Hip Rotation Initiates Downswing: Pro Golfers Swing Differently than Amateurs: Stanford School of Medicine Study Shows Biomechanical Differences

Jessica Rose, PhD, and a team of researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine have obtained valuable new insights on the golf swing. As John Sanford writes:

"For the first time, several key rotational-biomechanic elements of the golf stroke in its entirety, from backswing to follow-through, were analyzed, and then the data were used to generate benchmark curves, said Jessica Rose, PhD, associate professor of orthopaedic surgery and senior author of the study."

The medical object of the study was of course to study golf-induced injuries by studying swing fundamentals. It was found that pros do in fact swing differently than amateurs:

"Researchers analyzed several biomechanical elements of subjects’ golf swings, including S-factor (tilt of the shoulders), O-factor (tilt of the hips) and X-factor — the relative rotation of the hips to the shoulders, measured in degrees — which is considered key to power generation. Previous research has shown that pro golfers who hit the ball far generally have a larger peak X-factor than their peers, but this study is more extensive in that it considers X-factor in relation to other rotational biomechanics of the golf swing over the full duration of the motion."

Of immense use to all golfers, pro or amateur, and immensely valuable to teaching professionals, the study found for the first time scientifically that it is hip rotation that initiates the downswing:

"Conrad Ray, the Knowles Family Director of Men’s Golf at Stanford University and a co-author of the study, said the findings give scientific backing to the elements of golf-swing form that professionals have long understood are vital for generating power. The study also helps to clarify some unresolved questions about golf-swing biomechanics, Ray said. “One question that always comes from students is, ‘What starts the downswing?’” he said. “People have had different answers. Some would say the hands, or others would say the shoulders or the lower body. But the study confirms that rotation of the hips initiates the downswing. So that, to me, is an interesting finding.”"

Caddy Steve Williams Leaves Tiger Woods and Caddies Adam Scott to U.S. Open Title

It's the Caddy, Daddy! Forget all that expensive golf equipment and all those expensive golf lessons. Invest your money in the right caddy.

Caddy Williams leaves Tiger Woods and caddies Adam Scott to U.S. Open Title

Gareth Maybin Trick Golf Shots on YouTube from Sportsrisq.com

Sportsrisq.com has some great trick shots by Gareth Maybin, but for God's sake, don't try this at home or show it to your kids, or if you do, tell them some of these shots are extremely dangerous and not to be repeated! I am guessing some of those shots were either computer-assisted or they had to do umpteen retakes to get one to work. NOT TO BE REPEATED, FOLKS. Just watch and enjoy, but play golf normally.  ONLY for professional trick shot artists -- also not for normal adults either.

Please note that we are not liable for anyone trying this stuff. DO NOT!

Hat tip to Rob Ahlschwede.

Golfers Must Haves: GPS Golf Buddy: Titleist Scotty Cameron Squareback 2 Putter: Going for Golf Magazine (with Direct-Golf.co.uk) -- Splendid Photographs of Golf Courses, Golf Hotels and Golf Resorts

The sun is shining again in this part of Europe, after a longer absence, warming golfers' hearts for (hopefully) the rest of a summer that has virtually disappeared in inclement weather.

This is not an ad, by the way, but rather only the LawPundit's personal opinion, as a golfer, about some new developments in golf "products", widely defined.

I always say I am open to the receipt of free golf equipment and/or free golf trips and/or apartments/villas from the companies and products I tout (the new GPS Golf Buddy World Platinum, the new Titleist Scotty Cameron Squareback 2 Putter, and the new Las Colinas Golf and Country Club in Orihuela, Spain are currently high on my list).


Direct-Golf.co.uk recently sent me the July 2011 issue of Going for Golf, an interactive online golf magazine which has some tremendous stunning photographs of golf courses, golf hotels and golf resorts.

Direct-Golf.co.uk is a leading European golf retailer selling golf equipment, and is the retail partner of Going for Golf, which sells golf travel destinations.

They do it well. You just want to get out there and play golf. Fore.