Golf is one of the world's major sports and consequently the focus of world-class scientific research. This landmark publication is the most comprehensive book ever published on the science of golf, covering every sub-discipline from physiology, biomechanics and psychology to strength and conditioning, youth development and equipment design. Showcasing original research from leading golf scientists across the globe, it examines the fundamental science underpinning the game and demonstrates how it can be applied in practice to improve and develop players. Each chapter provides a definitive account of the current state of knowledge in a particular area of golf science, addressing the limitations of existing research, presenting new areas for development and discussing the implications for coaches, players, scientists and the wider golfing public. Truly international in scope, the variety of topics explored include: biomechanics and equipment skill learning and technology performance development psychological techniques for success the golfing body. This is an essential reference for any student or researcher with an interest in the game, or any coach or professional looking to improve their knowledge.

Golf is one of the world's major sports and consequently the focus of world-class scientific research. This landmark publication is the most comprehensive book ever published on the science of golf, covering every sub-discipline from physiology, biomechanics and psychology to strength and conditioning, youth development and equipment design. Showcasing original research from leading golf scientists across the globe, it examines the fundamental science underpinning the game and demonstrates how it can be applied in practice to improve and develop players. Each chapter provides a definitive account of the current state of knowledge in a particular area of golf science, addressing the limitations of existing research, presenting new areas for development and discussing the implications for coaches, players, scientists and the wider golfing public. Truly international in scope, the variety of topics explored include: biomechanics and equipment skill learning and technology performance development psychological techniques for success the golfing body. This is an essential reference for any student or researcher with an interest in the game, or any coach or professional looking to improve their knowledge.

This book establishes a comprehensive understanding of the role that shaft stiffness plays in executing a golf drive. A thorough set of experiments was conducted to answer explicit questions related to this goal. Specifically, how does shaft stiffness affect clubhead speed and how does it alter clubhead orientation at impact? What are the underlying mechanisms responsible for the pattern of shaft deflection occurring during the downswing? For the first time, a 3D, 6-segment forward dynamics model of a golfer and club was developed to answer these questions. The golfer model was optimized for maximum clubhead speed using a genetic algorithm that determined the best activation pattern for the simulated muscles that provided energy to the system. High speed video data of shaft bending during the swings of actual golfers were collected to assess the validity of the model. In addition to the findings on shaft stiffness, the development of the model led to an understanding of the role that passive joint forces play in squaring the club for impact. This book also serves as a solid introduction to forward dynamics modelling.