Participants in the control group did not receive any self-myofascial release (SMR) intervention. They followed the same daily training schedule, accommodation, and meals as the SMR group. Instead of engaging in SMR exercises, participants in the control group engaged in supervised viewing of golf-related instructional videos or documentaries three times per week, approximately 30 minutes per session, after 7:00 PM in a designated classroom. This viewing schedule was matched in timing and frequency to the SMR group's intervention sessions. No flexibility, mobility, or soft tissue techniques were included in the control group's activities. The sessions were conducted collectively in the same setting and at the same time as the SMR group to control for attention and environmental bias. Attendance and compliance were closely monitored by supervisors to ensure adherence.

Proximity to target was measured to assess the directional and distance accuracy of driver shots using the TrackMan 3 Launch Monitor (TrackMan A/S, Vedbæk, Denmark). Each participant used their own 1-wood (driver) and performed five full-effort swings after completing a supervised dynamic warm-up and five warm-up swings. The test target was a fixed point on the driving range aligned with the intended launch line. Proximity was defined as the straight-line distance (in yards) between the ball's final landing position and the designated target. Among the five attempts, the three shots with the most consistent carry distances (within 10% variance) were selected for analysis, and the average proximity value was calculated. All tests were conducted at the same driving range location under standardized conditions, including consistent time of day, lighting, temperature, and wind. TrackMan was recalibrated before each session, and a standardized tee height and new Titleist Pro V1 balls.

Iron club head speed was measured using the TrackMan 3 Launch Monitor (TrackMan A/S, Vedbæk, Denmark) to evaluate swing velocity during mid-iron shots. Participants used their own 7-iron club to ensure familiarity and consistency. Testing took place at a standardized driving range, with participants divided into batches of ten. Prior to data collection, each participant performed a supervised dynamic warm-up followed by five warm-up swings using their 7-iron. During testing, participants completed five full-effort swings. Club head speed was defined as the velocity of the club head at the exact moment of ball impact, expressed in miles per hour (mph). The average club head speed was calculated from the three most consistent shots, defined as those within a 10% variance in carry distance. All sessions were conducted at the same location and time of day under stable environmental conditions. The TrackMan device was recalibrated before each use, and standardized tee height and new Titlei

Iron carry distance was measured using the TrackMan 3 Launch Monitor (TrackMan A/S, Vedbæk, Denmark), a radar-based system commonly employed in golf performance analysis. Each participant used their personal 7-iron club to ensure comfort and familiarity. Testing was conducted at a consistent outdoor driving range setting, with participants grouped in batches of ten. Before testing, a standardized dynamic warm-up was completed under supervision, followed by five warm-up swings using the 7-iron. During the test, each participant performed five full-effort swings. Carry distance was defined as the horizontal distance the ball traveled through the air from the point of impact to its first landing point, measured in yards. For analysis, the average carry distance of the three most consistent shots-those falling within 10% variance in ball flight-was calculated. Testing was carried out at the same time of day under stable weather and lighting conditions to reduce variability.

Iron side deviation was assessed using the TrackMan 3 Launch Monitor (TrackMan A/S, Vedbæk, Denmark) to determine the lateral accuracy of 7-iron shots. Each participant used their own 7-iron club and performed five full-effort swings following a supervised dynamic warm-up and five preparatory swings. Side deviation was defined as the lateral distance in yards between the ball's landing point and the target line, irrespective of whether the deviation was left or right. For consistency, the three most accurate shots-defined as those with carry distance variation within 10%-were selected, and the average side deviation among them was calculated. Testing was conducted at the same outdoor driving range, in controlled environmental conditions (time of day, lighting, and temperature), and under supervision. Standardized tee height and new Titleist Pro V1 balls were used across all participants. The TrackMan device was recalibrated prior to each testing session to ensure measurement accuracy.

Proximity for iron shots was measured using the TrackMan 3 Launch Monitor (TrackMan A/S, Vedbæk, Denmark) to assess target accuracy during 7-iron play. Each participant used their own 7-iron and performed five full-effort swings toward a designated pin positioned 130 yards away. Following a standardized dynamic warm-up and five warm-up swings, participants proceeded with the test. Proximity was defined as the straight-line distance from the ball's landing point to the center of the intended target. The three most accurate shots-based on consistent ball flight and carry distance within 10% variance-were selected, and their average proximity was calculated in yards. All tests were conducted at the same outdoor driving range under consistent environmental conditions (lighting, temperature, time of day), using new Titleist Pro V1 balls and fixed tee height. Testing was supervised by trained staff, and the TrackMan system was recalibrated before each session to ensure data precision.

