90,423 research outputs found
The 2010 regulations on golf groove design: impact on ball flight characteristics during a controlled shot.
No full textThe purpose of this study was to investigate the difference in the amount of spin that can be generated during a controlled golf shot, as a result of the 2010 rule change regarding restrictions applied to the design of the grooves on the clubface implemented by the United States Golf Association and the Royal & Ancient Golf Club. Ten experienced golfers (mean ± SD; age, 23.0 ± 0.67 yr; playing experience, 13.2 ± 1.6 yr; handicap, 1.6 ± 1.4) were required to play a total of 120 shots inside a state of the art golf simulator with 3 clubs consisting of ‘old’ pre 2010 U-groove design and ‘new’ post 2010 V-groove design. With the U and V grooved clubs, participants played 10 shots from a fairway mat and 10 shots from a rough mat using a 9 iron, PW and SW. Backspin (RPM) and, as a measure of accuracy, distance landed from the pin (yds) were recorded. Compared to the U-grooves, the newer V-groove design imparted significantly less backspin from both the fairway and rough surfaces (P < 0.05), additionally, shots with all clubs were consistently further away from the pin (P < 0.05). The newer groove design does not enable players to impart as much backspin on the ball as they previously could and our data suggest that the recent change in golf club design might therefore reward driving accuracy
Widening Participation in Golf: Barriers to Participation and GolfMark
No full textThis research was commissioned by the EGU and R&A in 2010. The aims of the research project were threefold:
1) To review the academic literature on barriers to participation in sport, especially golf;
2) To survey clubs, members and nomadic golfers to describe their perceptions of GolfMark and the issues it intends to address;
3) To gather in-depth data from a range of golf clubs to help understand how different club cultures may lead to the exclusion of underrepresented demographic groups
Exploring perceptions for Cyprus as a sustainable golf destination: Motivational and attitudinal orientations of golf tourists
No full textThe study examines the perceptions of golf tourists in Cyprus, focusing on the sustainable character of golf practices through a series of statements that explore their motivation, and the experienced attributes of the Cypriot golf tourist product. Based upon a survey in three Cypriot golf courses, results show that the major motives of golf tourists to visit Cyprus include the island’s natural characteristics and the friendly environment. Furthermore, their perceptions concern their social interaction, environment and relaxation. The findings provide insight for the policy-makers to understand golf tourists’ perceptions and design accordingly the Cypriot golf tourism product. An integrative model is proposed for examining the motivation and perceptions of golf tourists in relation to attributes that can shape meaningful experiences and the sustainable development of golf tourism. This line of inquiry can be a useful perspective in examining comprehensively the shaping of sport tourist experiences within a sustainability context
A Cross National Study of Golf Tourists’ Satisfaction
No full textThe purpose of this study was two-fold: firstly, it was to examine the determinants satisfaction levels of golf tourists and secondly to investigate if these vary across golf tourists’ country of residence. Using data collected through a survey of golf tourists visiting Lisbon (Portugal), attributes directly related to playing golf as well as more generic destination attributes were examined as potential determinants of golf tourists’ satisfaction. The data was analysed in two stages by the means of logistic regression. In stage one, the analysis was based on a representative sample of golf tourists to the region. In the second stage, two separate analyses were undertaken, one examining the satisfaction of Nordic golf tourists and another of British golf tourists (the two main markets for Lisbon). The results indicate that the satisfaction level of golf tourists is influenced by several factors, including those related to perceived quality and value. In addition, the results suggest that satisfaction is influenced by cross-cultural differences. While some determinants were important influences for both the British and the Nordic golfers, other determinants were specific to each country of origin. lytoinvestigateifthesevaryacrossgolftourists’countryofresidence.Using data collectedthroughasurveyofgolftouristsvisitingLisbon(Portugal),attributesdirectlyrelatedto playinggolfaswellasmoregenericdestinationattributeswereexaminedaspotentialdeterminantsof golf tourists’satisfaction.Thedatawasanalysedintwostagesbythemeansoflogisticregression.In stage one,theanalysiswasbasedonarepresentativesampleofgolftouriststotheregion.Inthesecond stage, twoseparateanalyseswereundertaken,oneexaminingthesatisfactionofNordicgolftourists and anotherofBritishgolftourists(thetwomainmarketsforLisbon).Theresultsindicatethatthe satisfactionlevelofgolftouristsisinfluencedbyseveralfactors,includingthoserelatedtoperceived qualityandvalue.Inaddition,theresultssuggestthatsatisfactionisinfluencedbycross-cultural differences.WhilesomedeterminantswereimportantinfluencesforboththeBritishandtheNordic golfers,otherdeterminantswerespecifictoeachcountryoforigin
