The golf season is finally underway and golfers are stampeding to the course after a long spring weather delay. Before you get to far into the season, though, it might be advisable to make sure your body is ready to deliver what your mind demands—a strong, effective swing. A great place to start is with the assessment of how your body functions in relationship to the golf swing developed by TPI, the Titleist Performance Institute.
Scott Sessions, a certified TPI instructor and personal trainer, begins his work with each client by putting them through a screening of 12 attributes that reflect how their body works in the real world. From there, he develops a fitness program to make the most of their body’s capabilities to effectively swing the golf club.
Photo courtesy of Scott Sessions - Advertisement -
TPI Instructor Scott Sessions tests a golfer’s mobility and strength. |
In the photo, Sessions is observing a client performing the Overhead Deep Squat test, which determines hip, knee, and ankle mobility as well as back strength. “A failed deep squat will result in a shift to one side on the downward portion of the squat, knees caving in or leaning forward during the lowering portion of the squat,” Sessions explains. “If the back muscles are weak, the club will not be overhead but rather at a 45 degree angle or less.” To properly execute the test, he adds, “You need to develop strength in your legs, back, and core.”
The full TPI screen includes an assessment of swing mechanics and biomechanics, physical fitness, movement quality, current health, and a client history. Sessions conducts them in your home or at a local gym.