5 Key Properties of Clubhead Speed: An In-Depth Analysis for the Competitive Golfer

Becoming a certified PGA professional is a challenging and time-consuming process, involving years of study and practical experience. Throughout my four-year apprenticeship, I encountered numerous aspects of golf instruction, but one concept that stands out in its importance is the understanding of the five key properties that influence clubhead speed.

Despite only being briefly covered in a half-page of a 250-page PDF for the Introduction to Teaching and Golf Club Performance, these properties are critical to understanding and improving performance in the game.

The five properties affecting clubhead speed are:

1. Physical Strength

2. Body Flexibility and Mobility

3. Swing Technique

4. Leverages (Height, Lever Lengths)

5. Neuromuscular Coordination

   
   

These factors all contribute to a golfer’s clubhead speed, with each playing a significant role in generating power. The degree to which each factor impacts a golfer’s speed can vary between individuals, but it’s beneficial to focus on improving them all equally to maximize performance.

If any of these properties improve, the golfer will experience a boost in clubhead speed; conversely, any decline will result in a decrease in speed. The key to improving efficiency is determining which areas need focus and working to enhance them.

1. Physical Strength: A Key Driver of Speed

Physical strength is a primary contributor to clubhead speed. The more force a golfer can generate, the more power they can transfer to the golf ball. According to recent studies, strength plays a particularly crucial role in the golf swing, especially for driving distances. Golfers with higher strength levels can generate greater clubhead speed, which directly correlates to more distance off the tee.

Strength training has been shown to improve not only physical power but also the overall efficiency of the swing.

For example, research by the Titleist Performance Institute found that golfers who incorporated strength training into their routines saw an average increase in clubhead speed of 2-5 mph. This increase can add 10 to 20 yards to a golfer’s drive, depending on swing mechanics and other factors.

In particular, core strength plays an integral role in generating rotational power during the swing. Studies have shown that golfers with a stronger core can generate more torque, resulting in greater speed at impact. A 2018 study published in the Journal of Sports Science and Medicine highlighted that golfers with stronger core muscles produced an average clubhead speed increase of 3.5 mph over a 6-week period of targeted training.

2. Body Flexibility and Mobility: Maximizing Range of Motion

Flexibility and mobility are crucial for generating efficient clubhead speed. A golfer’s ability to rotate freely and achieve optimal positions during the backswing and downswing is directly linked to their flexibility. A restricted range of motion results in a less fluid swing, ultimately reducing the golfer’s ability to generate speed.

For example, the European Journal of Sports Science reported that golfers who improved their hip and thoracic spine mobility saw an increase in clubhead speed of up to 4 mph, and their accuracy also improved due to better swing mechanics. The study emphasized the importance of flexibility in generating power while maintaining control over the golf club.

Incorporating dynamic stretching and mobility exercises, particularly those that focus on the shoulders, hips, and thoracic spine, is a proven method to improve a golfer's swing mechanics. A golfer’s ability to turn their upper body while maintaining lower body stability is crucial for generating speed. Research from the Titleist Performance Institute further supports this by showing that golfers who consistently work on flexibility see an average increase of 1-3 mph in their clubhead speed over time.

3. Swing Technique: The Core of Speed Generation

While strength and mobility are essential, the most effective way to increase clubhead speed is through improved swing technique. The most significant swing mechanic contributing to clubhead speed is the proper swing sequence. When executed correctly, a golfer's body unwinds in a sequence that generates a whipping action of the clubhead.

A study conducted by Dr. Sasho MacKenzie, a renowned biomechanics expert, revealed that golfers with optimal swing sequencing generated an average clubhead speed increase of 3-6 mph. The key here is to sequence the lower body (legs), then the core (hips), then the upper body (shoulders), and finally the arms. This delayed release, known as lag, allows the golfer to store energy during the downswing and release it at impact, maximizing speed.

The effectiveness of swing technique is clear: golfers who have mastered the sequencing and proper technique can see immediate improvements in both clubhead speed and ball flight accuracy. Golfers can refine their technique by working with a coach who can provide feedback on key elements of the swing and help them achieve the correct sequencing. Practicing this technique with a club in hand on the driving range is far more effective than isolated exercises without the club.

4. Leverages (Height and Lever Lengths): Natural Influences

Leverages, including height and arm length, are inherent factors that cannot be altered, but they still play a role in generating clubhead speed. Tall golfers, or those with longer limbs, have a natural advantage when it comes to lever length. The longer the lever (i.e., the arms), the greater the distance over which the clubhead travels, which can result in increased speed.

However, golfers cannot significantly influence these variables, except by adjusting the length of their clubs. While it might seem tempting to use longer clubs to gain more leverage, this would disrupt the golfer’s swing technique, making it less efficient and reducing accuracy. Club fitting, therefore, becomes crucial, as it ensures that the golfer is using clubs that complement their body size and swing style.

5. Neuromuscular Coordination: Genetic Factors and Limits

Neuromuscular coordination refers to a person’s ability to activate muscles efficiently. In golf, this manifests in the fluidity and timing of the swing. While this property is genetically influenced and largely outside of a golfer’s control, it does play a significant role in the ability to generate speed.

Neuromuscular coordination is typically assessed through vertical leap tests, as they provide a measure of how well the body can generate force quickly and efficiently. Golfers with better coordination tend to have smoother, faster swings, even if they don’t necessarily have the same level of strength or flexibility as others. According to the American Journal of Sports Medicine, male golfers typically show better neuromuscular coordination than females, even when both have similar physical attributes like strength and mobility.

While neuromuscular coordination cannot be directly trained, golfers can still improve their efficiency through refined technique and muscle memory. A golfer with good technique and strong neuromuscular coordination will consistently generate higher clubhead speed with less effort.

Conclusion: Optimizing for Maximum Clubhead Speed

To achieve optimal clubhead speed, golfers must address the factors that they can control—swing technique, physical strength, and mobility. For competitive golfers, focusing on these factors off the course—through gym sessions, targeted flexibility training, and consistent practice with proper technique—will lead to significant improvements. While leverage and neuromuscular coordination are largely predetermined, they can be optimized within the context of a well-rounded approach to improving golf performance.

In summary, golfers who focus on enhancing their strength, flexibility, and swing mechanics, while understanding their natural leverages and neuromuscular limits, will see measurable improvements in their clubhead speed. By focusing on these controllable factors, golfers can unlock their full potential and gain an edge over their competitors.