Player testing and statistical analysis of two different methods for spine-aligning golf club shafts

Abstract

Player testing was conducted to assess the effects of different golf shaft alignment methods on 5-iron golf club performance. Two steel-shafted irons, one aligned using the Spining method and one aligned using the SST PURE1 method, were tested versus a non-aligned club. A series of player tests were performed on +2 to 3 handicappers, using a golf simulator from aboutGolf [1]. Statistical analysis was performed on 6 variables retrieved from the golf simulator for 400 golf shots hit by 5 participants. Player feedback on the feel of each randomly hit golf club was also recorded. Results show that the alignment of golf shafts does have an effect on some of the shot variables. The Spining method was confirmed to have a statistically significant effect on the vertical launch angle of shots. The PUREing1 method was found to result in a slightly greater carry distance, and may offer better feel.