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Golf is a popular sport; however, there is a paucity of data in relation to golf-associated fractures, and the rate and timing of returning to golf. The aim of this review is to describe golf-associated fractures, including epidemiology, management, and timing of returning to golf following treatment. A literature search was performed using MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. Data were extracted and summarized in a narrative synthesis. A total of 436 articles were identified with an initial search of which 58 met the inclusion criteria. Twelve anatomical sites of golf swing-related fractures were identified, of which 10 sites were specific for stress fractures. The most common sites of golf swing-related stress fractures were the ribs followed by the hook of hamate. There was a common theme of delay to diagnosis, being initially assigned to a soft tissue injury. Most golfers with swingrelated stress fractures were able to return to golf with the exception of osteoporotic associated vertebral stress fractures. Timing of returning to golf was between 4 and 12 months formost of the golfers with stress fractures following conservative management. Operative intervention was an option of hook of hamate nonunion, following a stress fracture, and tibial shaft stress fractures. Golf equipment-related fractureswere not rare andwere associatedwithmajor trauma and in some cases associated with significant persistent morbidity. Golf-related stress fractures commonly involve the ribs and hook of hamate; knowledge of this may aid in early diagnosis and appropriate treatment when symptomatic golfers are encountered. Although golf is a noncontact sport, fractures associated with golf equipment can be life changing, and safety training guidelines should be established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impact models are an important tool for golf equipment design as they allow for computer simulations to evaluate and optimize performance. There are several published driver impact models for this purpose. However, existing impact models have no or limited experimental validation to support their conclusions. The aim of this research was to extend several impact models from the literature to predict three-dimensional driver impacts and, for the first time, iron impacts. The accuracy of these models was evaluated using experimental data. Two impulse-momentum and three continuous contact models were applied to create dynamic models to predict driver and iron golf shots. While finite element models are used to design golf clubs, they were not considered here due to their high computational requirements. For modeling driver impacts, an adjusted IM model was the most accurate at predicting ball launch conditions. Ball speed was the most accurate launch condition with a mean absolute error of 1%. The error for vertical launch angle and backspin was less than 10%. However, the error for sidespin and horizontal launch angle (azimuth) was between 30 and 50%. For modeling 7-iron shots, a two-layer ball with a volumetric normal force model was the most accurate of the models considered. The experimental error for ball speed was 2%. The remaining errors were similar to the driver model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using data on advertising and sales of an innovative piece of golf equipment and the performance of its celebrity endorsers, the authors build a discrete-choice model that incorporates consumer awareness and preferences. They empirically investigate how celebrity endorsements affect consumer choices during new product introductions, the roles of planned advertising and unplanned media exposure, and how firms can strategically leverage the unplanned component. Model estimates reveal that wins in professional golf tournaments (which proxy for unplanned television exposure during weekly golf tournaments) affect awareness and that paid planned advertising impacts awareness and preferences. Focusing on Titleist equipment, counterfactual analysis demonstrates that the unplanned media exposure and planned advertising account for 22% and 24% of sales, respectively. The results also suggest that firms would benefit from coordinating the two. The planned portion should serve as a substitute for unplanned media exposure in the early stage and a complement as products age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to present strategic measures for the sustainability of exhibitions and fairs by examining the relationship between integrated marketing communication (IMC) and the customer behavior and recommendation intentions of the participants who attended golf exhibitions and fairs. To achieve this aim, we conducted a literature review of IMC to formulate a hypothesis; next, we administered a questionnaire to 256 participants at the exhibitions and fairs related to golf equipment. The results show that the two-way communication of the exhibition and fair was positive for the customer's continuous purchase intention, purchase behavior, and long-term relationship orientation, and the purchase behavior and long-term relationship orientation had a positive effect on the continuous recommendation intention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article highlights the collaboration between Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) REACH Colorado and organizations like the Colorado Golf Association, Game For Life, and Wilson Golf to offer financial aid for golf equipment and tournament entry fees to aspiring young players in the Colorado PGA Section. This initiative aims to ensure accessibility to golf programs for children who might face financial barriers, aligning with PGA REACH Colorado's mission of using golf.

