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Anthropometry and Golf

Anthropometry is an underrated aspect of the sport of golf. While skill is undoubtedly the most important factor of success in golf, the physical and physiological components of the golfer also play a part.



Tall players with long arms can generate a faster club head speed, though may find it harder to balance. There are tests to measure Height and Arm Span. Excess body fat is also not desireable in a golfer. In addition to the effects on general health, the extra weight that has to be carried around the course will accelerate fatigue. Body fat can be measured using the skinfold method. If this is not available, monitoring body weight changes would give an indication of body fat changes, assuming no change in muscle mass.

Anthropometry and Olympic Athletes

Rio 2016 Olympic Games

Here is average data from the analysis of the anthropometric data of the golf players at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

  Age (years) height (m) weight (kg) BMI
AVERAGE (all sports) 26.8 1.77 72.0 22.9
golf (all players) 30.1 1.74 71.4 23.3
golf (females) 27.5 1.69 63.2 22.0
golf (males) 32.5 1.79 79.0 24.6


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