Traditional golf instruction has relied on passed on wisdom, folklore, trial and error, theory-based lessons or methods, ball flight, and qualitative analysis for diagnosing swing errors. Even with modern video, golf instructors do not have access to real time quantitative data. Training methods have not kept pace with equipment advances. The troubling fact is that the average handicap of golfers has not gone down. Even with the latest driver, ball and shaft technology, distances off the tee have not increased all that much.
In recent years, it has been common practice in golf instruction to film a student’s swing, and then compare it to that of a tour professional, pointing out the faults of that individual when compared to the tour player. This approach is certainly a fine teaching tool, but by itself as a single diagnostic tool it is not enough. It does not explain why one golf swing is more efficient than the other. It does not explain why different styles of tour swings win with consistency. Is there a common thread these great players all have, regardless of style? Biomechanical studies have discovered a unique signature that all these great players have, regardless of their individual styles. This signature is known as the Kinematic Sequence.
Now with advances in golf technology and with the accuracy of 3D sensor technology and 3D motion analysis we are demystifying the seemingly elusive and complex task that surrounds the improvement of one’s golf swing. With the use of this 3D technology your body is broken up into four segments: Pelvis (Lower body), Thorax (Torso), Arms, and Club, on the downswing, although we see many different looking swings on the PGA Tour the fact is that all of the top players in the world sequence their motion in the full swing the same way. Their swings may look different and the tempos they swing at may also be different, but the order (sequencing) in which they move those parts is not. They produce an efficient, repetitive golf swing. In other words, they have a great Kinematic Sequence. The average amateur golfer has one or more of these segments out of position and as a result has to manipulate the club in order to make contact with the ball. This results in a loss of speed and accuracy and an inefficient motion, which ultimately can lead to pain and injury.
Top touring pros have embraced this technology and the physics and biomechanics behind it to achieve an edge. Their performance proves that those who embrace science in golf are rewarded handsomely. Using this technology during your golf lessons, we can pinpoint the areas in your swing that need attention and through proper training we can change and retrain a motor skill. We also think in terms of a whole game holistic approach rather than just a part. Performance factors –e.g., balance, posture, strength, flexibility, coordination, stability, mobility, properly fit equipment, playing the game, on-course strategy, full swing, short game, mental approach, injury prevention, golf specific fitness training, rehabilitation, drills, practice routines and strategies all play a role. Progress has never been more at hand.
So how do we begin? In order to give you the golfer a correct assessment we must have a reliable and accurate way of measuring, in a numeric, graphic and understandable format. Is your weakest link fitness, equipment or swing related? Or it may be a combination of all three. That’s why every prospective student must begin with a golf or Swing Performance Screen. We can then prescribe a Player Development Program and action plan for your own unique golfing issues. “If we don’t test, it’s just a guess”.