LEARNING GOLF DRIVE: NATURAL SWING PATH TENDENCY TO SLICE, FADE OR PULL

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify if there is a natural tendency to deviate from a parallel-to-target line at impact, while learning the drive swing. During coaching, on a reduced-size driving range, the participants (n=10) only received augmented feedback related to knowledge of performance by combining Leadbetter Interactive and SmartSwing analysis software. To capture motion data, augmented coaching equipment included two video cameras and a SmartSwing™ club (3D sampling at 1000 Hz). To overcome SmartSwing’s inability to export swing datasets directly into a spreadsheet file and to eliminate human error, the swing reports (s=328) were exported using independently developed software. Findings related to the natural tendency to slice, fade or pull can aid golf coaching activities, club-fitting and golf technology.