers were pair matched by maturity status and handicap, and subsequently allocated to an experimental (EXP) or control group. During the 12-week intervention, both groups continued with their normal golf practice while the EXP group also completed a progressive twice-weekly resistance training program. At baseline, subjects performed multiple trials of an isometric midthigh pull (IMTP), counter-movement jump (CMJ), standing long jump, golf movement screen (GMS), and isometric plank hold. Club head speed (CHS) and carry distance for a 6-iron and driver were also measured using a commercial launch monitor. When controlled for maturity offset, there were significant (p < 0.05) interaction effects in favor of the EXP group for absolute (g = 1.29) and relative (g = 2.06) peak force forthe IMTP, CMJ absolute (g = 0.73) and relative (g = 0.66) peak power, jump height (g = 1.05), modified reactive strength index (g = 1.30), lateral (g = 0.48-0.88) and horizontal jump distance (g = 1.20), and GMS total score (g = 1.07). Significant interaction effects were also reported in 6-iron and driver CHS and carry distance in favor of the EXP group (p < 0.05; g = 0.41-1.64). These findings indicate that twice-weekly resistance training in combination with regular golf practice can stimulate increases in measures of strength, power, and movement competency in youth golfers, which should contribute to enhanced golf swing performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have some form of motor deficits. Additionally, based on executive dysfunction, working memory is often atypical in these children. Errorless learning reduces demands on working memory. In this study, we investigated the effectiveness of errorless training on these children's ability to learn golf putting. Participants (N = 20), aged 9–13 years (M = 10.15, SD = 1.4), were randomly assigned to either: (a) an errorless (ER) training group (n = 10) or (b) an explicit instruction (EI) group (n = 10). The ER group practiced putting from different distances without any instruction, while the EI group practiced putting at a particular distance with instruction. We measured motor performance (e.g., putting accuracy) and kinematic variables (e.g., putter face angle). One-way analyses of variance showed that motor performance significantly improved in both groups, but that the ER group showed significantly better accuracy retention (p <.028) and transfer learning (p <.047) than the instructional group. Kinematic variables were also significantly different between the two groups on the transfer test. These findings supported the benefits of errorless training compared to explicit instruction to teach motor skills to children with ASD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Researchers have intimated that cognitions and emotions can change in the lead up to important events. However, previous research has adopted atemporal cross‐sectional designs, making it challenging to understand how cognitions and emotions unfold in the lead up to a competition. In the current study, we extended previous research by examining the temporal patterns of cognitive appraisals, irrational beliefs, and challenge and threat evaluations in predicting pre‐competitive affective states (hedonic balance and anxiety) in the lead up to an actual competition, among competitive elite Indian golfers (N = 107). We adopted a within‐subjects repeated‐measures design and collected data in the lead up to an actual golf tournament, at three timepoints; 1 week before (T1), the night before (T2), and an hour prior (T3). Self‐reported measures of cognitive appraisals, irrational beliefs, challenge and threat evaluations, affect, and anxiety were completed. Also, objective golf performance was collected from participants. Crossed‐lagged path analysis did not find a causal effect for irrational beliefs on any of the variables across the three time points. On the other hand, hierarchical multiple regression analysis determined that changes in irrational beliefs predicted changes in cognitive appraisals, threat evaluation, cognitive and somatic anxiety, and the directional interpretation of anxiety. The findings of temporal patterns in the current research indicated that sport psychologists should consider the dynamic nature of antecedent cognitions and affective states in the lead up to competition, and accordingly provide adequate support to the athletes. Further, limitations and future research is discussed with reference to the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-level golfers use various warm-up strategies to enhance clubhead and ball speed, including weighted equipment. We investigated the acute effects of the SuperSpeed Golf™ weighted-club warm-up on clubhead, ball, and swing kinematics, and the persistence of any acute effects in subsequent sets. Twelve competitive golfers (handicap < 3.0) completed five sets of five swings using their own drivers under two randomised warm-up conditions (Control and SuperSpeed). We compared swing, peak segment and club angular velocity, and centre of mass (COM) parameters collected using a 3D motion capture system (500 Hz) between conditions. The temporal persistence of any meaningful (Cohen's d ≥ small) and significant (p≤ 0.05) effect detected in the first set was investigated in subsequent sets. SuperSpeed led to small significant changes in clubhead speed (2.6 mph); downswing time; peak angular velocities of the torso, lead arm, and club; and two COM variables in the initial set. There was no significant change in ball speed, resulting in a large negative change in smash factor acutely (d − 0.82, p= 0.009). Nearly all changes observed were no longer meaningful or significant in subsequent sets. Overall, golfers can expect an increase in driving clubhead speed on the first tee using the SuperSpeed Golf™ vs Control warm-up, with trivial effects from the second tee onwards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low back pain (LBP) is a common injury in golf. There are several outcomes used to quantify LBP-related disability, such as core endurance tests and questionnaires. The primary purpose of this study was to compare clinical outcomes between college golfers with and without LBP. A secondary purpose was to determine relationships between these measures. We found no difference between groups for Biering-Sørensen endurance p = .558). Episodes of LBP were significantly related to the Oswestry Disability Index (p =.491) and Golf-specific LBP questionnaire (p =-.576). Oswestry Disability Index and Golf-specific LBP questionnaire also demonstrated a moderate relationship (p =-.604). