A randomized trial of traditional and golf-specific resistance training in amateur female golfers: Benefits beyond golf performance

• Resistance training improves health and performance in amateur female golfers.
• Outcomes are similar between traditional and golf-specific resistance exercises.
• The seated weighted ball throw (SWBT) is a responsive physical performance measure.
• The SWBT can be used as a proxy measure for improved golf performance.

ObjectiveCompare golf-specific resistance training (GSRT) with traditional resistance training (TRAD) with regard to golf performance and other outcome measures.DesignRandomized controlled study.SettingOutpatient gym.Participants45 female golfers were randomized into TRAD or GSRT, both of which targeted muscles active during the golf swing. Participants performed supervised training 3d.wk−1 for 10 weeks.Outcome MeasuresGolf performance, bone density, body composition, and physical performance tests.Results29 individuals (58.1 ± 2.1y; 15 TRAD, 14 GSRT) completed training. Completers were older (p = 0.048) and played golf more frequently than non-completers (p = 0.002), but were not otherwise different. Training decreased whole body fat mass (p = 0.013) and visceral fat mass (p = 0.033) across groups, but did not influence lean mass (p = 0.283) or bone mineral density (p = 0.205). Training increased driver speed (p = 0.001), driver distance (p = 0.020), and 7I distance (p < 0.001), but not 7I speed (p = 0.160), but no group or interaction effects were present. Training increased all physical performance tests (p ≤ 0.005) regardless of group, but the seated medicine ball throw was most related to baseline driver speed (r2 = 0.384), and also most responsive to training (r2 = 0.250).Conclusion10 weeks of supervised TRAD and GSRT provided similar improvements in body composition, golf performance, and physical performance in amateur female golfers.