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Current custom fitting guidelines for golf clubs suggest the smallest change in club length from a standard length iron should be 6 mm (1/4”). However, no previous research suggests why this length change is used. This study aims to identify the minimum noticeable difference in the length of 7-iron clubs using just noticeable difference analysis techniques. Fifty golfers of varying ability were asked to compare a standard length 7-iron to test 7-irons of varying lengths, regarding changes in the perception of club length and body position at address. Irrespective of golfing ability, golfers could perceive a just noticeable difference of 13 mm (1/2”) from the standard length club. However, when asked if changes in body position were present, category 1 golfers noticed differences with a 6 mm change in club length and category 2 golfers noticed differences with a 13 mm change. No changes in body position were perceived by highly handicapped golfers.

This paper empirically examines whether endorsement effects differ across consumer types-expert vs. novice. The study uses aggregate sales data from the golf equipment industry covering two unique retail channels (on-course and off-course) to estimate endorsement effects for Tiger Woods. The study finds that Tiger Woods’ endorsement of Titleist woods had a greater effect in the off-course retail channel frequented by novice golfers than the on-course channel frequented by experts. I determine that such an effect led to over 28 thousand more Titleist woods being sold and an additional $9.2 million in revenue for the 9 months prior to Tiger Woods switching to endorse Nike apparel and equipment. I also determine that Tiger Woods’ endorsement led to over $500,000 in additional profit for each of the last 5 months of his endorsement contract with Titleist, which provided a 49% Return on Investment from US sales of Titleist woods, putters, and irons. Lastly, I present preliminary evidence to explain a possible reason why the observed endorsement effects varied by consumer types—Tiger Woods’ endorsements were informative to consumers. Specifically, I find support indicating Tiger Woods’ endorsement was more informative to novice golfers than experts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the expansion of the Golf in Schools program in partnership with various foundations and organizations, providing schools with equipment, training, and field trips to golf courses, leading to increased participation and sustained growth opportunities. The program's transition year showcased substantial impact with increase in field trip attendance and emphasizes the positive feedback from teachers due to enhanced training, scheduling flexibility, and increased funding.

From a global perspective, Korea is a leader in the field of indoor screen golf technologies. However, some products and technologies that are being used in current indoor screen golf systems have shortcomings with regard to technical stability. Nowadays, hydraulic actuators are widely used in golf swing plate systems to adjust the plate and recreate for the player the slope of the terrain shown on the screen. However, the hydraulic actuators used in screen golf systems have disadvantages associated with them, such as oil leakage, bad control, and high price. To address what we perceive to be a shortage of existing alternatives, we developed a golf swing plate that uses screw actuators to drive the swing plate up and down. We take the opportunity in this study to perform an analysis of the kinematic behavior of our design employing three active PRS (Prismatic joint-revolute joint-spherical joint) legs that provide the golf swing plate with three degrees of freedom. In this paper, we focus on the derivation of kinematic equations and constraints related to kinematic variables. Furthermore, we derive the amount of translation necessary for each prismatic joint to achieve the motions required of the golf swing plate. We go on to verify the complex movement of the swing plate using the NX motion simulation program. Finally, we construct a prototype and test the functions of the golf swing plate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In golf, play on the green has a large impact on final score and a great amount of time is spent on coaching and practice greens to improve putting performance. The study purpose was to measure putting outcome performance when different length putters were used with an anchoring mechanism. Seventy-two skilled golfers each executed a total of 60 putts using standard, belly and long putters from two distances. Putting mechanics were assessed using SAM PuttLabTM. From 1.83m (6 ft) participants holed 80.3% of putts with a standard length putter, dropping to 78.6 and 75.3% for belly and long-handled putters. At 3.66m (12 ft) participants holed 51.7% of putts with a standard length putter, and 50.8 and 46.9% for belly and long-handled putters. Shot performance showed no significant differences between or within clubs. There were significant (p<0.05) but small effect size between-club differences for swing time, putter head rotation and putter face impact spot. Results show that while anchoring may reduce putter head rotation it does not prevent rotation. It has been ascertained for a large cohort of different handicap golfers not accustomed to using longer putters that using an anchored putter will not necessarily provide a scoring advantage over using a standard putter without an anchoring system. Practice may better focus on the individual golfer's specific technical weaknesses identified by the performer or by a coach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past decade, golf has stimulated people's great interest and the number of golf players has increased significantly. Therefore, how to train a golfer to make a perfect