Bringing this one back after getting some interesting results on a launch monitor. Last fall as I was getting fitted for clubs, I spent about an hour on an EDH FlightScope launch monitor with my driver. My swing speed averaged about 106 mph.
Since September, I have been on a pretty hardcore weightlifting program. I've been working out at least 5 days a week, using heavy weights with somewhat low reps. For example, on the bench I will start with 265 pounds at 4 reps, then drop to 245 and 6 reps, then 225 at 8 reps twice and 205 at 12 reps twice.
I follow a similar drop-set pattern with other exercises as well. The result has been a significant gain in muscle mass, something the old-school golfer says would inhibit the golf swing.
Not so. I went back to the launch monitor yesterday. My swing speed has increased to an average of 116 mph and I feel like I am using far less effort.
From this non-scientific test, it is clear to me that a professional golfer stands to gain by adding muscle. With so much at stake, it seems obvious that there must be some professionals who would be tempted to use steroids to achieve such gains quickly and with minimal effort—allowing them to spend more time practicing.
On an unrelated note, the effect of technology was illustrated while I was on the monitor. Using my driver, a 983K, my swing speed averaged 116 mph and my carry distance averaged 262 yards.
I switched to the new Titleist 905R with a Proforce v2 shaft. My swing speed dropped to 111 mph (which the pro said was natural since I wasn't used to the feel of the club). However, my carry distance INCREASED to an average of 268 yards!
The clubhead is so forgiving that my offcenter hits were going much farther with the 905R than they were with my 983K. In other words, with less effort I was getting more distance simply because of the technology (and the additional 100 ccs of clubhead).
Anyway, I know this is off topic (and reads like something you would find on Bombsquadgolf.com), but in my mind at least it proves the point that there is something to be gained by bulking up—golf is no different from any of the other sports where steroids have been a problem. Granted, golfers in general have an admirable honor system that precludes many of them from cheating, but it is naive to believe that someone won't push the envelope. There is too much money at stake to think otherwise.