With the revolution in golf performance training, I was recently able to become certified as a Titleist Performance Instructor at a recent course in the Boston area. It was a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the golf swing and it’s underlying biomechanics, and has provided me with an additional invaluable set of tools to help evaluate and better treat my patients. TPI Medical Certification looks at how these injuries develop, how to access and treat injuries and how specific physical limitations can be addressed to improve performance.
The majority of the course focused on a golf-specific physical examination, to help cue medical professionals into problem areas within the body that could be contributing to underlying dysfunction, pain and inefficiency during the golf swing.
My major takeaways were the following:
- Golfers must be able to rotate through their hips and torso while maintaining stability in the legs and neck / head. Limitations here can lead to common faults such as swaying or sliding during the swing, reverse posturing, or early extension.
- Strong glutes and the ability to hold a stable deep squat with good alignment are essentials. Deficits here can lead to major inconsistencies and potentially painful injuries.
- Proper “firing” sequence of the pelvis, torso, arms, and eventually clubhead is key to generate consistent strong contact at impact. Poor timing often results in compensations such as scooping or casting, which will diminish power and cause inaccurate shots.
As the Northeast golfing off-season sadly approaches, now is the perfect time to come into FBPT and get evaluated, so that you’ll have the entire offseason to address any physical deficiencies that could be holding your golf game back. Ryan Sheedy, DPT, OCS