TPI Golf Fitness Screenings assess and evaluate any physical limitations that inhibit your golf swing.  Jim is a Level 3 TPI golf/fitness instructor, the highest certification possible for a Golf Professional.

TPI functional movement screenings test two main components in the body:

1. Mobility (range of motion + flexibility)
2. Stability (balance + strength + muscular endurance)

Failed screen results likely indicate the true “root cause” to common swing deficiencies such as swaying, sliding, coming “over the top”, scooping, etc.

The following are some of the main areas tested during an initial lesson with Jim:

Pelvic and hip mobility
Thoracic mobility
Posterior chain muscular flexibility
Core Strength
Balance
Wrist, ankle and shoulder mobility

Most clients want to hit the ball farther but simply don’t have the physical ability to create a full shoulder or hip turn.  As a result they can’t create the proper swing sequence or enough rotation speed to really hit the ball a long way. Tour pros don’t have this problem, but most amateurs do.

For example, if a golfer has an incomplete shoulder turn, it’s likely there is a physical limitation in the lat muscle, shoulder area or thoracic spine. Trying to get a client to “turn more” when they are physically unable to is illogical.  A TPI screening would verify this restriction and either a modification can be made to the instruction or an exercise program can be started to address the inhibition. It’s the most logical and common-sense way to approach teaching and learning. A golfer can ONLY do what they are physically capable of doing…nothing more.

Jim takes into account a player’s strengths, physical limitations and screen results in designing a swing approach for a client that will yield the quickest, most reliable results.  There are lots of swing “styles”: 1-plane, 2-plane, single pivot, double pivot, upright, flat, etc. Each one is suited for certain types of players depending largely on what they can do physically as well as what a player feels most comfortable doing.

Physical screens also identify areas in the body susceptible to injury.  Jim’s top goal is to develop a swing that is efficient, powerful and SAFE on the body.  Longevity in the game should be a top priority for everyone, so knowing where a player has a weakness, or that they are swinging in a way that could likely create and injury to the lower back, or shoulder, etc. is crucial.

Ideally, a personalized workout program addressing limitations in flexibility, mobility or strength is an integral part of a comprehensive instruction program. So again, Jim screens his clients to know what a client is capable of doing in the swing.  It also helps him develop the most efficient swing style for a client.  Most importantly, the information gained from screens helps reduce injury risk and promotes longevity in golf.