But Belmont's Chris Smith is taking his golf education to another level, literally studying the sport at the University of Newcastle.

The 24-year-old physical education graduate is already 12 months into a research masters on the effects of golf-specific strengthening and conditioning on the performance of juniors.

"I'm hoping to show that strength and conditioning can improve the way the body works in a golf swing and therefore helps people hit the ball better and have better swing mechanics," he said.

Golf has traditionally been a sport dominated by technique and skill, but Smith said science has shown fitness is increasingly important.

"Nowadays you look at the top 100 golfers and they're athletes just about all of them, and it is starting to become integral in every professional's weekly training schedule.

"So I'm just trying to implement that at a junior level so we can instil those qualities early on, and hopefully as they grow into the professional ranks they already have those skills."

Smith said fitness training for juniors does not include heavy weights and is more focused on posture, core strength, flexibility and resistance bands.

The study is focusing on boys and girls ranging in age from 12 to 18.

So far his research has not progressed too far, but in September Smith will begin working under Hunter Academy of Sport head coach David Lulham as a physical fitness mentor with this year's intake of the best up-and-coming golfers in the region.

Smith is hoping the opportunity to work with the academy at Pacific Dunes will prove his hypothesis.

"I'll be doing a physical screening with all the kids to see where their strengths and weaknesses are, and from there I'll be making up their own conditioning programs they'll do at home," he said.

Smith has also developed his own business in the area called Advantage Golf Conditioning and his clients range from 12-year-olds to professionals to retirees.

Smith, who hopes to one day turn professional, said his own game was improved greatly through conditioning.

"My swing has improved out of sight since I've started to get my body to work properly," he said.

"I've always been fairly fit and strong, but now I've got my body a lot more efficient."

Smith's thesis is due by November next year, but he is hoping to have it completed by next winter.