Conference website and registration: https://www.lboro.ac.uk/research/wscg2024
Email: wscg.2024@mailbox.lboro.ac.uk
LinkedIn Group: World Scientific Congress of Golf 2024 – Loughborough University
Twitter/X: @SportsTechLboro
We are delighted to announce that registration is open for the 11th World Scientific Congress of Golf (WSCG), hosted in July 2024 by the Sports Technology Research Group at Loughborough University, UK.
WSCG 2024 will be an international forum for academics, researchers and industrial leaders to meet with coaches and practitioners to discuss all aspects of golf science. The conference will be an opportunity to share latest research findings and expertise; present new technologies and methods; discuss future challenges; meet new people and build networks; understand the different needs and perspectives of those involved in the game of golf.
WSCG 2024 will take place over 3 days in early July, the week before the 152nd Open Championship at Royal Troon.
The organizing committee are: Dr Jon Roberts, Dr Mike Hiley and Dr Glen Blenkinsopp.
Scientific Program
The conference will have three major themes:
- The golfer
- Equipment and technology
- Data science and analytics
Disciplines of interest include, but are not limited to:
- Biomechanics
- Strength and conditioning
- Psychology
- Health and fitness
- Skill acquisition
- Coaching
- Inclusive design
- Materials
- Modelling and simulation
- Test and measurement
- AI and machine learning
- Statistical modelling
- Performance analysis and strategy
- Sustainability
WSCG 2024 will take place alongside the 15th International Conference on the Engineering of Sport (ISEA 2024) and will enable golf scientists to mingle and share ideas with the sports engineering community. There will be a series of golf sessions which delegates of both conferences will be able to attend and/or invited to present. In addition, plans are taking shape to spend a day at the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) headquarters at The Belfry, approximately 30 miles from Loughborough. The day will consist of a series of workshops, demos and an opportunity to play the iconic Ryder Cup course.
About Our Hosts
Loughborough University is situated in the heart of England and has been ranked the best university in the world for sports-related subjects for the last seven years in succession (QS World University Rankings). The University has a global reputation for its outstanding contribution to the world of sport for over 60 years, bringing together exceptional athletes, facilities, educators, coaching and research expertise with extensive partnerships with major sports organisations. The Sports Technology Research Group has thrived at Loughborough to become a leading centre for teaching, research and enterprise. The group has been conducting golf research since the mid-1980s and the laboratory facilities are equipped with the latest technologies from golf robots to motion capture systems. They have expertise in the areas of impact mechanics, computer simulation, robotic testing, measurement science, players’ perceptions and biomechanics. The golf research has resulted in 10+ PhD theses and 20+ articles published in international journals. Academics and researchers from the group have supported the WSCG since its inception in 1990.
The Sports Technology Institute has extensive connections within the golf equipment industry having collaborated with many leading manufacturers such as Dunlop-Slazenger, Maxfli, Callaway Golf and Nike Golf. Most recently, in July 2022, PING opened a Performance Research Centre in partnership with Loughborough University to advance cutting-edge technology and innovation in the world of golf.
Local Golf Courses
There are many options locally and slightly further afield for playing golf. Longcliffe Golf Course (2 miles), one of the premier courses in the East Midlands, is on the doorstep of the University. The course is a recognised English Golf Union championship course which has twice hosted the Ladies Curtis Cup team in preparation for their Trans-Atlantic challenge, and it has also been the venue for the English Boys Championship. Other courses that are highly regarded in the local area include Rothley Park and Charnwood Forrest (only nine holes but a real gem).
Further afield, Stapleford Park (22 miles) is a championship course (that has previously hosted a European Senior Tour event) set in the magnificent grounds of a country house. Finally, the Belfry can be easily reached by car (30 miles, 45 mins driving) and is home to the Brabazon, the most widely used course in the Ryder Cup, the PGA National and the Derby courses.