PGA Sports Science Lecturer Lewis Clarke is undertaking a detailed research study into breast health and support in golf. Here, he reveals some of his findings to date
Globally, female participation in golf is rising, with 23% of adult registered golfers worldwide being female.
Efforts by national and international governing bodies are focussed on increasing this figure and, as participation continues to grow, understanding the unique physical challenges faced by female golfers becomes increasingly important. One area that has been largely overlooked - until now - is breast health and its impact on performance.
What we know from other sports
Research groups, such as the Research Group in Breast Health, have continued to grow breast health research, with early work focussing on generic movements, such as walking and running, to the present time in which we understand more about specific sporting motions. Findings from studies on other sports include:
Breast movement and support
Excessive breast movement during activity can cause discomfort, pain and even discourage participation. Sports bras have been shown to reduce this movement significantly, enhancing comfort and performance. Studies in running and other high- impact activities demonstrate that proper support can reduce vertical and multidirectional breast movement, leading to more efficient motion.
Sports bra comfort and satisfaction
Poorly fitting bras are a known barrier to physical activity for many women. Research highlights that comfort and support are key factors influencing women’s choices in sports bras. High-quality sports bras can provide individualised support, reduce discomfort and improve overall satisfaction during activity.
Breast pain
Many female athletes experience breast pain during activity, often exacerbated by inadequate support. Studies suggest that breast pain is not limited to high-impact activities but can also occur during lower- impact sports, impacting participation and performance.
Bra fitting and education
Education on proper bra fitting and the availability of supportive sports bras are critical for addressing these challenges and encouraging participation. Despite the benefits of education, many women remain unaware of how to select or fit a sports bra correctly, leading to poor choice.
Translating these insights to golf
While these findings are well- documented in high-impact sports, their application to golf has not been thoroughly explored. Golf requires high amounts of torso acceleration and rotation, which in female golf can be a predictor of clubhead speed. Breasts and poorly fitting bras may influence spinal loading, torso kinematics and swing mechanics, potentially impacting performance.
Additionally, barriers identified in other sports, such as discomfort and reduced participation, may also apply to female golfers. For example, improper breast support could affect balance, posture and even energy transfer during the swing. Addressing these challenges is essential to optimising performance and participation in golf.
"As female participation continues to grow, understanding the unique physical challenges faced by female golfers becomes increasingly important."
- Lewis Clarke
Collaborating with the tour
Recognising the gaps in research specific to golf, we partnered with the Ladies European Tour (LET) Performance Institute, Adidas and the Research Group in Breast Health at the University of Portsmouth to investigate breast health and bra support in elite golfers. This collaboration involved educational workshops, surveys and professional bra-fitting interventions at three LET events in 2024.
The partnership aimed to provide both players and practitioners, such as physiotherapists and strength and conditioning coaches, with the tools and knowledge needed to address breast health. These efforts were supported by Adidas, which provided sports bras and fitting kits, enabling personalised fittings for players.
Insights from the survey
The survey, conducted with over 170 players, revealed three main findings:
Awareness gaps: Female golfers’ awareness and understanding of breast health and bra support were significantly lower compared to athletes in other sports. For example, fewer than 20% of surveyed players had previously received education on proper sports bra fitting.
Limited sports bra usage: Many players reported not wearing sports bras, a stark contrast to trends seen in other athletic populations. Players often cited reasons such as discomfort, lack of knowledge and the perception that sports bras were unnecessary for golf.
Perceived impact on technique: Players noted that their breasts and bras influenced setup and backswing, potentially affecting their overall performance.
Nearly 50% of respondents indicated that discomfort from poorly fitting bras had, at some point, distracted them during a round.
These findings underscore the need for education and tailored solutions to support female golfers effectively.
Insights from the fitting intervention
At three LET events, we fitted 86 players with appropriate sports bras, provided through a partnership with Adidas. These fittings involved detailed assessments of breast size, shape and movement patterns, allowing for personalised recommendations. Players universally reported improvements in comfort, posture and movement.
One player said: “I didn’t realise how much my old bra was limiting my movement. This fitting has completely changed my setup and confidence in my swing.”
These testimonials highlight the potential for improved breast support to enhance both physical and psychological aspects of performance.
The intervention also provided valuable feedback for practitioners. Strength and conditioning coaches, for example, noted that players with improved support demonstrated better posture and core stability during training sessions. These observations suggest that proper breast support has benefits beyond the golf course.
What we still need to find out
While these initiatives have provided invaluable insights, there is much more to uncover.
Future research will focus on: Biomechanics: Analysing how breast movement and bra support influence spinal loading, torso kinematics and swing mechanics. Understanding these relationships could inform coaching strategies and equipment design.
Comfort and performance: Exploring the relationship between breast comfort and performance metrics in golf. For instance, does improved support lead to greater consistency in swing mechanics?
Breast motion: Investigating breast motion during the golf swing to inform sports bra design and player support strategies. Preliminary observations suggest that even low-impact movements, like the golf swing, involve significant multidirectional breast motion.
Long-term impacts: Examining whether addressing breast health contributes to reduced injury rates and improved participation levels among female golfers.
Summary
Our research is paving the way for a more inclusive and informed approach to female golf performance. By addressing breast health, we aim to support female golfers in achieving greater comfort, focus and success on the course. However, this journey is just beginning. PGA Professionals can play a vital role by fostering awareness, recommending appropriate gear and engaging with experts to support their players.
As research progresses, we hope to develop evidence-based guidelines that will further enhance the experience of female golfers at all levels.
Practical takeaways
As a PGA Professional, you play a pivotal role in supporting your players’ performance and wellbeing. By addressing breast health, you can contribute to their overall performance and confidence on the course. Here are some practical takeaways from our research:
Educate yourself: Familiarise yourself with the basics of breast health and the importance of proper bra support. This knowledge will help you better understand the physical challenges faced by female golfers.
Create a comfortable environment: Encourage open conversations about breast health in a professional and empathetic manner. Normalising these discussions can empower your players to address any discomfort or limitations they experience.
Recommend appropriate gear: Advocate for the use of sports bras specifically designed for golf. Lightweight, breathable options with adequate support can enhance comfort and reduce distractions during play.
Engage with experts: Collaborate with specialists, such as bra fitters or sports scientists, to provide your players with tailored advice and resources.
About Lewis Clarke
Clarke is a PGA Sports Science Lecturer. He is currently involved in a biomechanical research study into breast health and support in golf.
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