Numerical investigation on the effect of waist movement towards the golf putting outcome

Abstract

Introduction: Golf is a sport that requires high accuracy and precision to obtain the best score. Throughout the game, accuracy and precision are most critical during putting. Putting is a golf stroke performed near or on the green area, which is supposed to be the final stroke to place the golf ball into the targeted hole. According to a study, putting can affect the golf score by up to 40%, highlighting its importance. Most of the time, golfers rely on qualitative feedback during putting practice that the golf ball ended up in or missed the hole. The qualitative feedback is subjective and unmeasurable. Aims: This study aims to provide golfers with numerical data to evaluate their putting performance. It focuses on the biomechanics feedback, specifically waist movement while putting. Methods: Three commercial IMU sensors by MbientLab were positioned along a golfer’s waist at three different locations. The golfer’s waist movement was recorded for several putting strokes. Results: Based on the findings, the waist movement certainly affects the putting outcome. It is found that minimum movement is preferable to increase the chances of having a straight putt. Conclusions: Golfers commonly rely on qualitative feedback to evaluate their putting; the golf ball ended up in or missed the hole. This kind of feedback is subjective, and golfers need information on how to move to obtain a good putting outcome. This study provides an insightful approach for golfers to analyse their putting biomechanics by providing numerical data for them to optimise their performance.