Denton, TX – Dr. Young-Hoo Kwon’s journey is a testament to a surprising pivot. Initially a reluctant participant in the sport, the professor of kinesiology and director of the Biomechanics and Motor Behavior Lab at Texas Woman’s University has spent the last 16 years becoming a leading figure in golf biomechanics, captivating researchers and golfers worldwide.

Kwon’s transformation began during his PhD studies at Penn State. A staunch critic of golfers, he steadfastly refused to embrace the game. “I cursed golfers,” he recalled with a chuckle. However, a student’s thesis request on golf sparked a deep dive into the intricacies of the swing, revealing a significant gap in scientific understanding. Where there was misinformation, Kwon saw an opportunity.

“I realized that golf is an under-researched sport,” Kwon explained. “Poor information was out there. That it misleads the golfers and instructors. So, I decided to do something about it.”

Equipped with a state-of-the-art optical motion capture system and a custom-built software program developed during his PhD, Kwon began gathering data – capturing hundreds of golf swings with unprecedented precision. This data, coupled with his expertise in biomechanics, led to a series of groundbreaking publications, ultimately solidifying his position as a global authority in the field. Kwon now presents his research internationally, teaches biomechanics certification courses, and offers personalized swing analysis and reprogramming services to golfers of all skill levels, from PGA Tour professionals to junior players and casual enthusiasts.

Kwon’s lab, a cavernous space on the TWU Denton campus, is a hub of activity. “We are, pretty much, the powerhouse of golf swing analysis and the science of golf swing,” Kwon stated confidently. His ‘swing kwonalysis’ service, requiring a donation to the Biomechanics & Motor Behavior Lab, provides a unique, in-depth assessment of a golfer’s technique, utilizing the motion capture system and force plates to identify subtle inefficiencies often missed by conventional instruction. The process is akin to an MRI scan, revealing areas for improvement and offering a targeted approach to swing modification.

Recognizing the potential for collaboration, Kwon recently partnered with RYP Golf, a company specializing in golf training aids. Luke Benoit, the company’s founder and a fellow PhD graduate in motor control, praised Kwon’s expertise, stating, “Dr. Kwon brings a wealth of knowledge and respect to our mission. His expertise will be instrumental as we strive to help golfers achieve greater distance and accuracy in their game.” The collaboration will begin with short videos demonstrating how to utilize RYP Golf products in conjunction with Kwon’s practiced drills.

What’s truly remarkable is Kwon’s own unconventional path to expertise. Initially driven by a student’s curiosity, Kwon’s research has evolved from studying swimming and track & field biomechanics to a complete focus on golf. “It gives me a lot of opportunities, which I did not expect at all,” he remarked. “I’m very much into golf. Promoting the science of golf. That’s just life. You can not expect what is going to happen in your life.”

Despite his success, Kwon remains humble, admitting, “I am not a good golfer. I don’t have a competitive golfing background. It’s all what I learned from the data and based on that understanding, I try to help golfers.” He emphasizes the importance of continuous motion and rhythmic movement in achieving a truly effective swing, demonstrating techniques using simple tools like ropes and kettlebells. With over 150-170 golfers visiting his lab annually and a thriving YouTube channel (42,000 subscribers, 4 million lifetime views), Kwon’s impact extends far beyond the Texas Woman’s campus, proving that a former golf critic can become a driving force in the sport’s scientific advancement.