Studying the Biomechanics of the Golf Swing

The brilliant writer, John Updike, once noted that “The golf swing is like a suitcase into which we are trying to pack one too many things.” In a study of the biomechanics of the golf swing, some specialists agree, exclaiming (as does Paul Geisler, for example) that the human body was not built for golf. In the same respect, others maintain that there is—in the biomechanics of golf swings—a scientific veracity to golfing and to golfing well.

What motions are involved in the biomechanics of the golf swing, motions required for the stages of the game? First is the degree of angling of the spine in the setup stage. The golfer must correctly position his/her legs, subtly jutting the torso forward and creating hinges of the hips. This first position establishes what Geisler calls an “axis of rotation” in the hip area, while the thighs form leverage and subsequent angle sufficient to the swinging of the club.

Next, the biomechanics of golf swings require an angling of the body which includes a lateral (sideways) bending, with one hand gripping the golf club at a lower position than the other hand. This angle—which is, like the first, involved in both the downswing and backswing movements—is especially demanding on the spine and requires a flexibility, an agility, and a minimum of weight shifting.

But, again, the biomechanics of the golf swing are a complex science which many challenge the accurate depiction of and even the most articulate and studied experts sometimes disagree on. For example, while most concur that the swing must ideally be smooth and uninterrupted, flowing in a continuous motion (like the swing Chevy Chase made infamous in his zen depictions in the 1980 film, Caddyshack), and while most also agree that the “upper body should turn behind the ball” (as per John R. Stephenson, MD) during take-away, there is ambiguity in how the hips should be placed, moved, and/or used. Some maintain, that is, that the hips move in response to the body moving/movements, while others assert that the hips steer the upper torso, more active than passive.

The issue involved in the biomechanics of golf swings, however, is not so much whose motion is superior, necessarily, but more which motions will incur injury if done incorrectly. Granted, the goal of the perfect, most efficient, most effective golf swing is involved here, but just as important is the correctness of the motion, to ensure physical well-being of the golfers—who at last count (reported by David Geisler in Biomechanics Magazine) were up to 25 million strong in the United States alone. Yet since it is also reported (in the same article, with Geisler citing research of Dr. Batt, et.al.) that 42% of these have admitted to golf afflictions such as tendonitis and various bodily sprains, it might do golfers more good than not to study some of the biomechanics of the golf swing themselves.

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Studying the Biomechanics of the Golf Swing to Prove and Improve the Game

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