Age-Related Differences in the Rhythmic Structure of the Golf Swing

ABSTRACT

Participants were 20 younger golfers (M age = 19.8 years, SD = 1.84 years) and 20 older golfers (M age = 63.0 years, SD = 2.55 years) who attempted 40- and 80-yard eight-iron shots requiring an adjustment of their force and timing. No age-related differences were found in the tempo or speed of the shot; however, there were differences in the rhythmic relationship between the clubhead force and the weight shift. Whereas younger golfers primarily exhibited a 3 versus 2 polyrhythmic pattern between the peak forces of the clubhead and weight shift, older golfers primarily exhibited a simpler 3 versus 3 rhythmic force pattern by adding a forward weight shift at the beginning of the shot. Additionally, older golfers exhibited less independence between the timing of the clubhead force and weight shift, which indicated greater use of a single integrated coordinative unit rather than 2 units. These findings are interpreted as compensations for age-related slowing and increased temporal variability that help to preserve tempo at a speed comparable to younger adults.

Keywords:

• aging
• coordination
• golf
• rhythm

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This article is based on the dissertation of the first author (Kim, 2009). The authors wish to thank Thomas Nygren, Del Lindsay, Derek Jankowski, Scott Jankowski, Shane Ruland, Mary Hartzler, Coach Therese Hession, Assistant Coach Amy Langhels, and Ulrich Mayr for their help and advice.

Notes

Chip shots are short shots of about 25 yards or less, which are typically made near the green.

Short iron shots are made with an eight-iron, nine-iron, or pitching wedge and travel less than about 100 yards.

Long driver shots are made with a driver and typically travel more than 200 yards.

Advanced skill level golfers had handicaps of 5–10 strokes greater than par, which is typically 72 shots for 18 holes.

Intermediate skill level golfers had handicaps of 15–20 strokes.