Introduction
This week we look at John Hellstrom’s synthesis of the scientific literature from 2009, which even in 2017 continues to provide the golf community with important direction on how physique contributes to golf performance. This review is one of several cornerstone publications that help the golfer understand what physical improvements they should be aiming to make with their training.
Article Title
Hellstrom, John. Competitive Elite Golf: A Review of the Relationships between Playing Results, Technique and Physique. Sports Med 2009; 39 (9): 723-741
Background
Competition is extremely tough in world-class sports, forcing athletes to continuously find means of improving their performance. It is therefore important for both athletes and experts to help them to gather relevant information and accurately assess strengths and weaknesses before making interventions. Golf coaches, fitness trainers and other experts help elite players toward lower scores. Research may help them to achieve that goal more effectively. The purpose of this paper is therefore to review the research concerning elite golfers (i.e. professionals and amateurs with a handicap of <5) relevant to the competitive outcome, with focus on playing results, technique and physique. One review article, 44 original research articles, 28 proceedings from the World Scientific Congress of Golf, two other conference proceedings, 14 books and ten dissertations were reviewed.
Conclusion
In terms of physique the Hellstrom article provided this summary of what the research tells us is desirable for elite golf: A long range of motion and a high production of forces and torques are needed to create a large work on the golf club. Golfers therefore need to be flexible and have high maximal strength and power. A large spinal axial rotation, adduction of the left arm and protraction of the left shoulder girdle can lead to a long backswing. Strong legs and hip muscles can create high forces and torques toward the ground. The torso should be able to create high rotary power. A fast adduction of the right arm requires high power generated from the pectoralis major muscle, and the right triceps should have high power in order to extend fast through impact. Large grip strength is needed to control the club during high clubhead speed. In order to achieve a good kinematic sequence, players should probably have their proximal segments in positions so that the distal segments can create high torques without increasing the variability during the swing. Further research is needed to understand what effects physical training can have on the kinematic sequence during the downswing.