swing has attracted extensive research attentions. Among these researches, the most important step is to capture and reconstruct the swing movement in a transportable and non-intrusive way. Restricted by the development of present depth imaging devices, the initial captured swing movement may not be acceptable due to occlusions and mixing up of body parts. In this paper, to restore motion information from self-occlusion and reconstruct 3D golf swing from low resolution data, a Dynamic Bayesian Network (DBN) model based golf swing reconstruction algorithm is proposed to increase the capture accuracy considering the spatial and temporal similarities of swing between different golfers. A Smart Motion Reconstruction system for Golf swing, SMRG, is presented based on the DBN model with a popular depth imaging device, Kinect, as capturing device. Experimental results have proved that the proposed system can achieve comparable reconstruction accuracy to the commercial optical motion caption (OMocap) system and better performance than state of art modification algorithms using depth information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A device was created to enable a quadruple amputee golfer to securely hold a golf club and play the game. The device also offers a way to easily and independently switch one golf club for another during the round. It comprises a spring-loaded cylindrical fixture to hold the club to the prosthetic arm and a J-slot to twist and release the club to exchange it for a different club on the course. The device has been used to play golf for 5 years. The engineered solution attaches to the golfer's right arm and he swings using a right-handed stance. It includes a bend in the prosthetic arm to enable a more functional golf swing. A series of club fittings were conducted over a number of years and experiments were conducted on both driving ranges and golf courses with the aim of optimizing performance. The complete set of club specifications is included along with typical shot results for selected clubs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined the structural relationships among the variables of advertising value, attitude toward advertising, attitude toward the brand, and purchase intention in the context of golf products. The sample (N = 357) comprised members of 6 golf ranges in 2 major provinces in Korea. Structural equation modeling results supported all hypothesized direct associations except that for the advertising value component of irritation. Further, attitude toward advertising and attitude toward the brand played mediating roles in the relationship between advertising value components and purchase intention. We have redefined Ducoffe's outcome advertising value model in a golf-product advertising context and shed light on how consumers of these products form purchase intentions through tripartite advertising values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper seeks to address the implications on putting a golf ball with an off-center mass by analyzing the effect of unbalanced mass of ball on its impact and subsequent rolling. We present the general formulation of a rigid golf ball rolling with slip that is able to transition to rolling friction on an arbitrary surface. Particular attention is given to the effects of the offset center of mass on the golf ball's path. An experimental setup based on a USGA Stimpmeter is used to calibrate the position of contact point as the ball rolls on the green. The trajectories of the ball due to the mass imbalance were studied by numerically solving the equations of motion during putting. Theoretical predictions show that a mass imbalance has little effect on the launch conditions of the ball. However, on a level green a mass offset center of 0.2 % of the ball's radius can impact the path of the ball with the consequences of missing the hole in a 5.8 m putt. Changing golf ball trajectories with mass offset center has implications on the development of balls and putting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the diffusion of innovation framework, this study identified three distinct segments of golf product consumers using a cluster analysis and explored potential differences between segments on communication behaviours related to innovativeness. Results indicate that the members of each cluster show varying degrees of innovativeness for new golf products. Each cluster also was further distinguished based upon communication behaviours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the game of golf the putter is used for 40 to 50 percent of all strokes during a round. Therefore, it is important for a golfer to find the putter that suits the own game best and that promises the most success on the green. Compared to all their other golf clubs, average recreational golfers usually select their putter relatively fast - the main criterion for choosing a specific putter being the first impression after a few practice strokes. The purpose of this paper therefore is to find out whether this first impression is reliable in the process of finding a putter, a study was completed. The study was conducted with ninety test subjects of varying skill levels and experience. This study used three different types of putters. The putting accuracy of each test subject with every test putter was recorded. The subjects had to twice fill in a questionnaire about their perception of the putters’ properties before (Q1) and after (Q2) the putting sequences. The results of Q1 and Q2 were set in relation to the analysis of putting accuracy resulting in low number of successful identifications for Q1 and more than twice the number of successful identifications of Q2. An analysis of the handicap and the playing experience of the test subjects indicates that golfers of all skill and experience levels are able to find the best putter through