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Think Aloud (TA) has been used as a tool to promote self-regulation and reflection in coaches, yet it has not been employed in the same context to support athletes. The aim of the present study was to understand golfers' perceptions of using TA at two time points: immediately postperformance and after a 6- to 8-week reflection period. Six golfers (five male, one female; age: M = 30.8 years, SD = 14.8; handicap: M = 6.92, SD = 3.9) used TA during the performance on six holes of golf and listened back to their TA audio. Using semistructured interviews and subsequent thematic analyses, we generated four themes: increased awareness, awareness of how behavior influences performance, disruption of thought processes and performance, and application to coaching. Preliminary evidence provides support for TA as a potential tool to promote self-regulation in golfers, which could be used to inform coaching interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Elite golfers have a high incidence of low back pain. Recent reviews have emphasized the need for investigation into how to prevent low back pain in golfers, prompting the current study. Design: Prospective longitudinal cohort study. Methods: Forty-one injury-free golfers were included in this study. At baseline, lower quadrant joint angles and club and ball performance were measured while each golfer performed 10 drives. The golfers were then monitored for 6 months and were allocated into 2 groups depending on whether or not they developed low back pain. The initial, baseline kinematic variables of the low back pain group and the uninjured group were then compared. Results: Over the 6-month monitoring period, 17 (41%) of the golfers developed low back pain. At baseline assessment, the low back pain group had 4° less lead ankle dorsiflexion at setup (P = .01; effect size = 0.82), 6° less lead knee flexion at the top of the backswing (P = .05; effect size = 0.64), 6° less lead ankle dorsiflexion at the top of the backswing (P = .01; effect size = 0.82), 6° more trail hip adduction at the top of the backswing (P = .02; effect size = 0.79), 9° more trail knee flexion at impact (P = .05; effect size = -0.64), and 6° more trail hip adduction at the end of follow through (P < .00; effect size = 1.00). Conclusion: Golfers who developed low back pain during the 6-month monitoring period displayed distinct differences in biomechanics at baseline when all golfers were injury free. These biomechanical differences may be considered a precursor to injury. Three-dimensional motion analysis may indicate whether elite golfers are at risk of developing low back pain. Research is needed to assess whether targeted exercise and sports drills aimed at addressing the biomechanical risk factors identified may prevent low back pain in elite golfers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impact models are an important tool for golf equipment design as they allow for computer simulations to evaluate and optimize performance. There are several published driver impact models for this purpose. However, existing impact models have no or limited experimental validation to support their conclusions. The aim of this research was to extend several impact models from the literature to predict three-dimensional driver impacts and, for the first time, iron impacts. The accuracy of these models was evaluated using experimental data. Two impulse-momentum and three continuous contact models were applied to create dynamic models to predict driver and iron golf shots. While finite element models are used to design golf clubs, they were not considered here due to their high computational requirements. For modeling driver impacts, an adjusted IM model was the most accurate at predicting ball launch conditions. Ball speed was the most accurate launch condition with a mean absolute error of 1%. The error for vertical launch angle and backspin was less than 10%. However, the error for sidespin and horizontal launch angle (azimuth) was between 30 and 50%. For modeling 7-iron shots, a two-layer ball with a volumetric normal force model was the most accurate of the models considered. The experimental error for ball speed was 2%. The remaining errors were similar to the driver model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it has been determined that approximately one in 36 children have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Children on the autism spectrum often seek inclusive recreational opportunities, particularly in sports. Golf can be a suitable activity for children on the autism spectrum because it can be played individually and has significant structure and rules. The purpose of this paper is to describe Newell's constraint model and then provide an overview of the design of an adapted golf program for children on the autism spectrum using this approach. This paper will also highlight the individual constraints that need to be considered in the instructional process, the types of manipulation of environmental constraints, and the kinds of developmentally appropriate golf tasks that will enhance children's learning of golf skills. The paper is tailored for physical education teachers incorporating or considering golf programs as a part of their curriculum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to (a) assess the validity of the FlightScope Mevo+ against the TrackMan 4 and (b) determine the within-session reliability of both launch monitor systems when using a driver and a 6-iron. Twenty-nine youth golfers, with a minimum of 3 years of playing experience, volunteered for this study. All golfers completed 10 shots with a 6-iron and a driver, with 8 metrics concurrently monitored from both launch monitor systems in an indoor biomechanics laboratory. For both clubs, Pearson's r values ranged from small to near perfect (r range = 0.254-0.985), with the strongest relationships evident for clubhead speed (CHS) and ball speed (r ≥ 0.92). Bland-Altman plots showed almost perfect levels of agreement between devices for smash factor (mean bias ≤ -0.016; 95% CI: -0.112,0.079), whereas the poorest levels of agreement was for spin rate (mean bias ≤ 1,238; 95% CI: -2,628, 5,103). From a reliability standpoint, the TrackMan showed intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) ranging from moderate to excellent (ICC = 0.60-0.99) and coefficient of variation (CV) values ranged from good to poor (CV = 1.31-230.22%). For the Mevo+ device, ICC data ranged from poor to excellent (ICC = -0.22 to 0.99) and CV values ranged from good to poor (CV = 1.46-72.70%). Importantly, both devices showed similar trends, with the strongest reliability consistently evident for CHS, ball speed, carry distance, and smash factor. Finally, statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were evident between devices for spin rate (driver: d = 1.27; 6-iron: d = 0.90), launch angle (driver: d = 0.54), and attack angle (driver: d = -0.51). Collectively, these findings suggest that the FlightScope Mevo+ launch monitor is both valid and reliable when monitoring CHS, ball speed, carry distance, and smash factor. However, additional variables such as spin rate, launch angle, attack angle, and spin axis