Professionalism, golf coaching and a master of science degree
No full textA distinction can be made between 'professionalisation', which is concerned with occupational status and standing, and 'professionalism,' which refers to matters of quality and standards of practice (especially specialized knowledge, ethics and altruism). The purpose of this stimulus article is to present key features of contemporary medical professionalism as a basis for critically reflecting on discourse associated with Tiger Woods' current coach, Sean Foley. It is suggested that that provision of a Master of Science degree in golf teaching/coaching would facilitate the development of 'professionalism' in golf coaches
Development Scenarios of Sustainability for Golf: The Algarve Case
No full textGolf is becoming a major industry worldwide. The majority of the Portuguese golf courses are located in the Algarve region. Golf tourism has a great economic impact on the Algarve and is regarded by local tourism developers as a vehicle for tackling the seasonal patterns of “mass tourism”. In consideration of the concerns of those involved in regional tourism and golf, the University of Algarve has developed a prospective study on the sustainability paths of this activity, starting from an integrated analysis of the reference conditions of golf in the Algarve, with respect to environmental, economic and social dimensions. This paper presents the sustainability assessment framework developed in this study and the results from its application to the Algarve’s golf courses through the definition and evaluation of three alternative development scenarios and their associated impacts. The application of economic, social and environmental indicators was a key tool for the construction of the “baseline”, “moderate” and “intensive scenarios”. It was concluded that the development of further golf activity in the Algarve should be framed within high service and environmental quality standards. The sustainability area for golf course development should vary between 29 and 41 gold courses (equivalent of 18 holes).
The ecology and control of earthworms on golf courses
No full textEarthworm casts on golf courses affect the playability of the turf and can potentially
damage mowing equipment. Traditionally this problem has been limited using chemical
controls. It is estimated that 0.6% of the total UK land surface is occupied by golf
courses, therefore, the land management strategies which green keepers adopt with
respect to the application of chemicals has a major environmental impact. The aim of
this thesis was to investigate the ecology and potential control of earthworm casting in
golf turf in environmentally sustainable ways.
A quadrat survey of earthworm casts was conducted over two years at five golf courses
in Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire, UK. Using generalized linear models and
forward multiple stepwise regression, an internally validated predictive model of
earthworm casting activity was constructed. Annual activity on surfaces was predicted
using five physicochemical parameters of which C: N and total inorganic nitrogen were
the most important. Environmental parameters were also used to predict monthly
earthworm activity, with evapotranspiration and rainfall representing the most
significant variation. '
Mustard extraction surveys were used to investigate species diversity and community
structure of earthworms. Four dominant species were identified (Aporrectodea rosea,
Lunibricus rubellus, Aporrectodea longa and Lumbricus terrestris). It is likely that A.
longa and L. terrestris, the two must abundant anecic forms, cause the greatest
problems to green keepers as these are the largest of the four earthworm species.
The microbial community of soil represents the earthworm's primary food source. An
analysis of the microbial community size (using chloroform-extraction) and community
structure (using phospholipid fatty acid [PLFA] analysis) showed that different surfaces
found on golf courses supported significantly distinct and consistent microbial
communities. Differences in population size and structure were evident at different
depths through all golf course soil profiles investigated. Individual surface types were
comparable, irrespective of geographical location. Therefore different surfaces and
depths through the soil profile on golf courses represent different earthworm habitats.