the first impression. However, the results showed that the identification rate is still low. The paper therefore concludes that a golfer should not rely on the first impression alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hitting of titanium head golf driver against golf ball creates a short duration, high frequency impact noise. We analyzed the spectra of these impact noises and evaluated the auditory hazards from exposure to the noises. Noises made by 10 titanium head golf drivers with five maximum hits were collected, and the spectra of the pure impact sounds were studied using a noise analysis program. The noise was measured at 1.7 m (position A) and 3.4 m (position B) from the hitting point in front of the hitter and at 3.4 m (position C) behind the hitting point. Average time duration was measured and auditory risk units (ARUs) at position A were calculated using the Auditory Hazard Assessment Algorithm for Humans. The average peak levels at position A were 119.9 dBA at the sound pressure level (SPL) peak and 100.0 dBA at the overall octave level. The average peak levels (SPL and overall octave level) at position B were 111.6 and 96.5 dBA, respectively, and at position C were 111.5 and 96.7 dBA, respectively. The average time duration and ARUs measured at position A were 120.6 ms and 194.9 units, respectively. Although impact noises made by titanium head golf drivers showed relatively low ARUs, individuals enjoying golf frequently may be susceptible to hearing loss due to the repeated exposure of this intense impact noise with short duration and high frequency. Unprotected exposure to impact noises should be limited to prevent cochleovestibular disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today, there are approximately 5,466,000 adult women golfers. Although the population of women participating in golfing is tremendous, a needs assessment, especially for mature female golfers who are 55 and older, has not been explored by many researchers. Therefore, the purpose of this study was twofold: (1) to conduct a needs assessment and (2) to develop prototype golf wear for the mature female golfer. Problem-based design research was fully funded by Cotton Incorporated and focused on prototype development. To find the specific golf wear problems to be solved, the focus group interviews were conducted with women between the ages of 59 and 71, recruited from golf and country clubs in the northwest USA. To mirror apparel industry practice, students worked in teams. The design process was thoroughly considered by the students to develop prototypes of mature female golf wear that met the needs and wants of mature female golfers. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This article details the failure analysis of a commercial golf club hybrid-iron that fractured through the hosel during normal use. The golf club hosel was manufactured from a cast aluminum alloy, and the optical analysis revealed casting pores up to 20% through the hosel thickness. Mechanical properties of the aluminum alloy were determined for material characterization and used to construct a finite element model to analyze the performance of the material under failure conditions. In addition, a full structural scale experiment was conducted to determine the failure strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Golf handicap is significantly correlated to putting performance with low handicap golfers (LH) demonstrating increased putting accuracy compared with high handicap golfers (HH). Smaller center of pressure excursion (CPE) during putting has been demonstrated by LH golfers, suggesting balance is important during successful putts. The aim of this study was to examine CPE in low, mid and high handicap golfers about the mediolateral axis (ML) and anteriorposterior axis (AP). Nineteen subjects participated in the study; subjects were split into LH, mid handicap and HH groups. Subjects completed five successful 2.5m putts, standing on an RS FootScan. The LH group demonstrated significantly smaller CPE in comparison with the HH group about the AP axis, for all three phases of the putt. No significant differences were found between the groups about the ML axis. The reduction of CPE about the AP axis suggests increased balance in that direction, which may contribute to increased accuracy. Coaches should place emphasis on reducing CPE about the AP axis, consequently increasing balance during the putting stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When standing sideways to the ball, it becomes very difficult to see the veridical line of putt to the target and players often misread the direction. The purpose of the study was to determine if using a line on the ball aids putting. Twenty-four expert and twenty-four novice players each made a total of 40 putts, 10 putts each with and without using a line on the ball at distances of 1 m and 4 m away from the hole. When using a line on the ball, players were asked to stay behind the ball, align the ball line toward the target line, and then make the putt. Using a ball line did not aid in any aspects of putting including bias, accuracy, and consistency. In addition, experts who use ball line neither align nor perform better than those who do not use the ball line. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides a history of British golf clubs, or golfers' organizations, prior to 1914, and examines how the concepts of human, social, cultural, financial, and physical capital played a role within their development. The article provides a brief history of the popularity of golf in Great Britain, provides statistics on private golf club memberships, and discusses the employment of caddies at golf courses. Issues related to the purchase of public and private lands for use by golf clubs, golf course construction and maintenance costs, and club financing are also addressed.

