Effectiveness of a Six-Week Strength and Functional Training Program on Golf Performance

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effects of six weeks of strength/functional training on muscular strength and golf performance, measured by club-head speed. Ten participants (age = 21.4 ± 2.3 yrs) were randomly assigned to an experimental group performing 6 weeks of strength/functional training or a control group that followed their regular activity/golf routine. Club-head speed was measured as an indicator of golf performance. A 2 × 2 ANOVA with repeated measures on swing speed revealed significant (*p* \< .05) differences between the groups for swing speed before training (Experimental: 50.87 ± 3.62 m/s., Control: 47.21 ± 1.56 m/s). No changes in swing speed were observed as a result of resistance training. Significant (*p* \< .05) differences were noted for bench press and leg press after the training program. No significant (*p* \> .05) differences were noted for vertical jump or sit-and-reach. Participants realized improvements in strength during their participation but these did not translate to increased golf performance as measured by swing speed.