exhibit substantially greater variation compared with the TrackMan 4, suggesting that practitioners may wish to be cautious when providing golfers with feedback relating to these metrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To attract consumers in an increasingly competitive marketplace, many breweries are now offering leisure time physical activity (LTPA) equipment, clubs, and events on-site. Given the growing number of craft beer entities in the U.S. opportunities may thus exist to capitalise on the popular phenomena as a means of encouraging participation in regular exercise amongst the general public. To promote engagement however, a clear understanding of motivations for participation is needed. Therefore, this paper explores why people participating in LTPA at breweries chose to engage in the experience; what they enjoyed (or did not enjoy) about the activity; and their intentions to return or not return for a future experience at the same location. Findings from interviews conducted during LTPA events at breweries in three U.S. cities revealed that people were prompted to participate by social aspects, atmosphere, timing, free beer and/or the low/no costs involved, and an overall interest in beer/breweries. Together data suggests craft breweries serve an important role in their communities; ones that extends far beyond economic impacts. Suggestions for the practical application of these findings are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess health problems and training environment of female golfers participating in the 2022 World Amateur Team Championships (WATC) and to compare golfers (a) with and without health problems prior the WATC and (b) living and training in countries ranking in the upper versus lower 50% of the team results at the 2022 WATC. Design: Cross-sectional cohort study using an anonymous questionnaire. Setting: International Golf Federation WATC. Participants: One hundred sixty-two female golfers from 56 countries. Interventions: N/A. Main Outcome Measures: Golfers' answers on the presence and characteristics of health problems, their training environment, and to the Oslo Sport Trauma Research Centre Questionnaire. Results: Almost all golfers (n = 162; 96%) answered the questionnaire. In the 4 weeks before the WATC, 101 golfers (63.1%) experienced 186 musculoskeletal complaints, mainly at the lumbar spine/lower back, wrist, or shoulder. Just half of the golfers (50.6%) performed injury prevention exercises always or often. More than a third (37.4%) of the golfers reported illness complaints and 32.5% mental health problems in the 4 weeks preceding the WATC. General anxiety, performance anxiety, and low mood/ depression were the most frequent mental health problems. Golfers with injury complaints rated their daily training environment poorer. Golfers ranking in the lower 50% at the WATC had significantly less support staff, rated their training environment poorer, and had a higher prevalence of illness complaints and mental health problems. Conclusions: Effective illness and injury prevention programs should be implemented and better access to education and health support in the daily training environment provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is widely accepted that mental representations can have an important influence on motor performance. Although differences in mental representations of motor tasks have been reported between novices and experts, little is known about their development as a function of motor learning approaches. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of contextual interference (CI) and differential learning (DL) on the performance and mental representations in a golf putting task. A total of 40 participants were randomly assigned into four groups: blocked contextual interference (BCI), random contextual interference (RCI), DL, and control. First, the participant's initial mental representation level was tested by means of the structural dimensional analysis of mental representation. Then, the participant's initial performance level was tested by 12 golf‐putting trials from 2.44 m. During the acquisition phase, participants practiced golf putting according to their grouping for three consecutive days with 10 blocks of 12 trials per day. No intervention was applied for the control group. The retention‐tests were performed 72 h after the last acquisition day. In addition, a transfer test to a novel distance outside the acquired range (4 m) was performed immediately after the retention‐test. The results of the putting performance in the retention test showed that RCI and DL performed better compared to BCI and the control group (all p < 0.05). In the transfer test, BCI and RCI outperformed the control group (all p < 0.05), but both were further outperformed by the DL group (all p < 0.05). Moreover, the DL group showed a more structured mental representation than the other groups during the retention test. These results indicated that DL used a different underlying mechanism that resulted in different levels of performance during transfer and a more structured mental representation compared with CI. Highlights: There was no significant difference between random contextual interference (RCI) and differential learning (DL) groups during retention.Both RCI and DL groups outperformed the blocked contextual interference (BCI) group in the retention test.The DL group performed more accurately than the BCI and RCI groups during the transfer test.The DL group had a more structured mental representation than the BCI and RCI groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on leisure and sport consumption. While many sports and recreational activities, including sports, were suspended to contain the spread of the virus, golf presented an opportunity for individuals to engage in outdoor activity where social distancing was possible. We investigated the importance of risk perception and safety management practices in relation to repeated leisure activity participation among recreational golfers via online survey (N = 268). The results indicated that recreational golfers' perceived risk of leisure activity participation and perceived managerial safety climate had a significant effect, while cognitive and affective COVID-19 risk perceptions did not have a significant influence on recreational golfer' revisit intention. The findings provide empirical evidence on how recreational golfer perceived the domainspecific risks associated with COVID-19 and managerial safety climate influence their sports and recreational activity consumption decision making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents various benefits of golf instruction and teaching resources for enhancing pre-service and in-service physical education teachers' common content knowledge for performing and teaching golf games and skills in physical education. Golf has become more popular since the pandemic due