The Relationship Between the Golf-Specific Movement Screen and Golf Performance

Context: Golf requires effective movement patterns to produce an effective swing and performance. Objective: To determine the relationship between the Titleist Performance Institute golf-specific functional movement screening (GSFMS) composite and individual element scores and golf performance by assessing a player's handicap. clubhead speed, side accuracy, ball speed. peak pelvis rotation speed, swing sequence, and common swing faults. Design: Cohort study, clinical measurement. Setting: English golf club. Participants: A total of 11 amateur golfers: 5 males (age: 37.2 [18.7] y. height: 184.4 [9.6] cm. body mass: 89.5 [13.4] kg, and handicap: 9 [6.6]) and 6 females (age: 53.7 [15.0] y, height: 166.8 [5.5] cm, body mass: 67.9 [16.6] kg, and handicap: 13 [6.1]). Main Outcome Measures: GSFMS composite and individual element scores and golf performance variables. Results: Significant relationships existed between GSFMS composite scores and handicap (r = -.779, P= .01); clubhead speed (r= .701, P= .02); ball speed (r= .674, P= .02); and peak pelvis rotation speed (r= .687, P= .02). Significant relationships existed between 90 degrees/90 degrees golf position and clubhead speed (r = .716, P= .01); ball speed (r = .777, P = .01); seated trunk rotation and peak pelvis rotation speed (r= .606, P= .048); single-leg balance and handicap (r= -.722, P= .01); torso rotation and handicap (r = -.637,P = .04); and torso rotation and peak pelvis rotation speed (r= .741, P= .01). Single-leg balance, overhead deep squat, and pelvic tilt were the GSFMS tests which participants had most difficulty in performing. The most common swing faults identified included loss of posture, slide, chicken winging, and early hip extension. Conclusions: The GSFMS may be used to identify movement limitations that relate to golfing performance. These findings may potentially allow intervention to correct movement patterns and potentially improve golf performance.