Driver Club Head Speed Correlates to Rotational Power in Competitive Amateur High School Golfers : Bachelor of Science Thesis 15hp

Abstract: Background: As a sport Golf is known for its power and precision regarding the swing. The swing that produces the most power is the drive. The club head speed (CHS) of the drive is a commonly used measurement of swing performance. Studies have shown a strong correlation between CHS and rotational power of the trunk musculature. Up until this year the gold standard for measuring rotational power of the trunk has been the medicine ball side throw (MBST). In 2012 a study investigating the rotational power in the trunk measured by a seated cable torso rotation (SCTR) was published. For this thesis, the authors hypothesized that the SCTR would have a higher correlation to CHS than MBST. Method: A correlation study design was used to examine the relationship between CHS, SCTR and MBST. 20 healthy competitive amateur high school golfers (n=20 - 17 male, 3 female, age 17 ±1.2, weight 73 ±12 kg, height 180 ±9 cm, handicap 6,6 ±2,4) were recruited. Results: Significant correlations were found between; CHS and MBST (r=0,79 p=0,01); CHS and SCTR (r=0,80 p=0,01, r=0,80 p=0,01). MBST and SCTR also significantly correlated with ball speed. Discussion: Results did not confirm the authors’ hypothesis, although both tests proved to be significantly correlated to CHS. This shows that both tests seem to be equally effective when testing rotational power in competitive high school golfers, although the MBST seems to be more efficient.