The Relation between Physical Tests, Measures, and Clubhead Speed in Elite Golfers

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between selected physical tests and clubhead speed, and whether body mass should be considered when presenting the test results. Thirty-three male elite golfers (estimated skill range: Hcp +5 to 0, age 18–30 years) participated in the study. The following test categories were measured and compared to clubhead speed with Pearson r correlation: vertical jumps (squat jump, counter movement jump, and counter movement jumps with arm swing); body mass strength (bar dips, pull-ups and vertical sit-ups); one repetition maximal strength (1-RM) (left grip, right grip and squat); and sprint (10 and 20 m). The tests and measures significantly (p < 0.05) related to clubhead speed were body mass, all vertical jumps (peak power and jump height), sprint (mean power), right grip (mass), squat (mass), bar dips (repetitions x body mass), and vertical sit-ups (repetitions x body mass). These tests may be selected when players and coaches wish to analyse physical test results associated to clubhead speed. Peak power in vertical jumps is more strongly related to clubhead speed than jump height, but jump height may be used too. In sprint, mean power should be used for feedback instead of sprint time. Strength test results should be presented in absolute values (kg), not as relative strength. Body mass should be considered in vertical jumps, sprints, and body mass strength tests, but not in 1RM strength tests with external resistance.