Active hip flexion ROM was assessed with participants lying supine on a flat surface, maintaining the contralateral leg fully extended. Participants were instructed to actively lift the tested leg toward their chest, keeping the knee flexed at 90° throughout the motion. The measurement was taken at the point of maximum voluntary flexion, just before any compensatory pelvic movement was observed. A digital goniometer (e.g., Baseline® Digital Goniometer, accuracy ±1°) was positioned with the axis at the greater trochanter, the stationary arm aligned with the midline of the trunk, and the movable arm aligned with the lateral midline of the femur pointing toward the lateral epicondyle. Two trials were conducted, and the average value was used for analysis. All measurements were performed by the same trained tester to ensure reliability.

Active external rotation of the dominant hip was assessed in a seated position with both the hip and knee flexed at 90°, and the feet suspended off the ground. Participants were instructed to actively rotate the foot inward, thereby rotating the femur outward, as far as possible without leaning the trunk, lifting the thigh, or shifting weight. A digital goniometer (Lafayette Instrument Co., Model 01135, accuracy ±1°) was used for measurement. The axis was aligned with the center of the patella, the stationary arm was held perpendicular to the floor, and the movable arm followed the anterior midline of the lower leg, aligned with the tibial crest. Verbal instructions and light manual stabilization at the pelvis were used to prevent compensatory movement. Two trials were performed, and the average was recorded. All tests were conducted by the same trained examiner under standardized procedures.

Active thoracic spine rotation was measured with participants seated on a backless bench, hips and knees at 90°, feet flat on the floor, and arms crossed over the chest. The pelvis was stabilized using a fixed belt or manual support to isolate thoracic motion and prevent compensatory hip rotation. Participants were instructed to rotate their torso actively to the left and right as far as possible without leaning or flexing the spine. A digital goniometer (e.g., Baseline® Digital Goniometer, accuracy ±1°) was used to measure the angle between the initial and final positions of the shoulders relative to a fixed vertical axis. The average of two trials per direction was recorded. Testing was administered by the same trained evaluator under standardized conditions.

Active shoulder flexion range of motion was assessed with participants lying supine. With the elbow extended and palm in a neutral position, each participant was instructed to actively lift the dominant arm in the sagittal plane toward the head, without arching the back or allowing scapular movement. A digital goniometer (Lafayette Instrument Co., Model 01135, accuracy ±1°) was used for measurement. The stationary arm was aligned with the mid-axillary line of the torso, the movable arm followed the lateral humerus toward the lateral epicondyle, and the axis was placed over the lateral aspect of the greater tubercle. To prevent compensatory lumbar extension, the evaluator provided verbal cues and light manual contact on the lower ribs. Two trials were conducted, and the average was used for analysis. All tests were completed by the same trained evaluator using standardized protocols to ensure measurement consistency.

Active shoulder external rotation ROM was assessed with participants in a supine position, shoulder abducted to 90° and elbow flexed to 90°, with the upper arm supported on the table edge. Participants were instructed to actively rotate their forearm backward (external rotation) as far as possible without lifting the scapula or arching the back. A digital goniometer (Lafayette Instrument Co., Model 01135, ±1° accuracy) was used. The axis was placed on the olecranon, the stationary arm was perpendicular to the floor, and the movable arm aligned with the ulna. The examiner applied light manual contact on the anterior shoulder to prevent compensation. Two trials were recorded, and the average was used for analysis. All tests were performed by the same evaluator under standardized conditions.

Active wrist extension ROM was measured with participants seated and their forearm in a neutral position (thumb up), elbow flexed at 90°, and hand over the table edge. Participants were instructed to extend their wrist upward as far as possible without moving their elbow, shoulder, or fingers. A digital goniometer (Lafayette Instrument Co., Model 01135, ±1° accuracy) was used. The axis was placed over the triquetrum, the stationary arm aligned with the ulna, and the movable arm along the fifth metacarpal. Two trials were recorded, and the average was used. A single trained evaluator conducted all tests under standardized conditions.