Golf shafts are normally characterised using static or quasi-static tests, yet the golf swing itself is dynamic. The purpose of this research was to determine whether stiffness properties obtained from these tests can be used when modelling the dynamic behaviour of golf shafts made from carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP). Three shafts, matched for all properties except shaft flex, were subjected to human swing testing by 12 skillful players whilst strains were recorded. Peak principal strains as well as strain rates increased as shaft flex decreased ( p < 0.001). CFRP flat panels with lay-ups similar to those contained in the shafts were constructed and tested statically and at strain rates between 10 and 4 s. Some level of strain-rate dependency was found for these panels, but only for strain rates exceeding those seen during a swing, which suggests that static material tests are appropriate for measuring the dynamic stiffness of golf shafts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to: (i) overview the history of golf shoe design, (ii) identify the biomechanical methods used to assess shoe design concepts, (iii) review golf shoe research and to (iv) address research limitations that require further study. With an estimated 4.4 million golfers in Europe and 27 million golfers in the USA, it is surprising that little research has been conducted into the golf shoe and its interaction with the golfer. Pioneering research by Williams and Cavanagh (Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 15, 247–255, 1983) provided an understanding of the demands placed on the golf shoe during the golf swing and identified shear and vertical forces to be important factors influencing stability, force production, and resistance to slipping during the swing. Subsequent mechanical and biomechanical performance testing has identified shoe differences, and potential limitations of current golf shoe designs. Although shoe manufactures have changed the look of golf shoes over recent years, it can be argued that the basic sole shape and spike configuration remains comparable to the golf shoe designs of over 90 years ago. The asymmetric demands placed upon the golfer's front and back shoes during the swing provide manufacturers with a complex design problem, which is exacerbated by the undulating topography of courses and the requirement of the golfer to walk long distances during a round. At present there is no scientific evidence to suggest that any golf shoe design improves shot distance, accuracy or even facilitates the natural movements of the golf swing. As our understanding of the optimal design for enhancing golfing performance is limited, and given the manufacture of golf footwear represents a multi-million dollar industry, the scope for applied research in this field is considerable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite golf industry's size and economic importance comparatively little empirical academic research has been published. As part of a larger study aimed at investigating the web-based marketing and operations aspects of country/golf clubs and their effectiveness involving a representative sample of over 1100 golf clubs in the United States, we sampled all such clubs in the state of Kentucky. In this paper, we present our preliminary findings. Our study of Kentucky golf clubs indicates that while a large majority of them have some sort of web presence in most cases the websites play a mainly promotional/informational role. Few of them take advantage of the many marketing and operational opportunities offered by appropriately designed and operated websites that can help them to gain and sustain competitive advantage. We strongly suspect that the results obtained for Kentucky are very likely to be confirmed by our comprehensive nationwide study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a reply to Paul S. Glazier by Ian C. Kenny, Eric S. Wallace, and Steve R. Otto (KWO), the authors of "Influence of shaft length on golf driving performance," which appeared in an earlier issue of "Sports Biomechanics." In published comments Glazier had raised several issues with KWO's work. In the current article KWO respond to each of Glazier's concerns including the influence of individual differences and club characteristics, and conclude that their original findings remain valid.

Golf swing machines have become fundamental tools in the development of new equipment because they provide more consistent swing motions than golfers. Golf robots perform a simplification of the complex sequence of motions that compose a golf swing; however, traditional devices are typically capable of performing only a single swing profile at variable speeds. Significant differences exist between individual golfers' swing motions, especially for golfers of different ability, experience, and physical stature, which suggests a requirement for swing profile variability in mechanical simulators. This investigation has found that the swing motion of a traditional golf robot provides a poor representation of golfers' swings and, as a result, a bespoke control system has been developed for a commercially available golf robot to enable performance of variable swing profiles with positional feedback. Robot swing command files are generated by fitting a curve to a number of discrete data points that are equally spaced in time, and which define angles representative of individual golfers' swings. The swing profiles of a professional golfer and a traditional golf robot were repeated accurately using this golf robot with a modified motion control system. The capability for individual golfers' swings to be accurately replicated using a mechanical device was demonstrated using feedback data. All manufacturers recognize the importance of tailoring equipment to the unique characteristics of a particular golfer's swing, and this increased robot functionality will provide considerable benefits in the development of customized equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Motion capture has been used extensively to study the golf swing in the laboratory. As motion capture technology has become more sophisticated and less expensive, the number of research studies has increased as has the scope of these research studies. Motion capture technology has become so accessible that it is now being used outside of the laboratory, for golf instruction, coaching and club fitting. The use of this technology can enhance the teaching or club fitting experience, and will likely lead to increased understanding of the biomechanics of the golf swing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study to compare energy expenditure and perceived comfort using two modes of carrying a golf bag. the participants completed two trials of walking on a treadmill while carrying a golf bag. Oxygen consumption, heart rate, perceived exertion and comfort were measured during the five-minute walk. The perceived comfort was higher during the double strap trial.

The article presents a study that attempts to determine whether the new design of traditional metal spike golf shoe can reduce golf turf damage. Twenty-four golfers wore three different golf shoe traction designs when performing shots with a driver, 3 iron and 7 iron. Results concluded that a comparison of golf shoe designs highlights greater ground reaction forces with shorter irons.

