The X factor and its relationship to golfing performance
Date
2009
Authors
Cole, M.
Grimshaw, P.
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Advisors
Journal Title
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Volume Title
Type:
Journal article
Citation
Journal of Quantitative Analysis in Sports, 2009; 5(1):1-9
Statement of Responsibility
Michael H. Cole and Paul N. Grimshaw
Conference Name
Abstract
It is often postulated that an increased hip to shoulder differential angle (`X-Factor') during the early downswing better utilises the stretch-shorten cycle and improves golf performance. The current study aims to examine the potential relationship between the X-Factor and performance during the tee-shot. Seven golfers with handicaps between 0 and 10 strokes comprised the low-handicap group, whilst the high-handicap group consisted of eight golfers with handicaps between 11 and 20 strokes. The golfers performed 20 drives and three-dimensional kinematic data were used to quantify hip and shoulder rotation and the subsequent X-Factor. Compared with the low-handicap group, the high-handicap golfers tended to demonstrate greater hip rotation at the top of the backswing and recorded reduced maximum X-Factor values. The inconsistencies evident in the literature may suggest that a universal method of measuring rotational angles during the golf swing would be beneficial for future studies, particularly when considering potential injury.