Analysis of elite golfers’ kinematic sequence in full and partial shots

Aim The purposes of the present study were, to determine if partial and full-swing shots performed by skilled golfers were organized in a proximal-to-distal sequencing (PDS) pattern and to examine the speed-summation effect at pelvis, upper torso and hand segments. Method Three-dimensional kinematic recordings of pelvis, upper torso, and hand were made while forty-seven skilled golfers stroke three different clubs a range of submaximal and maximal shot distances. Results This study showed a clear proximal-to-distal temporal relationship of movement onset and peak angular speed at the pelvis, upper torso and hand segments in the golf swing. The same temporal structure was evident at all test conditions, among different gender and level of expertise. Further, results revealed a summation effect of angular velocity from proximal-todistal, with each succeeding segment generating a larger rotational speed than the proximal segment. However, the increment in speed from proximal-to-distal was different among gender and level of expertise. Conclusions The temporal relation of segment kinematics suggests a common PDS organization in partial and full-swing shots for skilled golfers. A speed-summation effect of segmental angular speed indicates that participants did utilize interaction torques in a proximal-to-distal manner. The role of the observed PDS organization and speed-summation effect in partial shots might be to improve accuracy and, potentially, golfers should concentrate on speed initially in learning the golf swing.