Braiding is not currently used in the production of golf shafts. The objective of this work was to develop, through a modelling process consisting of altering lamina sequence, a golf shaft, using braided laminas, which would have mass, stiffness and torque comparable to commercially available composite and steel shafts. A 2D conical braided composite model was previously developed and validated to predict elastic constants of braided closed meshed structures. Energy methods were used to calculate the stiffness and torque of shafts using prescribed industry approaches. Shaft mass was calculated based on geometry and density of constitutent materials. Modelled shafts had both braided and unidirectional layers and compared favourably with or were better than commercially available composite and steel shafts in terms of deflection force and twist angle; they had the same weight as composite shafts but were much lighter than steel shafts. If these findings are verified, braided composites would be a viable and effective approach to the design of future golf shafts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The golf swing has been modelled as a planar movement, but recent findings suggest that the upper limbs and golf club do not move in a single plane. However, the idea that the club alone can be swung in a single inclined plane has not been investigated mathematically. The aims of this study were to determine whether a single plane could be fitted to club motion, and if this plane varied for different clubs. Ten golfers (handicap 1 - 5) performed repeated, consistent swings with three clubs (driver, 5-iron, and pitching wedge). The motion of each club during the downswing was fitted to a single plane. The fit of the plane varied between golfers and clubs (r2 = 0.871 - 0.995, root mean square residual = 44.9 - 166.2 mm). Mean angles of the plane to the reference horizontal Z axis (driver: 125.5°, s = 3.0; 5-iron: 117.1°, s = 3.0; wedge: 113.6°, s = 2.7) and target line axis (driver: -7.8°, s = 5.9; 5-iron: -4.9°, s = 5.7; wedge: -5.9°, s = 6.0) were significantly (P < 0.05) different. Further analysis revealed a single plane was more appropriate for some participants than others, but that it might be neither desirable nor possible in some cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The displacement of the golf ball struck by a driving club is affected by several player characteristics and equipment parameters and their interrelationships. Some modelling and simulation studies have shown a relationship between shaft length and clubhead speed, supported by a few experimental studies. The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between driver length and ball launch conditions in an indoor test facility using a ball launch monitor. Nine males considered to be skilled golfers participated in the study. Four driving clubs of total length 117, 119, 124, and 132 cm were assembled from commercially available components and were used to strike golf shots while initial ball velocity, backspin rate, and launch angles were measured. Statistical analysis identified a significant difference in initial launch speed due to club length, a significant difference between participants, but no difference between the trials for a given golfer. A positive trend was noted between backspin and launch angle for all four clubs, and significant inverse associations between initial launch speed and backspin rate and launch angle. However, the combined launch conditions associated with increasing length were not considered optimal, with uncontrolled swingweight and moment of inertia effects considered to be limiting factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the golf coaching literature stresses the importance of weight transfer during the swing, research has been conflicting or lacking statistical support. A potential problem with previous studies is that no attempt was made to account for different movement strategies in the golf swing. This study evaluated the relationship between centre of pressure measures and club head velocity within two previously identified swing styles, the "Front Foot" and "Reverse" styles. Thirty-nine Front Foot golfers and 19 Reverse golfers performed swings with a driver while standing on two force plates. From the force plate data, centre of pressure displacement, velocity, range, and timing parameters were calculated. Correlation and regression analysis indicated that a larger range of centre of pressure and a more rapid centre of pressure movement in the downswing was associated with a larger club head velocity at ball contact for the Front Foot group. For the Reverse golfers, positioning the centre of pressure further from the back foot at late backswing and a more rapid centre of pressure transfer towards the back foot at ball contact was associated with a larger club head velocity at ball contact. This study has highlighted the importance of identifying different movement strategies before evaluating performance measures, as different parameters were found to be important for the Front Foot and Reverse styles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on a golf pro's decision to develop a glove for golfers that have been disabled due to age or injury that assist them in gripping a golf club correctly and help golfers hold clubs correctly during a golf swing. A discussion of the benefits of a hand exercise machine called the Gripmaster, which is manufactured by DMM products and helps those who suffer from hand problems to improve the strength of their fingers and hands is presented. The plans of the golf pro to continue developing aids and training techniques for golfers with disabilities are discussed.

