Analysis of Individual Field-based Physical Fitness Profiles and Individualized Training Considerations in Elite National Golf Players: A Case Study

OBJECTIVES This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the physical fitness profiles of elite Korean national golf players using practical field-based fitness assessments and to descriptively examine individual changes following an 8-week combined training program. A secondary aim was to identify athlete-specific physical strengths and deficiencies through a case-study approach and to propose individualized training considerations that may support future performance development and injury prevention.METHODS Six elite Korean national golfers completed an 8-week combined training program of Fartlekbased aerobic and progressive circuit training three times weekly. Physical fitness was assessed pre- and post-intervention using five field-based tests of sprint, cardiorespiratory endurance, lower-body muscular endurance, and core endurance. Individual responses were analyzed descriptively using absolute and percentage changes to identify athlete-specific training priorities.RESULTS All six athletes demonstrated improvements in multiple physical fitness variables following the intervention; however, considerable inter-individual differences were observed in baseline fitness characteristics and training responsiveness. Athlete A demonstrated balanced improvements, indicating readiness for performance-specific training. Athlete B showed substantial gains in aerobic endurance but limited improvement in core endurance. Athlete C improved squat and deadlift performance but required further enhancement of rotational efficiency. Athlete D exhibited the greatest relative improvements in fundamental fitness despite low baseline fitness. Athlete E showed the largest gains in sprint and squat performance, although the post-intervention sit-up test was not completed due to abdominal pain. Athlete F demonstrated overall fitness improvements but required further development of explosive power and neuromuscular speed.CONCLUSIONS Elite national golfers demonstrated individualized changes in physical fitness despite following the same training program. Although causality cannot be established due to the descriptive case-study design and lack of a control group, the findings highlight the value of comprehensive fitness assessments and individualized training for performance enhancement and injury prevention.