Impact Of Leg Balance Dominance Distance Efficiency In Ncaa Division I Female Golfers

Optimal weight distribution and transfer enhances distance efficiency in the golf swing, allowing golfers to achieve greater distance with less swing speed. Weight shifts to the trail leg in the backswing and to the lead leg in the downswing, supporting energy transfer, balance, and ideal attack angles. For irons, a forward weight shift creates a downward attack angle for control, while a rearward shift enables an upward attack angle for greater driver distance. The Y-Balance test can be used to assess leg dominancy in golfers, which can ultimately help give insight into distance efficiency. PURPOSE: To examine lead and trail leg balance dominance in collegiate female golfers and its impact on distance efficiency. METHODS: Six right-handed NCAA Division 1 female golfers completed the Y-Balance test and completed 5 shots each using two clubs (driver and 7-iron). Y-Balance left and right leg composite scores were used to classify golfers as lead-leg or trail-leg dominant, with a higher left score indicating lead-leg dominance and a higher right score indicating trail-leg dominance. Clubhead speed and carry distance were measured using a TrackMan Launch Monitor. Distance efficiency (yards/mph) was calculated by dividing ball distance by swing speed. Independent t-tests were used to compare distance efficiency across clubs between leg dominant groups, and Cohen’s d effect sizes were calculated. RESULTS: No differences (p > 0.05) were found for distance efficiency between clubs. However, large effect sizes were found for iron (d = 0.72) and driver distance efficiencies (d = 1.2) between lead and trail leg dominant golfers. Notably, two (33%) lead-led dominant golfers showed higher 7-iron distance efficiency (1.94 ± 0.09 yds/MPH) than trail leg-dominant golfers (1.86 ± 0.13 yds/MPH). Trail leg-dominant golfers had greater driver distance efficiency (2.33 ± 0.06 yds/MPH) compared to lead leg-dominant golfers (2.16 ± 0.19 yds/MPH). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest lead leg dominance may enhance 7-iron distance efficiency, while trail leg dominance favors driver performance. Effect sizes indicate this pattern likely reflects reliance on the dominant leg for weight transfer, with lead leg dominance promoting a downward angle for irons and trail leg dominance supporting an upward angle for drivers.