If you are reading this article you likely play golf and are looking to play golf better! You have taken it upon yourself to do some research to find a qualified personal trainer to help you reach your golf and fitness goals. That was a smart move.
Going to one of the big box gyms like Crunch, Equinox, or New York Sports Club to find someone qualified to help you improve your golf game is analogous to going to the hardware store for milk.
NO MATTER HOW HARD YOU LOOK _YOU WON’T FIND MILK IN A HARDWARE STORE
Let’s say, God forbid, you needed to have a surgery of some sort. You would not have your General practitioner/Family Doctor perform the surgery! He or she would refer you to a specialist!
A person who concentrates primarily on a particular subject or activity; a person highly skilled in a specific and restricted field.
If you are a golfer in the know you realize that the golf standard in golf performance solutions is the Titleist Performance Institute.
TPI is the world’s leading educational organization dedicated to the study of how the human body functions in relation to the golf swing.
Since its inception in 2003, TPI has studied thousands of golfers ranging from the top professional Tour players to weekend enthusiasts. An incredible amount of data on players of all shapes, sizes, ages, and fitness levels has been gathered during this time. Using this data, TPI discovered how a properly functioning body allows a player to swing a golf club in the most efficient way possible. Additionally, TPI has analyzed how physical limitations in a player’s body can adversely affect the golf swing and potentially lead to injury.
TPI’s mission is to educate golfers and industry professionals on the Body-Swing Connection™ through its one-of-a-kind ‘TPI Certified’ educational program. This program was developed by founders Dr. Greg Rose and Dave Phillips along with a 52-member advisory staff of industry-leading experts.
Startling Statistics
- 17 of the last 20 Major ChampionshipsWere won by players advised by a TPI Certified Expert
- 27 of the Top 30 Players in the World’s Official World Golf Rankings are advised by a TPI Certified Expert
- 52 of the last 63 PGA TOUR events were won by players advised by a TPI Certified Expert
What Does The Golfer Want From Fitness Training?
Consistently, across the board, the desired benefit that my golf clients are seeking is improved function. They might not use that terminology, but ultimately that’s what it comes down to. I will typically hear these types of statements:
- “I’m most interested in increased flexibility, injury prevention, and strength improvements.”
- “I still have some game and want to start playing more – my flexibility is non-existent.”
- “I am struggling with my golf fitness – both strength and flexibility.”
- “I’m interested in improving my golf fitness (especially hip, t-spine, and shoulder mobility) so that I can improve my swing mechanics and hopefully eliminate the mid/low back pain.”
- “Looking for a golf-specific training program to help with hip flexibility and lower back pain.”
I could go on and on here but I think you get the point. None of these golfers mentions a thing about weight loss or improving their appearance!
NOT THAT THERE’S ANYTHING WRONG WITH THAT!
It’s just not the primary reason golfers come to me for help. In fact, as one of my TPI teachers – Jason Glass, so eloquently states:
“Golf fitness isn’t beach fitness….it’s not about looking good. Ultimately it’s about becoming better on the golf course. Getting in ‘golf shape’ requires a program with a distinct definition of success. Measure movement quality, not your waistline.”_ Jason Glass, TPI Instructor, and Advisor
Conclusion
If you venture into a big-box gym you are likely to find a trainer who fits one or more of the following descriptions.
- Someone using personal training as a part-time job or second income.
- Someone who has very little experience in the field evaluating and creating training programs for sports-specific needs.
- Someone who “looks” good but does not communicate well.
I have dedicated myself to a lifetime of learning and my journey into golf fitness began with obtaining the Golf Performance Certification from the C.H.E.K Institute in 2002! My relationship with the Titleist Performance Institute goes back to 2010 and will continue for as long as I’m in this industry.
Brett’s Bottom Line:
“If you’re a golfer who wants to play golf better and realizes that your body is the limiting factor, don’t just look for a personal trainer. Look for someone with a TPI fitness training certification. Those trained by the Titleist Performance Institute have a deep understanding of how the body functions in relation to the sport of golf and are trained to provide golf performance solutions.”
“When your body doesn’t work the way it needs to – to play golf the way you want to, come see the Guru. I can help you play golfer better!”
Here’s What One Of My Clients Said About His Results:
“I reached out to Brett because I felt like I needed more flexibility and core strength, which I felt would be good for golf as well as general fitness purposes. Working with him has been well worth the time and investment. I’m much more flexible in my upper and lower body, my rotational strength has definitely improved and maybe most importantly, I have a much better understanding of how the body is supposed to work during the golf swing. Brett is a true expert in his field, and he is adept at tailoring his sessions to focus on areas where you need the most work. Based on the exercises I learned and the warm-up routine he showed me, I believe the benefits of this experience will be long-lasting.”_Brian C.
