Relationships between Challenge Tour golfers’ clubhead velocity and force producing capabilities during a countermovement jump and isometric mid-thigh pull

Abstract

A number of field-based investigations have evidenced significant relationships between clubhead velocity (CHV), vertical jump performance and maximum strength. Unfortunately, whilst these investigations provide a great deal of external validity, they are unable to ascertain vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) variables that may relate to golfers’ CHV. The aim of this investigation was to examine the relationship between Challenge Tour golfers’ CHV and countermovement jump (CMJ) positive impulse, isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) peak force (PF) and rate of force development (RFD) from 0-50 ms, 0-100 ms, 0-150 ms and 0-200 ms. Thirty-One elite level (Challenge Tour) golfers performed a CMJ and IMTP on dual force platforms at a tournament venue, with CHV measured on a driving range. Pearson’s correlation coefficients revealed a significant relationship between CHV and both CMJ positive impulse (r = 0.616, p < 0.0001) and IMTP PF (r = 0.319, p < 0.05), with each of the RFD time integrals being non-significant. The results of this investigation indicate that it is the magnitude and not the rate in which force is developed that has the greatest relationship with Challenge Tour golfers’ CHV.