Balls, clubs, training aides, special equipment, lessons.
Golfers are constantly searching for anything to take them to the next level. So, where do you start? What is going to deliver on its promise? Answering these questions can be such a daunting task to all who want improve their game. It is important to step back from all the noise, and simply look at three main factors that influence your golf game.
Factor One: Technique
Technique is everything. The game of golf rivals all sports when it comes to intricacies of body movement and the methods that they are completed in. It is really hard to find a more technical game then golf. With that said, there are many different forms and schools of thought on how to swing a golf club. Several examples of these are Stack and Tilt, Single Axis Grips, the Natural Golf swing, and Rotatory swings.
Unfortunately there is not one swing technique that works for every single person. There are an infinite amount of ways to swing the golf club. With that said, improper technique or technical flaws can absolutely plague any player. Establishing proper grip, stance, alignment, ball position, and basic swing fundamentals are all key aspects every player needs to know. Having a basic level of technique is absolutely pivotal to being successful on the course.
Factor Two: Equipment
It is really hard to play golf without equipment… With all joking aside, having the right clubs is very important for overall performance.
Identifying proper length, lie, head model, shaft flex and grip size are a few things that need to be looked at. Having improperly fitting equipment can drastically impact the golfer and his or her swing. For example, if a taller individual has too short of clubs, they will slouch forward to adjust. This will in return predispose them to potential physical issues such as back pain, or performance limitations such as significant C posture which will limit their ability to rotate or create an adequate turn. Having properly fit clubs can maximize your game and help you shoot lower scores.
Factor Three: Physical Abilities
As perfectly said by the guys over at 18 Strong, “we believe your body is the most important piece of equipment you have.” Your physical make up directly impacts your ability to swing. The golf swing is one of the most powerful movements in all of sports. Being able to go from 0 to 120 miles per hour in less to 1 second can place massive amounts of torque and stress on the body especially if we are asking our body to do things it physically cannot. This maybe okay in the short term, but you can only do this so many times before your body and or performance starts to decline.
We believe wholeheartedly in the Titleist Performance Institute’s (TPI) philosophy,“There are an infinite amount of ways to swing the golf club. However, there is only one efficient way to swing the golf club and that is based upon what you can physically do.”
Your performance is directly impacted upon your body. Don’t believe me, try sleeping only 2 hours, do not eat or drink anything, and do not warm up. How do you think that round is going to be? Your body absolutely impacts your ability to play.
Knowing what you can and cannot do is vital in identifying the most efficient swing for you. Any limitations in flexibility, strength, or balance/stability can have a major impact on your golf swing. Look at John Rahm and Rory McIlroy. Do they swing the same? Absolutely not! Do they move the same? Absolutely not! Rahm is known for having less than tour average flexibility while Rory has an unworldly ability to rotate his hips. Each player has identified physically their capabilities and limitations. They have then developed a swing to either work around those limitations and or a plan of what they need to work on either in the gym or with their medical team. The only commonality between these two players is they have both been physically assessed for mobility/flexibility, stability/balance, strength and power.
The Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) Performance Assessment is the gold standard when it comes to analyzing a player’s physical capabilities for the game of golf. 19 of last 20 PGA majors have been won by a player advised by TPI certified expert. 25 of the top 30 players in the world according to Official World Golf Rankings are advised by a TPI certified expert. 52 of the last 63 PGA Tour events have been won by a player advised by a TPI certified expert.
The TPI Performance Assessment identifies any physical limitations that may be impacting your golf swing. This series of tests identifies your level of flexibility/mobility, stability, balance, strength, and overall power. This all encompassing exam looks for all the physical factors impacting your golf game. The information gathered through this exam is utilized to create a very specific, individualized profile and training plan. Your results create a targeted approach to improve your overall performance. This information is extremely helpful to all individuals you the golfer will interact with such as your teaching professional, club maker or fitter, fitness professional, and or medical professional.
Empower Golf Performance is the premier facility in the Las Vegas and Henderson area for golf fitness, medical care (golf therapy), and golf performance.
Empower Golf Performance is the only facility in the state of Nevada that houses licensed physical therapists trained by the Titleist Performance Institute at its highest level. If you are looking to improve your drive distance, your overall flexibility, your shot consistency, or play without pain Empower Performance provides the solution for every golfer’s physical needs.