to golf courses being a safe space for social distancing. With the surging interest in the sport and the many physical, health, cognitive and social benefits golf can provide, physical education teachers might consider including golf in the school physical education curriculum. There are limited resources specifically designed for developing physical education teachers' common content knowledge to teach golf to children and youths in schools. With relevant teaching resources and learning opportunities, physical education teachers may decide to include golf in their curriculum. This article presents a common content knowledge packet, including facility and equipment lists, the game rules, etiquette and safety rules, the critical elements of swing techniques, and possible assessment test items for measuring student understanding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The shaft angle to the ball-to-target line at various points in the golf swing is used by coaches as an indication of the horizontal delivery plane angle (HPA). The aim of the current study was to understand to what degree this simplified method of using the shaft orientation can predict the orientation of the HPA. Fifty-two male golfers hit 40 drives each in an indoor biomechanics laboratory. Between-subject regression models were created for the relationship between the HPA and the shaft angle to the ball-to-target line at three different swing positions. Additionally, single subject regression models were created for each subject for the small variables. The only significant between-subjects regression model was for mid-downswing (Adjusted R2 = 89.5%, RMSE = 2.41°); however, this was deemed not accurate enough to distinguish differences between typical driver and wedge HPA. The only shaft position to have significant single-subject regression models for all participants was mid-downswing. The mean RMSE for those models was determined to be low enough to distinguish typical driver and wedge swing planes within individuals. Overall, the shaft angle was only deemed accurate enough to predict the HPA within individual subjects, and only for mid-downswing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A recent study published in BMJ Open Sport and Exercise Medicine suggests that playing a single 18-hole round of golf or completing 6 km of either Nordic walking or regular walking can significantly improve immediate cognitive function in older individuals. The study involved 25 healthy older golfers who participated in three different acute bouts of aerobic exercise. Cognitive function was assessed using the Trail-Making Test, and blood samples were collected to measure brain-derived neurotrophic factor and cathepsin B levels. The study found that all three exercises improved lower cognitive functions, while Nordic walking and regular walking were associated with enhanced executive functions. The findings highlight the value of age-appropriate aerobic exercise in maintaining and enhancing cognitive function among older adults. [Extracted from the article]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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 38(2): 374-383, 2024--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 5 0.54), lower-body power (r 5 0.60), upper-body power (r 5 0.56-0.57), and flexibility (r 5 0.52-0.71). When assessing the effects of physical training interventions, CHS was again the most commonly reported golf outcome measure (n 5 5). The random-effect model indicated that CHS significantly improves within each training group following training interventions (SMD50.73 [95% CIs: 0.32-1.14], Z53.50, p < 0.001), with trivial heterogeneity (I250.00%, Q50.18; p50.9963) and no prevalence of small study bias depicted through the Egger's regression test (z520.28, p50.78). 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces the Golf Sport Inspired Search (GSIS) algorithm as an evolutionary search method for numerical optimization. Each solution is generated with the aid of the step-length and search direction. The step-length is determined with the aid of the Tait's model of the trajectory of the golf ball, which is a physical model. The search direction is from the current position in the search space toward the position of a different individual or its reflected position. Such a direction determines the movement direction in the optimization process. A crossover operator is introduced to increase exploration at the starting and exploitation at the ending stages of the search. Performance of the GSIS is compared with many algorithms on 23 + 14 unconstrained classic functions, 29 functions of CEC 2017 benchmark suite and six constrained engineering design problems. Experiments indicate that with the aid of its cleverly designed operators, GSIS is able to produce promising results. Besides a cooperative game theoretic approach is introduced, which is able to measure the effectiveness of different operators in reducing the search cost. Such an approach can be used to measure the effectiveness of different operators that an evolutionary or swarm-intelligence algorithm owns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gaining the inside perspective of an elite athlete throughout the competitive season provides a unique approach to understand the lived experience during multiple competitive events. The purpose of the present study was to investigate how elite disc golf athletes perceive and interpret their experiences of performing during various training and competitive events over the course of an elite disc golf season. Two elite disc golf athletes, one man and one woman, were recruited using homogeneous purposive sampling. The participants were interviewed three times and observed during three competitive events, as well as before and after a training session. A longitudinal interpretative phenomenological analysis (LIPA) was adopted to capture temporal and dynamic changes of the participants' lived experiences. The findings illustrated the athletes' personal experiences of performing during competitive disc golf events, with both athletes' experiences of competition changing during the season. Their competitive experiences appear to relate to the meaning disc golf has for the athletes, which in this study had both an experiential and existential level of meaning over time. Such a finding illustrates the importance of honoring athletes' unique experiences in making sense of their performances during an elite disc golf season. Taking the time to understand athletes' perceptions of their personal experiences appear important in attempting to understand their sense‐making of their hot cognition before, during, and after competitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sensorimotor rhythm (SMR) activity has been associated with automaticity and flow in motor execution. Studies have revealed that neurofeedback training (NFT) of the SMR can improve sports