(73) THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DRIVER SWING SMASH FACTOR AND CARRY ERROR DURING SUBMAXIMAL WEDGE SHOTS

Purpose: This study investigated the relationship between smash factor (ball speed/swing speed) with a driver swing and carry error with a wedge shot. Methods: 20 participants (3 women, 17 men, 23.9 ± 7.7 years (age), 177.0 ± 8.9 cm, 83.8 ± 27.7 kg, 9.3 ± 6.0 handicap) completed 10 driver shots with maximum club speed, in addition to 10 wedge shots targeting each carry distance of 70-, 50-, and 30-yards (40 total swings). Swing speed, ball speed, and carry distances were measured by a commercial golf simulator (SKYTRAK, GolfTec, Englewood, Colorado). The 5 best smash factors were averaged for each participant and compared to their average carry error for 70-, 50-, and 30-yard shots. Results: There was a significant positive relationship between smash factor and 70yd carry error (y=91.998x+140.16, R² = 0.4841, p< 0.05). There were no significant relationships between smash factor and carry distance error for 50- and 30-yard target distances. Conclusions: These findings suggest that smash factor is more related to carry distance accuracy during a higher effort shot compared to a submaximal distance control shot. Smash factor, which represents an effective contact between club and ball, does not account for appropriate swing speed during submaximal distance targets. Practical Applications: Thus, minimizing carry distance error for submaximal distance control may require additional skills beyond effective contact, such as swing speed and dynamic loft control. Acknowledgements: None