Comparison of the Clubhead Speed,, Driver Distance, and Muscle Activity by Swing Interval between Professional and Amateur Golfers

This study aimed to compare driver performance and phase specific muscle activation patterns between professional and amateur golfers and to identify neuromuscular differences according to skill level. Ten male professional and ten male amateur golfers participated. Surface EMG signals were recorded from six muscles (bilateral middle deltoid, external oblique, vastus lateralis) using the Trigno Research System. Raw EMG data were filtered, rectified, and converted to RMS, then normalized to %MVIC. Golf swings were divided into five phases(Address–Backswing–Downswing–Impact– Follow-Through), and mean activation for each phase was calculated. Driver distance, ball speed, and clubhead speed were measured using Vision Plus. Independent t-tests were used for group comparison (α=.05). Professionals showed significantly greater( p=.01) driver distance, ball speed, and club head speed than amateurs. In EMG results, no significant differences were found during phases 1 and 2, except for greater left middle deltoid activity( p=.04)in professionals during phase 2. During phase 3, amateurs exhibited significantly higher activation of the bilateral external oblique muscles(right, p=.04, left, p=.02). Conclusion: Professional golfers exhibited efficient segmental rotation and trunk stabilization, while amateurs tended to compensate with excessive trunk muscle activation around impact. The findings provide empirical evidence for understanding skill-dependent neuromuscular strategies in driver swing performance.