Balance was assessed using the single-leg stance test with eyes closed. Participants stood barefoot on their dominant leg, arms crossed over the chest, and eyes gently closed. The non-stance leg was flexed at the knee so that the foot did not touch the ground. They were instructed to maintain balance as long as possible without moving the supporting foot, uncrossing their arms, or opening their eyes. The timing started once both eyes were fully closed and stopped when any of the following occurred: (1) the raised foot touched the ground, (2) arms moved from the chest, (3) the stance foot shifted, or (4) the eyes opened. A maximum time limit of 60 seconds was set. A stopwatch was used for timing, and one trained observer recorded each trial. Each participant performed two trials, and the longer duration was used for analysis. The same evaluator administered all tests to ensure consistency across sessions.

Rotational power and upper-body explosive strength were assessed using the Rotational Medicine Ball Throw Test. Participants stood on a flat, non-slip indoor surface with feet shoulder-width apart, holding a 3kg medicine ball at chest level with both hands. Maintaining an athletic stance with slight knee flexion, they were instructed to rotate the torso away from the throwing side and then explosively rotate toward the target, releasing the ball with maximal force in a side-throw motion toward a wall or open field area. Participants were instructed to keep both feet planted throughout the movement (no stepping or jumping was allowed). The distance from the throwing line to the point where the ball first contacted the floor was measured in meters. Each participant performed three valid throws, and the longest distance was recorded. A trained evaluator ensured correct form and consistency, counting only those throws that met the standard. Participants completed one practice trial before

Core coordination and shoulder stability were assessed using the Cross-Body Reach Test. Participants held a high plank position on a flat, non-slip indoor surface, with hands directly under the shoulders, elbows extended, and feet hip-width apart. Maintaining a straight line from head to heels, they were instructed to alternately lift one hand and tap the opposite shoulder (e.g., right hand to left shoulder), then return it to the ground, continuing the movement for 30 seconds.

Each successful tap was counted as one repetition. The total number of valid repetitions performed within the 30-second period was recorded. A trained evaluator ensured correct form and consistency, counting only those repetitions that met the standard. Participants completed one practice trial before testing. This test emphasized neuromuscular control, core stability, and dynamic upper-limb coordination.

Upper body maximal strength was assessed using the One-Repetition Maximum (1RM) Bench Press Test. Participants lay supine on a flat, non-slip indoor bench, with feet flat on the floor, hands gripping the barbell slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, and elbows extended at the starting position. Maintaining stable torso alignment and controlled movement, they were instructed to lower the barbell until it lightly touched the chest (sternum level), pause briefly, then press the barbell back to full elbow extension. The load was progressively increased until the participant could no longer complete a valid repetition with proper form. The highest weight successfully lifted for one complete repetition was recorded as the 1RM value. A trained evaluator ensured correct technique and consistency, counting only those repetitions that met the standard. Participants completed one practice trial before testing. This test emphasized maximal upper-body strength, neuromuscular control, and movem

Lower body maximal strength was assessed using the One-Repetition Maximum (1RM) Back Squat Test. Participants stood on a flat, non-slip indoor surface, with the barbell placed across the upper trapezius (high-bar position), feet shoulder-width apart, and hands gripping the bar evenly. Maintaining a straight torso alignment and neutral spine, they were instructed to lower the body by flexing the hips and knees until the thighs were parallel to the floor or deeper, then return to the starting position by fully extending the hips and knees. The load was progressively increased until the participant could no longer complete a valid repetition with proper form. The highest weight successfully lifted for one complete repetition was recorded as the 1RM value. A trained evaluator ensured correct technique and consistency, counting only those repetitions that met the standard. Participants completed one practice trial before testing. This test emphasized maximal lower-body strength, neuromuscu

Upper body muscular endurance was assessed using the Pull-up Test. Participants performed pull-ups on a standard fixed bar with an overhand (pronated) grip, hands placed slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Starting from a dead hang position with arms fully extended and feet off the ground, they were instructed to pull the body upward until the chin cleared the bar, then lower back to the starting position in a controlled manner. Participants continued performing repetitions at a consistent pace until voluntary fatigue or failure to maintain proper form. Kipping, swinging, or using momentum was not permitted. Each valid repetition was counted toward the total score. The total number of correctly performed pull-ups without rest was recorded. A trained evaluator ensured correct form and consistency, counting only those repetitions that met the standard. Participants completed one practice trial before testing. This test emphasized upper-body muscular endurance, particularly in the