INFLUENCES OF GOLF CLUB SELECTION ON GROUND REACTION FORCES ON A NATURAL GRASS SURFACE

Abstract

Ground reaction forces were measured on natural turf at both feet during the golf swing using a driver and a 3-iron. Sixteen male golfers, with handicaps 0-14, performed 5 shots with each club while wearing a golf shoe with an alternative spike design. The front foot forces were greater than the back foot forces in all three orthogonal planes. At the front foot the maximum vertical force (Fz) generated was much greater when using the 3 iron by approximately 50%. The mean Fz range was greater when using the 3 iron of approximately 1.2 BW compared to 0.79 BW when using the driver. The back foot mean maximal Fz force generated was again greater for the 3 iron by 59% and mean Fz range approximately twice as great as compared to when using the driver. The Fx medial lateral force generated at the back foot was 60% greater when using the 3 iron.