performance; however, few studies have adequately explored the effects of a single session of such NFT or examined the possible mechanisms underlying these effects on sports performance. This study recruited 44 professional golfers to address these gaps in the literature. A crossover design was employed to determine the order of the participation in the NFT and no‐training control conditions. The participants were asked to perform 60 10‐foot putts while electroencephalograms (EEGs) were recorded before and after the tasks. In pre‐and post‐tests, visual analog scales were used to assess the psychological states associated with SMR activities including the levels of attention engagement, conscious motor control, and physical relaxation. The results revealed that a single NFT session effectively increased SMR power and improved putting performance compared with the control condition. The subjective assessments also revealed that the participants reported lower attention engagement, less conscious control of the motor details and were more relaxed in the putting task, suggesting that SMR NFT promoted effortless and quiescent mental states during motor preparation for a putting task. This study aligns with theoretical hypotheses and extends current knowledge by revealing that a single session of SMR NFT can effectively enhance SMR power and improve putting performance in professional golfers. It also provides preliminary evidence of the possible underlying mechanisms that drive the effect of SMR NFT on putting performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to consider the relationship between sport and identity formation by examining testimonies of 24 British women who attended the Solheim Cup golf tournament in 2019 to support a transnational team made up of professional European women players. Relatively little is known about the effects of transnational sports teams on identity formation, not least because such teams are themselves rare. The Solheim Cup, contested by teams of female professional golfers representing the United States and Europe, is one such example. The data set consists of interviews with women who attended the competition that took place in a period of political uncertainty between the UK electorate voting to leave the European Union and Brexit actually taking place. The paper analyses the women's views in relation to national identity, European identity and cosmopolitanism. Although it emerges that most of the women felt more European in the context of a competition involving a team representing Europe and were opposed to the United Kingdom leaving the European Union, they could also be described as cosmopolitan as a result of their educational level, social class and experience of living in or regularly visiting foreign countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective to analyze the possibility of using golf as a metaphor for teaching finance. Study reports on a pilot experience of teaching finance using golf as a metaphor. Golf can be a means of promoting the engagement of finance students. Theoretical framework: a normative and positive economic decision theory is used as a framework. Sports can be a means of engaging students in finance education programs. Golf, in particular, can fulfill this role and serve as a powerful tool for building and maintaining social networks relevant to high-level professionals. Methods: thirty undergraduate students voluntarily participated in a pilot teaching program over five days. The program included sessions (in the field) on the fundamentals of golf and financial decisions, and students looked for synergies between these two domains. Participants showed a high level of interest in both the sports practice sessions and the finance activities. Results: the results suggest that psychological errors common to golf and financial behavior--for example, overoptimism, overconfidence, and emotional judgments--can be diagnosed and addressed through sports practice. In addition, the participants' selfassessment indicates the possibility that the program can induce behaviors in line with the corporate environment. Conclusions: Despite golf's contribution to the teaching of business subjects, it is still absent from formal curricula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective to analyze the possibility of using golf as a metaphor for teaching finance. Study reports on a pilot experience of teaching finance using golf as a metaphor. Golf can be a means of promoting the engagement of finance students. Theoretical framework: a normative and positive economic decision theory is used as a framework. Sports can be a means of engaging students in finance education programs. Golf, in particular, can fulfill this role and serve as a powerful tool for building and maintaining social networks relevant to high-level professionals. Methods: thirty undergraduate students voluntarily participated in a pilot teaching program over five days. The program included sessions (in the field) on the fundamentals of golf and financial decisions, and students looked for synergies between these two domains. Participants showed a high level of interest in both the sports practice sessions and the finance activities. Results: the results suggest that psychological errors common to golf and financial behavior--for example, overoptimism, overconfidence, and emotional judgments--can be diagnosed and addressed through sports practice. In addition, the participants' selfassessment indicates the possibility that the program can induce behaviors in line with the corporate environment. Conclusions: Despite golf's contribution to the teaching of business subjects, it is still absent from formal curricula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This scholarly investigation explores the Malaysian golfers' experience in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia golf courses. The study sheds light on the unique attributes of golf tourism in each country, including the courses, facilities, services and overall golfing experiences offered to golf tourists. Design/methodology/approach: Qualitative data were procured through in-depth semi-structured interviews with a cohort of 13 Malaysian golfers. Findings: The findings indicate that golfers' experiences are affected by the quality of service, facilities, price and course condition, ultimately contributing to their satisfaction level. The evidence suggests that Malaysian golfers are comparatively more satisfied with golf courses in Thailand and Indonesia than in Malaysia. Originality/value: The study underscores the importance of golf course attributes in retaining existing golfers and enticing new ones. Besides, as comparative research on golf course attributes and destination preferences is scant, this study has far-reaching implications, empowering Malaysian golf course managers to augment the appeal and quality of their golf course destination