Analysis on Differences in Muscle Activities Depending on Distance Changes and Success or Failure in Connection with Golf Approach Swings

Abstract

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to compare differences in muscle activities according to distance changes, and success or failure in relation to approaches during a round of golf in order to obtain basic data on golf swings.Methods : To achieve our research goal, we asked eight professional golfers playing for the Korea Professional Golfers' Association (height: 1.76 ± 0.05 m, weight: 73.87 ± 9.21 kg, career duration: 12.87 ± 4.48 yr) to perform approach swings at distances of 30, 50, and 70 m.Results : No differences were observed in the muscle activity of the extensor carpi radialis that were caused by the distance changes. In addition, we found that the wrist extensors seemed unaffected by the increase in approach distance. Also, we found that the powers of the approach shots were driven by efficient movements rather than by the strength of the arms. We confirmed that when the distance of the approach increased, the golfers should perform their back-swing tops and follow-through right from the right to the left pelvic limb. To achieve successful approach swings despite distance changes, golfers should first work on the activity of the erector spinae to prepare for rotatory power in the P1 section. Moreover, golfers should increase the activity of the erector spinae on the left when they need to deal with the distance improvements in the P2 and P3 sections.Conclusion : In the light of the discussion above, we may infer that despite approach distance changes during a round of golf, ideal swings can be realized by consistent activities of the wrist extensor muscles and improved performances of the pelvic limb muscles. Furthermore, this study suggests that golfers should improve the consistency of muscle activities in all the other body parts to achieve the ideal swing.