Media Release 	For Immediate Release 
	National Strength and Conditioning Association
	Contact:  Robyn Curtis 719-632-6722
	Email: rcurtis@nsca-lift.org

  More Power Off the Tee
Study shows strength and conditioning program improves driving distance   

Colorado Springs, CO – (March 30, 2004) – We would all like to drive like Tiger Woods, but 
what exactly makes his drive better? Is it technique or something more?

Traditionally, improvements in golf performance have focused primarily on technique modification. 
However, as top golf professionals have begun strength and conditioning programs to improve their 
performance, so too have amateur golfers. But will a conditioning program alone increase an amateur 
golfer's performance?

According to a recent study, published in the National Strength and Conditioning Association's 
(NSCA) journal The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research (Vol.18, No. 1, page 59-62), it does. 

Researchers at the University of Luton, in Luton, Bedfordshire, United Kingdom studied the effects 
of a combined training program (plyometric and weight training) on club head speed and driving 
distance for amateur golfers. 

Eleven golfers with a mean handicap of 5.5 participated in the study. Subjects were randomly 
assigned to either a control group or an experimental group. The control group continued with their 
current training program, while the experimental group performed combined weight and plyometric 
training twice a week.

The combined training program consisted of 3 sets of 6-8 repetitions on the following free weight 
exercises: bench press, squat, single arm row, lunge, shoulder press, upright row, abdominal crunch, 
back extension, and side bends. The plyometric component was performed with medicine balls, and 
consisted of 3 sets of 6 repetitions in: seated horizontal twists, standing horizontal twists, standing 
back extensions, and golf swings.


-more-

Driving Distance—Page 2

After an eight-week study, the combined training group showed significant changes in both club 
head speed and driving distance between pre- and post-tests. Mean driving distance increased 4.3% 
for the combined training group, with mean club head speed increasing 1.5%.

Although the authors stress that long term training effects still need to be examined, those looking 
to improve their distance off the tee may benefit from a program combining weight training and 
plyometrics. 

To get started in a weight training program, the NSCA recommends you work with a Certified 
Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®) or NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer® (NSCA-
CPT®) to learn proper lifting technique and maximize your efforts.  You can find these strength and 
conditioning professionals listed by city on the NSCA web site at www.nsca-lift.org/CPTReferrals.  

About the NSCA
The National Strength and Conditioning Association is the leading authority on strength and 
conditioning. For more than 26 years, the NSCA has bridged science and application to provide 
reliable, research-based, strength and conditioning information to its members and the general 
public. With nearly 30,000 members worldwide, the NSCA is the largest health and fitness 
association in the world. For more information on NSCA professional journals, cutting edge 
conferences, educational text and videos, or other services, visit the website at www.nsca-lift.org.  
    

NOTE: The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research is the official research journal of the National 
Strength and Conditioning Association, and is available from Alliance Communication Group at  
800-627-0932. For a complete copy of the research paper (Vol. 18, No. 1, page 59-62) or to speak with 
a leading strength and conditioning expert on the topic, you may contact the NSCA Public Relations 
Department at 800-815-6826.

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