An investigation of the effects of different construction techniques and materials used in
the golf industry on the rate of earthworm cast formation was made. This showed no
effect of construction on the vertical distribution of earthworms, but the rate of casting
increased on the sand dominated surfaces. It is proposed that this is due to the lower
calorific value that this soil represents to the earthworms. This knowledge was applied
in an earthworm cast mitigation experiment, reducing casting rates by stimulating the
size of the microbial community with glucose solution. Control through physical
exclusion of earthworms to the surface using a buried mesh was also trialled and
significantly reduced earthworm casts, however no causal mechanism could be
elucidated.
This study has advanced the understanding of earthworm ecology on golf courses,
deriving mechanistic understandings of this system as a whole. This will lead to a more environmentally sustainable approach to the control of earthworms on golf courses
Treatment of Travel Expenses by Golf Course Patrons: Sunk or Bundled Costs and the First and Third Laws of Demand
No full textTo attract golf patrons, sport managers must understand consumption patterns of the golfer. Importantly, the treatment of travel costs must be understood. According to the Alchian-Allen (1964) theorem, golfers treat travel costs as bundled costs (third law of economic demand) whereas classical consumer theory indicates that golfers treat travel costs as sunk costs (first law of economic demand). The purpose of this study was to determine if golf patrons treated travel costs as sunk costs or if they treated travel costs as a bundled cost. Data from a survey of course patrons in Ohio support the treatment of travel costs as bundled costs by golf course patrons, especially those classified as tourists. Managers should utilize geographic segmentation in choosing whom to market their course based upon their product’s price compared to area competitors, as shown by the strong, positive correlation found between distance traveled and cost of green fees.Alchian-Allen Theorem; Third Law of Demand; Golf Tourism; Bundling
The construction, irrigation and fertiliser nutrition of UK golf greens
No full textA field trial was established of a mixed grass sward grown on three types of golf green construction. These consisted of a topsoil, a sand, peat and soil mixture, and a pure
sand. Experimental treatments applied were three levels of irrigation, five of nitrogen fertiliser and two of phosphate. The trial was maintained as a golf green, and artificial wear was applied. Soil moisture deficit predictions by the Meteorological Office conformed with measurements from the soil construction, but the sand-based
construction types showed higher deficits. The overall rate of evapotranspiration was around 65 % of predicted values. Pore structure of the sand-based rootzones changed slowly over time, but water infiltration rates fell markedly. The soil constructions showed a reduction in the proportion of larger pore spaces in the top of the profile, and
infiltration rates were consistently low. Plant death was associated with both high and low rates of nitrogen fertiliser, low rates of irrigation, and was especially apparent on the sand constructions not receiving phosphate fertiliser. Ingress of the weed species Poa annua (L.) occurred mainly on the soil constructions and its rate of ingress was enhanced by increased nitrogen input. Golf ball roll and various aspects of their behaviour after impact onto the turf with simulated 5-iron flight characteristics were measured. Roll length declined with increasing fertiliser rate. Hard greens produced long, high bounces
and shallow pitch marks. High rates of both irrigation and nitrogen produced deeper pitchmarks and were associated with the tendency of balls to "screw back". A multivariate
method of classifying the quality of golf greens on the basis of a small number of objective measurements was developed. The classes of greens derived were described in
terms of their average visual merit, green "speed", bail behaviour after impact, and the treatment factors which they had received
Analysis of the 5 iron golf swing when hitting for maximum distance
No full textMost previous research on golf swing mechanics has focused on the driver club. The aim of this study was to identify the kinematic factors that contribute to greater hitting distance when using the 5 iron club. Three-dimensional marker coordinate data were collected (250 Hz) to calculate joint kinematics at eight key swing events, while a swing analyser measured club swing and ball launch characteristics. Thirty male participants were assigned to one of two groups, based on their ball launch speed (high: 52.9 + 2.1 m +- s71; low: 39.9 + 5.2 m +- s71). Statistical analyses were used to identify variables that differed significantly between the two groups. Results showed significant differences were evident between the two groups for club face impact point and a number of joint angles and angular velocities, with greater shoulder flexion and less left shoulder internal rotation in the backswing, greater extension angular velocity in both shoulders at early downswing, greater left shoulder adduction angular velocity at ball contact, greater hip joint movement and X Factor angle during the downswing, and greater left elbow extension early in the downswing appearing to contribute to greater hitting distance with the 5 iron club
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