The golf swing involves a complex sequence of body movements which adjust according to the demands of a given shot. The purpose of this study was to determine common characteristics and essential elements of the golf swing under various conditions. The swing patterns of thirteen elite professional golfers were analyzed using three-dimensional kinematics to determine the essential elements of optimal movement patterns for distance (DS; 1W), accuracy (AS; 8I), and intermediate (IS; 3I) shots, and a general model of golf swings. Two high-speed video cameras (250 frames per second) recorded frontal and sagittal views of the golf swings. Three-dimensional data were subsequently normalized across; (a) duration of each swing (N1) and (b) range of values and duration (N2). For these normalized data sets, F and t-tests were calculated for each kinematic variable for each point in normalized time across conditions. An ensembled plot was created for each data set and commonality and uniqueness analysis techniques were used to determine the essential elements of the golf swing. Despite similarities in the temporal characteristics of the golf swing across conditions, significant differences were observed in the top of swing positions (TOS). Lower body TOS preceded upper body TOS which preceded club TOS (p<.01). This sequencing suggested the existence of a "wind up motion" preceding downswing. The range of rotation for the hip, shoulder, and golf club segments were significantly different across conditions (DS>IS>AS, p<.05). Adjustment in the rotations depended upon the club selection and was proportional to the duration of the swing and the range of motion of the three segments. Commonality analysis results indicated that an optimal golf swing may be represented by a single model rather than a specific model for each golf club. The critical element during the swing was the constraint of the right knee and hip during the take away phase. During take away, the lower body rotated about the right leg while the upper body rotated about a point near mid-shoulders. For all clubs, the "wind up motion" initiated the downswing phase and was perhaps responsible for an initial delay of wrist uncocking during this phase. / Graduation date: 1995

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 2002. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references. Available also from UMI Company.

There is no abstract available for this thesis. / School of Physical Education

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Victoria University (Melbourne, Vic.), 2006. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison, 1969. / eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.S.)--Ball State University, 2003. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 54-57).

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison, 1968. / eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M. Sc.)--University of Alberta, 2009. / Title from pdf file main screen (viewed on Aug. 24, 2009). "A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Alberta." Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.S.)--Springfield College, 2003. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 107-111).

It is important to investigate how the golf swing changes with extended play because fatigue affects the performance of athletes playing sports similar to golf. Golf is a physically demanding sport when playing 18 holes while walking and carrying a bag. The effect of playing 18 holes of golf on the mechanics and swing outcome of the golfer are currently unknown. The knowledge of how extended play affects the golf swing will aid golfers, golf coaches, and researchers in understanding proper golf training and play affected swing mechanics. This study investigates the effect of playing 18 holes of simulated golf on the mechanics and performance of the golfer. A total of seven male and female recreational golfers scoring between 80 and 95 on 18 holes of walked golf were recruited for 3-D motion analysis of 140 tee shots. Mechanical variables and outcome variables at three phases of the golf swing were tested over time to evaluate the relationship between time (playing golf), mechanical variables, and the outcome of the golf shot tested statistically using path analysis. Weight transfer to the lead leg at ball contact was significantly related to club head velocity (CHV). Over time, golfers were less able to achieve a weight transfer to the lead leg, which was directly related to the golfers' club head velocity. The lead knee and lead ankle angles were also affected by time, which had an influence on club head velocity. These results suggest that golfers do change their swing throughout the course of 18 holes of walked golf and there are key swing mechanics which significantly influence golf performance. / School of Physical Education, Sport, and Exercise Science