to optimise the behavioural intentions of golf tourists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low back pain (LBP) is the most common injury in golfers of all abilities. The primary aim of this review was to improve understanding of human golf swing biomechanics associated with LBP. A systematic review using the PRISMA guidelines was performed. Nine studies satisfying inclusion criteria and dually reporting golf swing biomechanics and LBP were identified. Human golf swing biomechanics potentially associated with LBP include: reduced lumbar flexion velocity; reduced transition phase length; reduced lumbar torsional load; earlier onset of erector spinae contraction; increased lumbar lateral flexion velocity; reduced or greater erector spinae activity; and earlier onset of external oblique contraction. These potential associations were undermined by a very limited and conflicting quality of evidence, study designs which introduced a severe potential for bias and a lack of prospective study design. There is no conclusive evidence to support the commonly held belief that LBP is associated with "poor" golf swing technique. The potential associations identified should be further investigated by prospective studies of robust design, recruiting participants of both sexes and dexterities. Once firm associations have been identified, further research is required to establish how this knowledge can be best integrated into injury prevention and rehabilitation. LBP has the highest incidence of any injury in elite, sub-elite and recreational golfers, causing a significant burden of injury worldwide. There is very limited and conflicting evidence that some human biomechanical factors in the golf swing may be associated with LBP. Prospective studies investigating the full movement pattern are required in order to improve understanding of the potential relationship between the biomechanics of the golf swing and LBP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In golf, the location of the impact, where the clubhead hits the ball, is of imperative nature for a successful ballflight. Direct feedback to the athlete where he/she hits the ball could improve a practice session. Currently, this information can be measured via, e.g., dual laser technology; however, this is a stationary and external method. A mobile measurement method would give athletes the freedom to gain the information of the impact location without the limitation to be stationary. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether it is possible to detect the impact location via a motion sensor mounted on the shaft of the golf club. To answer the question, an experiment was carried out. Within the experiment data were gathered from one athlete performing 282 golf swings with an 7 iron. The impact location was recorded and labeled during each swing with a Trackman providing the classes for a neural network. Simultaneously, the motion of the golf club was gathered with an IMU from the Noraxon Ultium Motion Series. In the next step, a neural network was designed and trained to estimate the impact location class based on the motion data. Based on the motion data, a classification accuracy of 93.8% could be achieved with a ResNet architecture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of the present study were to: 1) investigate the within and between-session reliability of the Trackman 4 launch monitor system, and 2) determine the inter-relationships of some of these commonly used metrics. Golfers attended two test sessions at an indoor golf academy and performed 10 shots using their own driver. Results showed excellent within and between-session reliability for CHS (ICC = 0.99; SEM = 1.64–1.67 mph), ball speed (ICC = 0.97–0.99; SEM = 2.46–4.42 mph) and carry distance (ICC = 0.91–0.97; SEM = 7.80–14.21 mph). In contrast, spin rate showed the worst reliability (ICC = 0.02–0.60; SEM = 240.93–454.62 º/s) and also exhibited significant differences between test sessions (g = –0.41; p < 0.05), as did smash factor (g = 0.47; p < 0.05) and dynamic loft (g = –0.21; p < 0.05). Near perfect associations were evident in both test sessions between CHS and ball speed (r = 0.98–0.99), CHS and carry distance (r = 0.94–0.95), ball speed and carry distance (r = 0.97–0.98), and launch angle and dynamic loft (r = 0.98–0.99). Collectively, CHS, ball speed and carry distance serve as the most consistently reliable metrics making them excellent choices for practitioners working with golfers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted in order to compare the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments and to compare them in four groups of macrobenthic communities, including gastropods, bivalves, crustaceans, and polychaetes in the north of Persian Golf. Sampling was carried out at 9 stations using a van veen grab along the coastline of Bandar Abbas in March 2018 and August 2019. The average concentration of total PAHs in two sampling periods, regardless of time distribution by station, showed that the refinery has the highest concentration of these compounds, followed by Posht-e-Shahr and Soro. The highest average concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in gastropods belonged to the 3-ring compound Acenaphthene with an average (ppb) of 1117 and the lowest value belonged to the 6-ring compound Benzopyrylene with an average (ppb) of 2. In bivalves, the highest average concentration of the 3-ring compound Acenaphthene with an average (ppb) of 1261 and the lowest value of the 6-ring compound Benzopyrylene with an average (ppb) of 32 was obtained. The highest average concentration belonging to the 4-ring compound Fluranthene with an average (ppb) of 1551 and the lowest value belonging to the 6-ring compound Benzopyrylene with an average (ppb) of 0 were obtained in crustacean tissue. Studies showed that sediments absorb 5-ring compounds, molluscs absorb 3-ring compounds, crabs absorb 4-ring compounds, and reptiles absorb 5-ring compounds more easily. