By Andy Todd

For many golf club members, strength and conditioning (S&C) can feel like a generic addition to their routine, if they have a routine at all. However, one of the most effective ways to make training truly beneficial is through objective testing. By understanding how your body produces and controls force, your training can be tailored specifically to you.

Golf places unique demands on the body. The golf swing requires coordination, balance, rotational power, and the ability to transfer force efficiently from the ground through the body and into the club. If there are weaknesses, asymmetries, or limitations in this chain, they can affect both performance and injury risk.

This is where modern testing technology, such as VALD force plates make a real difference. Force plates measure how you produce force through the ground during movements such as jumps, squats, and balance tasks. In just a few simple tests, we can obtain detailed insights into strength, power, balance, and left-to-right asymmetries that might otherwise go unnoticed.

For golfers, this information is incredibly valuable. It can highlight differences between the lead and trail side, identify deficits in power that may be limiting clubhead speed, and detect imbalances that could increase the likelihood of common issues such as lower back or knee discomfort.

Importantly, force plate testing also allows us to track progress over time. By repeating tests periodically, golfers can see measurable improvements in strength, power, and balance, ensuring that their S&C training is working, and continuing to support their game.

Ultimately, the goal is longevity. Most golfers want to keep playing well into later life, and maintaining physical capacity is key to doing so. By using data from force plate testing to guide training, golfers can build more personalised programs that support performance, reduce injury risk, and help them enjoy the game for many years to come.

We’re running a free Golf Performance Testing Day on 15 April at Murrayshall Country Estate, Perth. More information and secure your spot: https://www.athletefocused.com/golf-testing-day/