Kinematic analyses of the golf swing hub path and its role in golfer/club kinetic transfers

This study analyzed the fundamental geometric and kinematiccharacteristics of the swing hub path of the golf shot for fourdiverse subjects. in addition, the role of the hub path geometryin transferring the kinetic quantities from the golfer to the clubwere investigated. the hub path was found to have a complexgeometry with significantly changing radii, and a constantlymoving center-of-curvature during the downswing for all subjects.while the size and shape of the hub path differed considerablyamong the subjects, a three phase radius-based patternwas revealed that aligned with distinct stages of the downswing.artificially controlling and optimizing the hub path of the bettergolfer in the group indicated that a non-circular hub path wassuperior to a constant radius path in minimizing the kineticloading while generating the highest possible club head velocity.the shape and purpose of the hub path geometry appears toresult from a complex combination of achieving equilibriumbetween the golfer and the club, and a purposeful configuring ofthe path to control the outward movement of the club whileminimizing the kinetic loading on the golfer yet transferring themaximum kinetic quantities to the club. describing the downswingrelative to the hub path phasing is presented and wasfound to be informative since the phases align with significantswing, kinetic and kinematic markers. these findings challengegolf swing modeling methodologies which fix the center-ofcurvatureof the hub path thus constraining it to constant radiusmotion.