Achievements obtained in a golf class evaluated using golf swing motion and putting ability measurements

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate golf abilities of novice golfers taking a 15-week university golf class. Three dimensional motion of golf swing with a 7-iron club was recorded to evaluate the improvement of golf ability during the class. Swing motions analyzed in this study were, 1. Club head velocity, 2. Shoulder and pelvic angle at the top of the backswing, 3. Separation angle at the top of the backswing between the shoulder and pelvis and its maximum value in the downswing, and 4. Maximum angular velocity of the separation angle in the downswing. A 3m putting test was used to evaluate putting ability. Putts were taken from two positions 3m from the target (cup) on an uphill slope and two positions 3m from the cup on a downhill slope. Measurements taken to evaluate putting ability were, 1. left and right distance of error, 2. front and back distance of error. Distance of error was measured from the center of the cup. All the measurements were taken at 3rd class (Pre) and at 15th class (Post). There was no significant increase in the club head velocity after the golf class. The pelvic rotation angle at the top of the backswing significantly increased from 48.3 ± 6.9 degrees to 56.6 ± 7.7 degrees. However, the maximum angular velocity of the pelvic segment was not increased. The change ratio of separation angle was from 3.8 ± 5.3% to 5.8 ± 9.6% in the downswing, which was small. No significant improvement was found in the 3m putting test for both uphill and downhill conditions between Pre and Post. This indicated that through the 15-week golf class, it was possible to learn to change pelvic rotational angle, but it was not possible to increase the maximum angular velocity by the time of ball impact. In addition, putting ability did not improve. These results indicated the need for the content of the class to be revised so that the students can attain a level that would enable them to complete an actual round of golf. We also believe it indicates the need for universities to carry out golf classes in their curriculum that additionally include off campus classes.