Dissertation: How Are Developments In Golf Equipment Positively AndNegatively Impacting Professionals And Their Performance?

Name: Lucas Golding

Role & company: Sponsorship and Consultancy, MKTG Sports and Entertainment

Introduction:

Sporting technology is constantly evolving, influencing both player performance and the game itself. Manufacturers release new equipment almost every year, often claiming that each model is an improvement over the last. While advancements like increased distance or greater forgiveness in drivers may offer benefits, it raises the question of how much golf equipment has truly changed. Do professional golfers genuinely feel a difference, and if so, does it significantly impact their performance, or is the effect more psychological than physical?

Due to the innovation of equipment, golf professionals have exploited those benefits which is threatening the relevance of traditional golf courses which has led the USGA to take action and implement the rollback which is a rule aimed at reducing the distance a ball will travel. While many see this as a positive as there are concerns that courses are too long and therefore is bad environmentally, there is evidence to support that the balls distance will be reduced due to a players swing speed. This in turn has its own issues, predominately for the professional as a they work hard in the gym to gain the speed and strength to hit it as far a they do. This study evaluates how technological advancements in golf equipment impact professional performance at three levels: individual players, the game’s dynamics, and the broader golfing experience. Through examining professional golfers’ perspectives, performance impacts, commercial pressures, and potential fairness concerns, this research aimed to assess the balance between innovation and the sport’s integrity.

Key findings:

The quantitative findings revealed that, despite the frequent release of new clubs, the technological differences between old and new models are relatively minimal. While modern clubs can enhance aspects like forgiveness and consistency, players noted that while new clubs can improve confidence, but overall performance gains were often marginal. In contrast, the evolution of the golf ball was found to have a more significant effect on performance. It was recorded that the newer golf ball influenced both physical aspects of play, such as distance and control, but also had psychological factors, such as confidence which would affect how they would play certain holes.

During the semi-structured interviews, players discussed the importance and evolution of equipment and explained how majority would not always like the newer model despite the benefits the manufacturer says it’ll have. Some preferred to stick with older clubs especially if they won with these clubs in the previous season highlighting that the familiarity and confidence they have with their current equipment often surpass any slight performance advantages offered by newer models.

When the topic of the rollback was discussed, majority of participants acknowledged that some courses have become excessively long, and that continuously expanding course lengths is not a sustainable solution. However, the majority of golfers expressed a sense of unfairness regarding the proposed rollback regulations (which are being implemented to counter this) as they felt that they were being punished for their dedication for building up their swing speed. Therefore, some participants proposed other regulations instead such as narrower fairways, tougher rough or even reducing the number of golf clubs allowed in a bag to encourage creative shot shaping.

Conclusion:

This study explored the impact of advancements in golf equipment on professional performance, highlighting both positive and negative effects. Technological innovations have undoubtedly enhanced the game, with improvements in club and ball design enabling players to achieve greater distances, accuracy, and consistency.

While the rollback seeks to reduce excessive distance gains, this study suggests that alternative approaches, such as course modifications, could be more effective. Furthermore, the constant introduction of new technology by manufacturers can create pressure for players to upgrade, even when the actual performance improvements are minimal.

Overall, while advancements in golf equipment have contributed to the sport's evolution, they also present challenges. To maintain a fair and competitive environment, governing bodies must regulate innovations thoughtfully, ensuring that success is driven by player skill rather than technological advantages. Implementing balanced regulations will be essential for preserving the integrity and spirit of the game.

This dissertation was part of the MA Leadership in Sport course, co-delivered between the Institute of Sports Humanities and Loughborough University London, educating current and future leaders.