The Biomechanics of Golf

This course is designed to introduce you to 3D analysis of the golf swing and how it can be used as an instructional tool. Our goal is to provide you with a better understanding of both the actual mechanics of the golf swing, as well as how it can be applied to golf instruction to enhance communication between the golfer and instructor.

Course Sections

Course Navigation:

A screenshot showing the primary navigation icon at top right

You will find left-hand navigation throughout sections of this course and links to move through pages at the bottom of the content. You can also access all sections of the course at any time by clicking on the menu button at the top-right of the screen.

Course Details
Course Length	20 Hours
Course Time	8 week course timeline (course will remain open to learners for 12 weeks)

Recommended Progression to Complete the course in 8 weeks:
Week 1	Read the course syllabus completely Read Technical Requirements Read Instructor Information Join the class Facebook Group Read, watch, and interact with Section 1: Introduction to 3D motion analysis Read, watch, and interact with Section 2: 3D Motion Analysis Systems
Week 2	Read, watch, and interact with Section 3: 3D Model Creation
Week 3	Read, watch, and interact with Section 4: Visual Assessment of 3D Data
Week 4	Read, watch, and interact with the first half of Section 5: Biomechanical Assessment of 3D Data
Week 5	Read, watch, and interact with the remainder of Section 5: Biomechanical Assessment of 3D Data Download Visual 3D software and Example Swings for Matt
Week 6	Complete and submit Swing Analysis homework from Section 5
Week 7	Read, watch, and interact with Section 6: Applications in Teaching Download and interact with all Visual 3D Example Swings Download Golf BioDynamics Software and example data
Week 8	Visit Section 7 and review entire course before taking Final Exam Complete Final Exam Take End of Course Survey

Course Completion Information:

This course has six sections of content. The first three sections focus on 3D motion analysis technology. We will cover different types of motion analysis systems, the components of each, and how each system is used from calibration to data collection. The second half of the course focuses on how to analyze the data collected from these systems, both qualitatively and quantitatively. We will look at all of the ways you can interact with the 3D models created to assess the swing in great detail. Finally, we will also leave you with some “lessons learned” from our time within golf biomechanics that you can immediately apply to your understanding of the golf swing, even if you don’t currently use a 3D system.

To complete all of the requirements of this class, you will need to complete both the Swing Analysis Exercise and a final course exam.

The Swing Analysis Exercise is located at the end of Section 5.
The Final Course Exam is comprised of a 15-question test. You must achieve a score of 80% or greater in order to receive a certificate of completion.

Legal Disclaimer

Various manufacturers of golf equipment and 3D motion analysis software are presented in this course. Their inclusion in this course does not indicate any promotion, sponsorship or endorsement by that manufacture or The Pennsylvania State University.

Before You Begin

Before you begin, it is worth checking to assure that the device on which you plan to take this course meets the minimum technical requirements to assure a trouble-free experience. Please proceed to Technical Requirements now.