Dr E Wallace
No more applications being accepted
Competition Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)
About the Project
Department for the Economy (DfE) funded PhD Studentship in collaboration with R&A Rules Limited
Golf performance is largely determined by the golfer’s ability to control the distance and direction of shots and strokes using a range of clubs including ‘metal’ headed driver clubs, irons and a putter. Many single discipline and some interdisciplinary studies have been conducted to account for shot outcomes, with biomechanics featuring in many investigations in an attempt to gain a better understanding of the swing mechanics involved in the execution of successful strokes. Recently, movement variability in the golf swing of golfers has received scientific attention (for example, Betzler et al., 2012, Horan at al., 2011) with results showing some key body movement variability trends, but with recognition of the need to explore the causal relationship between neuromotor variability and shot outcome measures for golfers of both genders and across a range of handicaps. This project seeks to build on previous published work and on-going studies by our research team to develop our understanding of the relationship between movement variability and performance via a longitudinal study within the context of golf. It is anticipated that the scientific findings will not only inform the governing bodies of golf, but also the knowledge and practices of both clinicians and coaches with further potential impact on other sports. Aspects such as player variation between/across sessions and variability within sessions will be assessed together with the development of methods used to quantify a player’s performance using both temporal and spatial methods.
The student will analyse the body movement variability, variability in club head presentation to the ball, and the resulting ball impact location on the club face and resulting shot outcomes for a range of golfers of different ability using discrete single test sessions and repeated tests over a longitudinal study period.
Funding Notes
Candidates should have ordinary UK residence to be eligible for fees and maintenance. Non UK residents who hold ordinary EU residence may also apply but if successful will receive fees only. All applicants should hold a first or upper second class Honours degree (including substantive biomechanics theory and practical content) in Sports Science, Technology/Engineering, Mathematics, or related discipline. Applications will be considered on a competitive basis with regard to the candidate’s qualifications, skills experience and interests. Enrolment 1 October 2017 on a full-time programme of research studies.
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