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Robotic devices are used to provide physical guidance when teaching different movements. To advance our knowledge of robotic guidance in training complex movements, this investigation tested different kinematic data filtering methods of individual's golf putts to convert them into trajectories to be employed by a robot arm. The purpose of the current study was to identify a simple filtering method to aptly replicate participants' individual golf putter trajectories which could be used by the robot to execute them with greater consistency and accuracy than their human counterpart. Participants putted toward three targets where three-dimensional data of the putter's head were filtered and then fitted by using one or two dimensions of the participant's putter head trajectories. As expected, both filtering methods employed with the robot outperformed the human participants in ball endpoint accuracy and consistency. Further, after comparing the filtered to the human participants' trajectories, the two-dimensional method best replicated the kinematic features of human participants' natural putter trajectory, while the one-dimensional method failed to replicate participant's backstroke position. This investigation indicates that a two-dimensional filtering method, using Y-forward and Z-vertical position data, can be used to create accurate, consistent, and smooth trajectories delivered by a robot arm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Actions in social settings are often adapted based on co-actors. This adaptation can occur because one actor "co-represents" the actions and plans of another. Co-representation can result in motor contagion errors, whereby another's actions unintentionally interfere with (negatively impact) the actor. In sports, practice often takes place simultaneously or alternating with a partner. Co-representation of another's task could either harm or benefit skill retention and transfer, with benefits due to variable experiences and effortful processes in practice. Here, dyad groups that either alternated or simultaneously practiced golf putting to different (near vs. far) targets were compared to alone groups (n = 30/group). We focused on errors in distance from the target and expected overshooting for near-target partners paired with far-target partners (and undershooting for far-target partners paired with near-target partners), when compared to alone groups. There was evidence of co-representation for near-target partners paired with far-target partners. We also saw trial-to-trial error-based adjustments based on a partner's outcome in alternating dyads. Despite differences in practice between dyad and alone groups, these did not lead to costs or benefits at retention or transfer. We conclude that the social-context of motor learning impacts behaviours of co-actors, but not to the detriment of overall learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the domestic overnight travel motivations of Finnish disc golfers, with a specific focus on the concept of serious leisure. Data gathered from 989 Finnish disc golfers were divided into clusters based on the serious leisure inventory and measure model. The results indicate that disc golfers are generally interested in travelling domestically to participate in disc golf, and that they tend to share common push and pull motives. Preferences for general destination attributes and specific disc-golf-related destination attributes tend not to vary significantly between the clusters. Although the relationship is not strictly hierarchical, disc golfers who are more serious tend to report higher mean values than their more-casual counterparts. Disc golfers travelling to play their sport expect well-maintained and versatile courses and tend to prefer courses they have not previously visited. Factors related to the quality of courses are significantly more influential in disc-golfers’ motivations to travel than those associated with the destination in general, such as accommodation or nightlife. This knowledge is vital to inform marketers as participation in this relatively new sport continues to grow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research exploring athletes and coaches’ perceptions of parent involvement in youth sport has demonstrated the presence of maladaptive parent involvement in youth sport. This research has provided insights into inappropriate parenting practices displayed in the youth sport environment. However, representative of the broader sport parenting literature, data has been primarily gleaned from sports such as tennis and football. In a bid to diversify participant populations, the present study sought to examine female youth golfers’ views of unsupportive parental behaviors within the competitive youth golf environment. Fourteen online synchronous focus groups were conducted with 61 female youth golfers in the specializing (n ¼ 27) and investment (n ¼ 34) stages of development, recruited from seven countries across three continents (Australia, Canada, England, Finland, Ireland, New Zealand, and Scotland). Reflexive thematic analysis revealed three higher-order categories of unsupportive parental behaviors: Emotional Ill-Treatment; Physical Ill-Treatment; and Pressurizing Behavior. Parenting practices consistent with emotional ill-treatment (e.g., verbal ill-treatment) have been previously discussed within the sport parenting literature, however the presence of physical ill-treatment displayed by parents toward child-athletes has not been commonly reported. The present research provides novel insights into athletes’ perceptions of these maladaptive behaviors, and demonstrates that, similar to other youth sports, unsupportive parental behaviors are evident in the youth golf environment. The findings of the current research further reinforce the need for reporting mechanisms for allegations of abuse within youth sport, continued stakeholder education, the development of safeguarding cultures, and also the need to explore parents’ experiences of exhibiting maladaptive involvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The primary purpose of this study was to determine internal consistency and concurrent validity of the Golf-specific Low Back Pain questionnaire (GLBP). Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Online questionnaire. Participants: Fifty-two adult golfers with a history of LBP. Interventions: GLBP, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Main Outcome Measures: Cronbach alpha values for the GLBP and its 3 subscales. Pearson correlations between the ODI, GLBP, and the GLBP subscales. Results: Cronbach alpha for the GLBP was 0.94. Cronbach alpha for the 3 GLBP subscales ranged from 0.85 to 0.91. All Pearson correlations were significant at P< 0.05. The correlation between the ODI and GLBP was -0.64, and correlations between the ODI and GLBP subscales ranged from -0.53 to -0.63. Mean GLBP score was 72.01% ± 16.15%, and mean ODI score was 12.00% ± 7.98%. Conclusions: The GLBP has excellent concurrent validity to quantity LBP in golfers. The GLBP total and each individual subscale have excellent internal consistency and a moderate inverse relationship with the ODI. The GLBP offers a more sportspecific patient-reported outcome measure for this population. The GLBP may more adequately quantify LBP-related disability, especially at lower levels of disability. Findings provide initial evidence that the GLBP may be a valid tool to quantify LBP symptoms and dysfunction in golfers. Clinical Relevance: Clinicians should consider using sport-specific outcome measures when evaluating for LBP-related disability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The underrepresentation of women in sport coaching continues to be recognised by researchers and some international organisations. Golf too suffers from a dramatic underrepresentation of women coaches. