Abstract
To know the proper setup posture for the various clubs, changes of setup variables according to the change of golf club length was investigated. Swing motions of three male low handicappers including a professional were taken using two high-speed videocameras. Four clubs iron 7, iron 5, iron 3 and driver (wood 1) were selected for this experiment. Three dimensional motion analysis techniques were used to get the kinematical variables. Mathcad and Kwon3D motion analysis program were used to analyze the position, distance and angle data in three dimensions. The variables divided into three categories 1) position and width of anterior-posterior direction 2) position and width of lateral direction 3) angles and evaluated based on the theories of many good golf teachers. Major findings of this study were as follows. 1.The stance (distance between ankle joints) was increased as the length of the club increased but the increasing width was not large. It ranges from 5cm to 10cm and professional player showed small changes. 2. Forward lean angle of trunk was decreased (more erected) as the length of the club increased. It ranges from 30 degrees for iron7 to 25 degrees for driver. 3. Angle between horizontal and right shoulder were increased as the length of the club increased. It ranges from 10 degrees to 20 degrees and professional player showed small changes. 4. Anterior-posterior position of the shoulders were located in front of the foot for all clubs and the difference between the shoulder and knee position was decreased as the length of the club increased. 5. Anterior-posterior position of grip (hand) was located almost beneath the shoulders (2.5cm front) for iron7, but it increased to 10cm for the driver. This grip adjustment makes the height of the posture increased only 5cm from iron7 to driver. 6. Lateral position of grip located at 5cm left for the face of iron7, but it located at the right side (behind) for the face of driver. 7. Lateral position of the ball located at the 40%(15cm) of stance from left ankle for iron7 and located at the 10% (5cm) of stance for driver. 8. Head always located at the right side of the stance and the midpoint of the eyes located at the 37% of stance from the right ankle for all clubs. This means that the axis of swing always maintained consistently for all clubs. 9. Left foot opened to the target for all subject and clubs. The maximum open angle was 25 degrees. Overall result shows that the changes of the setup variables vary only small ranges from iron7 to driver. Paradoxically it could be concluded that the failure of swing result from the excessive changes of setup not from the incorrect changes. These findings will be useful for evaluating the setup motion of golf swing and helpful to most golfers.