Analysis of the X-Factor and X-Factor stretch during the completion of a golf practice session in low-handicap golfers

Abstract

The X-Factor and X-Factor stretch have been positively correlated with golf long game performance. The aim of this study was to compare the X-Factor, X-Factor stretch and long game performance variables pre and following a golf practice session. A group of male golfers (n = 15, handicap = 3.3 ± 1.7) participated in the laboratory-based study. Movement and performance variables were collected from five golf swings performed pre and following a golf practice session using a motion-capture system and launch monitor, respectively. Following the practice session, significant increases were observed in the X-Factor (p = 0.00, d = 0.22) and the X-Factor stretch (p = 0.02, d = 0.25). Specifically, the X-Factor increased from 52.82 ± 5.64° to 54.06 ± 5.61° following the practice session. The X-Factor stretch increased from 1.54 ± 1.05° to 1.90 ± 1.41° following the practice session. Significant differences were displayed in club head velocity (p = 0.00, d = 0.35), ball velocity (p = 0.01, d = 0.21) and actual carry distance (p = 0.00, d = 0.29) following the practice session. These findings suggest that performing multiple golf shots is not detrimental in terms of muscular fatigue in the long game performance. In actual fact, the findings demonstrate that performing 100 golf shots increases the X-Factor, X-Factor stretch patterns and performance variables which, in turn, increases the long game performance. These findings can help Professional Golfers’ Association golf Professionals improve teaching practices and formulation of golf programmes and warm-up sessions.