The oblique impact between a golf ball and a rigid steel target was studied using a high-speed video camera. Video images recorded before and after the impact were used to determine the inbound velocity v i, rebound velocity v r, inbound angle θi, rebound angle θr, and the coefficient of restitution e. The results showed that θr and e decreased as v i increased. The maximum compression ratio ηc, contact time t c, average angular velocity $$\overline{\omega } $$, and tangential velocity $$\overline{v} _{{\text{t}}} $$, along the target were determined from images obtained during the impact. The images demonstrated that ηc increased with v i while t c decreased. In addition, $$\overline{\omega } $$ and $$\overline{v} _{{\text{t}}} $$ increased almost linearly as v i increased. A rigid body model was used to estimate the final angular velocity ω* and tangential velocity νt* at the end of the impact; these results were then compared with experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Golf shafts are characterized and sold by manufacturers on the basis of their static properties; however, their performance is controlled by their dynamic properties. This paper discusses the relationship between dynamic and static stiffness for a range of carbon fibre composite (CFC) shafts. In particular, the influence of ‘seams’ (specific orientations of the shaft with differing mechanical properties) on static and dynamic stiffness is considered. Vibrational frequency analysis (quasi-static testing) was used to locate the seams, and bend testing was used to determine the static stiffness of the low (seam) stiffness and high (90° to seam) stiffness positions. Dynamic stiffness values were determined by firing a golf ball from a gas cannon at a target attached to the end of the shaft and measuring the resulting deflection for different golf ball speeds. It was found that the dynamic stiffness values over a range of strain rates were similar to the static values for the sheet-laminated shafts indicating that there is no strain rate dependency for these shafts over the strain rates tested. However, for the filament wound shaft, a significant increase in dynamic stiffness, compared with the static value, was seen. This was related to the different CFC microstructure of this shaft. It was also found that the presence of seams resulted in statistically significant differences in static stiffness with respect to shaft orientation for a number of sheet-laminated shafts, whereas there was no difference in dynamic stiffness values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to construct and evaluate the reliability of an apparatus for testing golf putters with respect to distance and direction deviation at different impact points on the clubface. An apparatus was constructed based on the pendulum principle that allowed putter golf clubs to swing at different speeds. The mean speed of the club head before ball impact, and of the ball after impact, was calculated from time measurements with photocells. A pin profile rig was used to determine the directional deviation of the golf ball. Three different putters were used in the study, two that are commercially available (toe-heel weighted and mallet types) and one specially made (wing-type) putter. The points of impact were the sweet spot (as indicated by the manufacturer's aim line), and 1, 2 and 3 cm to the left and right of the sweet spot. Calculation of club head speed before impact, and of ball speed after impact (proportional to distance), showed errors ⩽ 0.5% of interval duration. The variability in ball impacts was tested by measuring time and direction deviations during 50 impacts on the same ball. The mean duration (± s ) after ball impact in the test interval (1.16 m long) was 206 (0.8) ms and the standard deviation in the perpendicular spreading of the balls in relation to the direction of the test interval was 0.005 m. A test - retest of one putter on two consecutive days after remounting of the putter on the test apparatus showed less than 1% difference in distance deviation. We conclude that the test apparatus enables a precise recording of distance and direction deviation in golf putters as well as comparisons between different putters. The apparatus and set-up can be used in the laboratory as well as outdoors on the putting green. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the information sources that golfers used to purchase golf clubs. Three personal references (family, friends and salespeople) and five non-personal references (television, newspaper, magazine, product catalogue and the internet) were examined from a total of 626 randomly selected golfers in the US. Approximately 85% of the golfers stated that their primary information sources for purchasing golf clubs were personal references. The results suggest that a marketing strategy should place more emphasis on personal sources than non-personal sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measurements are presented of the speed at which six different rods could be swung by four male students. Three of the rods had the same mass but their swing-weight (i.e. moment of inertia) differed by large factors. The other three rods had the same swing-weight but different masses. Our primary objective was to quantify the effects of mass and swing-weight on swing speed. The result has a direct bearing on whether baseball, tennis, cricket and golf participants should choose a heavy or light implement to impart maximum speed to a ball. When swinging with maximum effort, swing speed (V) was found to decrease as swing-weight (Io) increased, according to the relation V = C/Ion, where C is a different constant for each participant and n = 0.27 when Io > 0.03 kg m². Remarkably similar results were obtained previously with softball bats (where n = 0.25) and golf clubs (where n = 0.26). Swing speed remained approximately constant as swing mass increased (when keeping swing-weight fixed). The implications for racket power are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes a vision system that recognizes moving targets such as vehicles and pedestrians on public streets. This system can: (1) classify targets {vehicle, pedestrian, others} and, for “vehicles,” discriminate vehicle types and (2) estimate the main colors of targets. According to the input images to the system, the categories of targets are set as {mule (golf cart for workers), sedan, van, truck, pedestrian (single or plural), and other (such as noise)}. Their colors are set as six color groups {red, orange, yellow; green; blue, light blue; white, silver, gray; dark blue, dark gray, black; dark red, dark orange}. In this experiment, we collected images of targets from 9: 00 a.m. to 5: 00 p.m. on sunny and cloudy days as system training samples. The recognition ratio was 91.1% under the condition that both the recognition results of type and color agreed with the operator’s judgment. In addition, the system can detect predefined specific targets such as delivery vans, post office vans, and police cars by combining recognition results for type and color. The recognition ratio for specific targets was 92.9%. For the classification and estimation of targets, we employed a statistical linear discrimination method (linear discriminant analysis, LDA) and a nonlinear decision rule (weighted K-nearest neighbor rule, K-NN). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, the shape optimization of a golf club head is investigated. The problem of maximizing the release velocity of the ball after impact is treated under the constraint of a specified weight of club head. The thickness distribution of the clubface is chosen as the design variable for optimization. The basis vector method, which is an approximating method for optimization problems in which the sensitivity cannot be derived analytically, is employed. The basis vector represents a fundamental change of shape, and it is preferable to obtaining effective results that the basis vectors be mutually independent. A simple approach to create the basis vectors using eigenmodes is also presented. The theory of impedance matching is confirmed numerically by a two-dimensional example. A three-dimensional example is given to show that this approach is effective for optimal design of the golf club head. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Imparting topspin on a golf ball from putter impact can be achieved either by oblique impact from negative-lofted putter faces or by vertical eccentric impact (commonly referred to as 'vertical gear-effect'). Negative loft gives a small amount of topspin but should preferably be combined with positive putter-head trajectory to give the ball lift at impact. Vertical gear-effect can provide high spin rates for impacts above the sweet spot and desirably gives the ball a small upward lift at impact. This paper outlines the theory of spin generation in putter impact, discusses how high vertical gear-effect can be implemented and considers the effect that such designs have on putt length control, directional accuracy and impact vibration. Ballistic measurement techniques to validate putter designs are described and an unexpected experimental result dependent on shaft coupling is analysed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies the different accident patterns for golf equipment for adults and children. Reference to previous publications investigating accidents involving golf clubs; Where most injuries occurred; Amount of deaths reported to the National Injury Information Clearinghouse; Conclusion reached based on the three sources of data.

An abstract of the study "Golf footwear: foot dimensions and functional fit," by Günther Schlee, Thomas L. Milani, and Franz Fehre is presented.

The article presents commentary from Paul S. Glazier on a paper by I. C. Kenny, E. S. Wallace, and S. R. Otto (KWO) entitled "Influence of shaft length on golf driving performance," which appeared in a prior issue of "Sports Biomechanics." In that paper KWO reported significant gains in carry distance without loss of accuracy by golfers using drivers with increased shaft length. Glazier points out several issues that need to be considered before KWO's findings can be accepted including the influence of individual differences, club characteristics, and the impact of task constraints.

The article focuses on the specifications needed for shorter golfers. These specifications include A-flex graphite shafts, thin grips and lie angle. It notes that A-flex is among the most flexible in graphite shafts that generates greater club head speed, higher launch without sacrificing distance or consistency and length is the most significant criteria for short golfers to improve their ball striking. Furthermore, the circle allows them to discover their swing plane. It mentions Jason, a sports enthusiast standing four feet and three inches, who was experimented for preparing the equipment and selecting the right length, shaft flex, lie angle, grips, and training aids for him to adjust in playing golf.

The article shares the author's experience of creating golf instruments for people with disabilities. It examines how the author imagined of how to enable people with arm disabilities to play golf just like professional players and cites his effort of collaborating with organizations to develop different types of fixtures that will enable prosthetic wearers to play the sport. It notes how the author relates the story of a father with his disabled daughter who was determined to learn how to play golf. Moreover, it expresses the author's joy of being able to develop a device that will provide chance for disabled person to play golf.

The article focuses on the concerns about golf education at the elementary level and keys that can help students progress in the experience. The type of golf equipment should be considered in introducing golf at the elementary level. Physical educators can use the alphabet as a visual reference when teaching the swing mechanics to students. Technical improvement of students requires a number of practice attempts.