The Titleist Institute of Performance (TPI) is an educational organisation that teaches and explores the relationship between strength, flexibility, biomechanics and the golf swing. TPI has a long history of studying the human body and its relation to the golf swing from amateur to professional golfers. 18 of the last 20 major winners on the professional tour have a TPI expert on their team.
A TPI certified medical professional can conduct a physical assessment of a golfer to identify any potential physical limitations or strengths, as well as to screen for injuries or risk factors of injury. The driving focus of this is to work with golfers to promote injury free golf, longevity and enhance performance.
Sam Jeffery at the City West clinic is Canberra’s only TPI medically certified member and conducts these assessments and subsequent strength and mobility plans frequently. The appointment consists of screening the golfer for swing traits, physical fitness, movement quality, strength and current health history. Being able to implement a plan to obtain the most efficient swing for each individual golfer is only possible with understanding what that individual can and can’t do. Every golfer swings differently depending on their physical gifts and limitations. Each movement / strength plan that is created is entirely specific to the individual golfer based on the results of their TPI screen.
The benefit of having a Physiotherapist conduct the assessment is that they can also diagnose any underlying musculoskeletal conditions, which some professions cannot.
TPI Philosophy:
“TPI does not believe in one way to swing a club, rather in an infinite number of swing styles. But, we do believe that there is once efficient way to for every player to swing and it is based on what the player can physically do.”
TPI’s philosophy is exemplified in current world #1 golfer John Rahm. Jon Rahm has spoken candidly (after winning his first major) about having a significantly shorter leg on one side due to a childhood issue as well as having very limited mobility in his wrists. He went on to say that his TPI assessment and program aimed to build on his strengths and use his stiff wrists to generate more power. This is why Rahm has a very short and fast swing, this is to actually benefit from his wrist stiffness and utilise his thick legs to generate extra power. Rahm credits his TPI program for helping him get to this stage and being one of the furthest drivers of the ball on tour.
Phil Mickelson on Longevity:
“I give a lot of credit to my TPI certified trainers and them staying up on new techniques and working with the guys at TPI and having our workouts being designed to elongate my career.”
The golf swing is an especially complex series of movements that require balance, strength, flexibility, control, power and coordination to complete effectively. In order to improve the swing then, it is clear that addressing these via an exercise program is necessary. It is also then even more important to be able to complete this complex movement repetitively with safety. A safe and efficient swing is obtained through increasing your physical capacity which in turn reduces your risk of injury and pain. Playing in the absence of pain and injury then allows you to play the best game on the plant for as long as you wish.
Rory Mcilroy on gym work:
“The reason I play at such a high level and hopefully will continue to play at a high level for the next 10-15 years is because of the work I do in the gym.”
Sam conducts the golf assessment in the clinic at City West. This initial appointment includes identification of any current or previous injuries, the physical assessment, introduction to rehabilitation exercises, advice and education on risks of injury and goal setting. Identification of aspects that can be worked on is the first step, followed by implementation of a consistent strength, movement and flexibility program. It is vital that the goals are worked out early in order to help with the construction of the plan and the progressions needed to obtain the set goals. Sam has a library of 200+ golf-specific movement and strength exercises which can be uploaded to your personal program on an easy to use application on your phone. Book your golf assessment here or call (02) 61536200 today.