The Effects Of A Novel Golf Training Device On Golfing Performance In Collegiate Golfers

Previous literature indicates that a dynamic warm up increases golf performance in youth golfers. Furthermore, warming up with resistance bands leads to improved performance in adult golfers. A novel golf training device designed to be worn during practice swings has been purported to improve golf performance. However, no research has been conducted on this device and therefore, the effects of this device remain unknown. PURPOSE: We tested the hypothesis that warming up with the novel golf training device will improve performance while swinging a lob wedge when compared to not warming up with the device. METHODS: Ten male collegiate golfers (age: 22 ± 3 y, BMI: 25 ± 2 kg/m2) completed three randomized trials: a control visit where the device was not worn (CT), a warm up visit where the device was worn during the warm up swings only (WU), and a visit where the device was worn the whole time (TP). The subjects warmed up with 10 swings using a lob wedge. After a 5 minute break, subjects completed 10 all out swings with the same lob wedge. Ball speed (km/h), launch angle (°), push/pull (°), carry distance (m), backspin (rpm), and spin axis (°) were measured for all 10 swings via a golf simulator and launch monitor and averaged. Data were analyzed via a one-way repeated measures ANOVA. RESULTS: There were significant differences in ball speed, such that WU was greater than CT (p = 0.01) and TP (p = 0.02) (CT: 137 ± 6 km/h, WU: 141 ± 6 km/h, TP: 135 ± 9 km/h). There was no main effect between conditions for launch angle (CT: 27 ± 3°, WU: 27 ± 3°, TP: 26 ± 4°; p = 0.14) or push/pull (CT: 3 ± 2°, WU: 3 ± 1°, TP: 3 ± 2°; p = 0.68). There were significant differences in carry distance, such that WU was greater than CT (p = 0.02) but not TP (p = 0.06) (CT: 93 ± 5 m, WU: 97 ± 6 m, TP: 91 ± 8 m). There was no main effect between conditions for backspin (CT: 10706 ± 1087 rpm, WU: 10996 ± 883 rpm, TP: 10579 ± 1008 rpm; p = 0.33) or spin axis (CT: 3 ± 2°, WU: 3 ± 1°, TP: 4 ± 5°; p = 0.51). CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that using a novel golf training device during warm up swings improves ball speed and carry distance, but does not negatively affect launch angle, push/pull, backspin, or spin axis. Thus, it is likely that using this novel golf training device will improve performance during a golf competition.