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of women golf coaches and how they navigate this male-dominated coaching domain with a particular focus on experiences of advocacy. The research was designed to qualitatively capture women PGA Professionals' lived experiences. Women PGA Professionals (N = 11) with 10–34 years of experience (M = 19.8) participated in semi-structured interviews that were structured on the four Ecological Systems Theory (EST) layers. Data were thematically analysed using the EST layers for initial categorization. From this, four themes were developed: recruitment and opportunity; on the course and in the pro shop; perceptions of women PGA Professionals; and advocacy and allies. The themes were part of two related processes: legitimisation and delegitimisation. These dual processes work to either validate women coaches—both as individuals and as a collective—or to undermine them within the profession, respectively, and operate over the four EST layers. Further, these processes are not always discreet and the two may overlap in unanticipated ways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a case study of a 65-year-old recreational golfer with left hand pain and triggering of the third, fourth, and fifth digits. Despite initial nonimage-guided cortisone injections and radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy (rECSW), the patient developed worsening pain over the fifth metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint, which was diagnosed as trigger finger due to A1 pulley thickening and sesamoid bone constriction of the flexor tendon.

While debate continues on "optimal" attentional focus, little empirical knowledge exists on the way that attention is operationalized across training and performance in elite golf. Accordingly, this study aimed to (a) explore the attentional foci promoted or used by coaches and players for different types of shots in training, plus their underpinning rationale and (b) explore the attentional foci promoted or used by coaches and players in competition, plus their underpinning rationale. Our findings revealed that (a) various foci were used across training and competition; (b) all players used different combinations of foci across training and competition, and within different aspects of training itself (e.g., short vs. long game); and (c) players often used alternative or additional foci in training to those promoted by coaches, and self-generated foci for competition. These results highlight the complexity and practical reality that needs to underpin future advances in theory, research, and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Professional golf architects emerged in the early twentieth century across the English-speaking world. These new professionals coalesced around ideas that promoted a Scottish national conception of proper golf. When golf first migrated from the Scottish coasts inland, south into England, and across the oceans to the United States and the British Dominions in the latter half of the nineteenth century, no standardized form or set of ideals on Golf course architecture existed. Through their collective writings, professional golf architects from Britain, the United States, and Canada codified the values, design principles, and the romance of the ancient Scottish linksland courses as the standard way to design and construct golf courses. We therefore position golf courses as important sites of historical inquiry into the transmission of national styles. These Golden Age (1910–37) golf architects thus encouraged the transnational exchange of sport through the construction of golf courses in a peculiarly Scottish sense. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Training devices to enhance golf swing technique are increasingly in demand. Golf swing biomechanics are typically assessed in a laboratory setting and not readily accessible. Inertial measurement units (IMUs) offer improved access as they are wearable, cost-effective, and user-friendly. This study investigates the accuracy of IMU-based golf swing kinematics of upper torso and pelvic rotation compared to lab-based 3D motion capture. Thirty-six male and female professional and amateur golfers participated in the study, nine in each sub-group. Golf swing rotational kinematics, including upper torso and pelvic rotation, pelvic rotational velocity, S-factor (shoulder obliquity), O-factor (pelvic obliquity), and X-factor were compared. Strong positive correlations between IMU and 3D motion capture were found for all parameters; Intraclass Correlations ranged from 0.91 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.89, 0.93) for O-factor to 1.00 (95% CI: 1.00, 1.00) for upper torso rotation; Pearson coefficients ranged from 0.92 (95% CI: 0.92, 0.93) for O-factor to 1.00 (95% CI: 1.00, 1.00) for upper torso rotation (p < 0.001 for all). Bland–Altman analysis demonstrated good agreement between the two methods; absolute mean differences ranged from 0.61 to 1.67 degrees. Results suggest that IMUs provide a practical and viable alternative for golf swing analysis, offering golfers accessible and wearable biomechanical feedback to enhance performance. Furthermore, integrating IMUs into golf coaching can advance swing analysis and personalized training protocols. In conclusion, IMUs show significant promise as cost-effective and practical devices for golf swing analysis, benefiting golfers across all skill levels and providing benchmarks for training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated measures of physical fitness and golf swing performance in competitive youth golfers. Sixty-four golfers, subdivided into three handicap groups (CAT0, <1 handicap, n = 21; CAT1, 1–5 handicap, n = 20; CAT2, >5 handicap, n = 23), were assessed for isometric strength, power, movement competency and core endurance. Clubhead speed (CHS) and carry distance for 6-iron and driver were also measured. When controlled for maturity offset, CAT0 golfers produced significantly greater peak power, isometric absolute and relative peak force, movement competency, and jump distance than higher handicap golfers (all p < 0.05). Maturity status was strongly associated with CHS and carry distance for both clubs (R2 = 0.552–0.784). Linear regressions showed maturity offset explained a larger amount of variance in CHS (driver = 78.4%, 6-iron = 71.3%) and carry distance (driver = 55.2%, 6-iron = 57.4%) than handicap. Multiple linear regression analyses showed that peak power explained 79.4% and 82.4% of variation in 6-iron and driver CHS, respectively, while isometric absolute peak force explained 69.6% and 74.3% of the variation in 6-iron and driver carry distance, respectively. Subsequently, interventions targeting the development of peak force and power could aid golf swing performance in young golfers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]