PhD Study : Swing biomechanics and performance due to various combinations of equipment used in driving in golf

Summary

Biomechanics has been successfully used to analyse golf driving performance (eg., Chu et al., 2010, Kenny et al., 2008, Wallace et al., 2007) and more recently the effects of movement variability on performance (eg., Betzler et al. 2012, 2014, Jones et al., 2018). Importantly, our team has a wealth of experience in the scientific study of golf biomechanics and performance.

The purpose of this research is to determine the swing biomechanics and resultant performance of different types of equipment used by golfers to drive the ball. A wide range of methods are available at The R&A Research and Test Centre for this study including a 16-camera motion capture system and integrated force plates to track and evaluate body motion and variability. An existing bespoke motion capture system and user-written algorithms (developed under previous projects within this group – Betzler et al., 2014) could be used to track the clubhead just before and at impact, measuring clubhead speed, clubhead orientation, and impact location.

A Doppler radar device can measure golf ball speed. Measures include – in-swing body motion biomechanics, clubhead speed and efficiency (ratio of ball speed to clubhead speed) variability from shot to shot in clubhead speed, efficiency, impact location, attack angle, club path, and face angle. Non-parametric statistical tests (used in previous projects within this group – Betzler et al., 2012) may be used to analyse the data.

This PhD will provide excellent training in a wide variety of important research techniques.

In addition to the entry criteria, the successful applicant will be expected to have:

*Upper Second Class Honours (2:1) or higher Degree in Sports Science, Technology/ Engineering, Mathematics, or a related discipline from a UK institution

*Masters degree in cognate area (desirable)

References

Alexander, D.N. and Kern, W. (2005). Drive for Show and Putt for Dough? Journal of Sports Economics, 6 (1), 46–60.

Betzler, N.F., Monk, S.A., Wallace, E.S. and Otto, S.R. (2012) Variability in clubhead presentation characteristics and ball impact location for golfers’ drives. Journal of Sports Sciences, 30 (5), 439-448.

Betzler, N.F., Monk, S.A., Wallace, E.S. and Otto, S.R. (2014). The relationships between driver clubhead presentation characteristics, ball launch conditions and golf shot outcomes, Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part P: Journal of Sports Engineering and Technology, 228-242

Chu, Y., Sell, T. C., & Lephart, S. M. (2010). The relationship between biomechanical variables and driving performance during the golf swing. Journal of Sports Sciences, 28 (11), 1251-1259.

Jones, K.M., Wallace, E.S. and Otto, S.R. (2018). Differences in the structure of variability in ground reaction force trajectories provide additional information about variability in the golf swing, Journal of Sports Engineering and Technology. Pps 12.

Kenny, Ian C., Wallace, Eric S. and Otto, Steve (2008) Influence of shaft length on golf driving performance. Sports Biomechanics, 7 (3), 322-332.

Wallace, E.S., Otto, S.R., Nevill. A. (2007) Ball launch conditions for skilled golfers using drivers of different lengths in an indoor testing facility. Journal of Sports Sciences, 25 (7), 731-7.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• Research proposal of 2000 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• R&A Rules Ltd

The University offers the following levels of support:

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living