The Biomechanics of Movement in Golf

Abstract

Golf performance depends on the ability to generate high clubhead speed while maintaining accuracy, consistency, and technical control. The golf swing is a complex whole-body movement that requires coordinated interaction between the lower limbs, pelvis, trunk, upper limbs, wrists, and club. Although golf biomechanics has been widely investigated in adult and skilled players, less is known about how elite youth golfers organize their swing when adapting to clubs with different mechanical and technical demands. This thesis aimed to analyze the biomechanical determinants of the golf swing by integrating the available scientific evidence and empirically assessing the kinematic differences between the Driver and the 7-iron in elite under-18 golfers. The thesis was organized in an article-based format. First, a systematic review was conducted to synthesize the main biomechanical determinants associated with golf swing performance, including intersegmental coordination, proximal-to-distal sequencing, pelvis-trunk coupling, X-Factor, ground interaction, neuromuscular control, clubhead trajectory, and injury-related mechanical loads. Second, an empirical kinematic study compared swings performed with the Driver and the 7-iron in elite youth golfers, focusing on setup variables, swing duration, phase structure, maximum velocities, and X-Factor. The systematic review showed that golf swing performance is multifactorial and cannot be explained by a single biomechanical variable. Efficient performance depends on the coordinated transfer of energy through the kinetic chain, stable postural control, appropriate timing, and the ability to adapt movement organization to task demands. The empirical study showed that the Driver produced a wider and deeper stance, higher maximum velocities during the backswing, downswing, and ball contact phases, and a greater X-Factor at the top of the backswing compared with the 7-iron. However, total swing duration and the relative duration of swing phases did not differ significantly between clubs, suggesting that elite youth golfers preserve a stable temporal structure while adapting posture and velocity production to club characteristics. In addition, X-Factor was not significantly correlated with swing speed, indicating that pelvis-trunk separation should not be interpreted as an isolated predictor of performance in young golfers. Overall, this thesis reinforces that the golf swing in elite youth players should be understood as a coordinated, adaptive, and developmentally sensitive movement. The findings highlight the importance of intersegmental coordination, rhythm, motor control, appropriate physical development, and individualized equipment selection in youth golf training.