Golf Strength and Conditioning Program Analysis: Are Coaches Using Golf Specific Practices?
Abstract
The beliefs and perceptions of golf strength and conditioning coaches dictate how golfers are
trained. As dynamic correspondence and transfer of training principles highlight, distinctions
between utilized training interventions could provide explanations regarding appropriate
practices for golfers. The present study followed a grounded theory qualitative structure. The
purpose was to investigate golf strength and conditioning coaches’ training beliefs, training
practices, and to define a golf-specific exercise. Eighteen golf strength and conditioning coaches
participated in virtual semi-structured interviews, and each provided a training program example
reflecting their beliefs used in practice. Qualitative and quantitative data in the form of a survey,
interview, and the training program example were collected. A grounded theory emerged that
indicated a lack of consensus in the golf strength and conditioning field for what defines a golfspecific
exercise and the use of such interventions in training programs for golfers. The present
grounded theory speculated shortcomings exist because “golf-specific” had yet to be defined in
the field and literature, in conjunction with held misconceptions about training principles and
specificity. Furthermore, data suggested golf strength and conditioning coaches utilized Western
civilization strength and conditioning characteristics of incorporating powerlifting exercises and
utilizing indirect performance measures to assess training progress for golfers. This study was
the first of its kind to quantify golf specificity and define golf-specific. As the grounded theory
supplied an initial analysis of the specificity of training golfers, future studies should continue to
develop the evolving concept of golf-specific training.
Subject
Grounded theory
Studies and exercises
Golf--Training
Permanent Link
http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/85261Type
Thesis
Description
M.S. Strength and Conditioning