Biomechanics in Golf

The description of how the body moves in the golf swing is the science of Golf Biomchanics. A massive amount of time and money is spent by the average player, in purchasing and improving their golf equipment - simply, they prioritise more technically advanced golf clubs. By far the most important component in improving golf swing efficiency and repeatability, is getting the body to move efficiently.

The modern golf swing has developed to the point where there are certain immutable "corridors" in which the the body segments must move if your desire is to become an elite tour player or just, drop your handicap. The concept of corridors of where the club must "fit" was first suggested by Jim McLean in his successful book where he outlined the "eight steps" in the golf swing. He proposed the concept that there was not one correct "method" that all players should fit in to. More correctly, he suggested, that players who operated within certain corridors would improve their likelihood of quality and consistent ball striking. In reality, these corridors are a little wider in the takeaway and definitely narrow as the player returns the golf club toward impact - a concept that certainly allows for some of the variations that we see in our leading Tour players, for example Jim Furyk. Despite the fact that Jim's swing may be considered on the limit or outside the "ideal corridors" during the backswing it certainly fits perfectly in the corridor in the last few moments prior to impact.

With the advent of real time three dimensional kinematics, is is possible to measure exactly what the body segments are doing and how they relate to other parts of the body. Measurement can provide us with how much a segment moves in a straight line as well as in rotation. Finally the actual speeds that the segments move can be compared to tour players and thus assist your PGA Professional and allied health staff member, to specifically prescribe exercises and drills that will accelerate your technical improvement.

Example of 3D Kinematics of Backwing Numbers

Much of the ground breaking work on defining these corridors has been done by Dr Rob Neal, the CEO and Founder of Golf Biodynamics and the Biomechanics Director of The Golf Athlete. His optimisation modelling has allowed a multitude of PGA Professionals and allied health staff members around the world, to improve the technical improvement of their players. We would refer you to www.golfbiodynamics.com for more in depth information regarding this service. There are now around 20 licensees of Rob's system of measurement and reporting, around the world - follow your browser to locate your nearest GBD staff member or licensee - all these people have completed some formal training with GBD and The Golf Athlete.

To view an example of the Latest 2010 version of the 8 page 3D kinematic assessment report from the proprietary Golf Biodynamics Software -click here.

Example of 3D Kinematics of Hand Path & Body Segment Sequencing

In the biomechanics section of the TGA website we will examine a number of topics where myth and personal opinion are not supported by the measurement of what the golfer actually does with the golf club in his/her hand.

If you have any specific subjects that you would like to see the TGA staff and network highlight or explain for the benefit of all our members and visitors, then please don't hesitate to email our Biomechanics Director or our Physiotherapy Director, and we will add your suggestion to our topics for discussion.