Blog
Titleist Performance Institute - TPI
I just got home from Titleist Performance Institute Training and Certification in Toronto this past weekend. It was 2 full days of intense training on how to screen golfers using physical tests to determine, what can be done physically to improve their golf. Wow – it was awesome. The room was filled with doctors, physiotherapists, chiropractors, strength and conditioning coaches and golf professionals all eager to learn how they can help golfers play better golf. If successful in passing the challenging exam, they become TPI Certified Golf Fitness Instructors. I am happy to report – that I took the exam online and am Certified!
What was cool about the course? Finding out that PGA Tour players have functional fitness issues just like the rest of us. Some of them have glaring deficiencies but generally speaking, they are working very hard to improve them. Learning more about Biomechanics of the golf swing and 3D Motion Analysis – the future of golf instruction – was very neat. How physical limitations in stability and mobility relate to certain swing faults will be very useful and exchanging ideas with colleagues, was interesting. Also, past Manitoba PGA member Gord Workum (now working in Korea) was one of the facilitators. I used to work with Gord and it was great to see him again.
Why is it important for me to have this Certification, you may ask? For years, I have been keenly aware of the fact that many golfers are just not able to do what I or they would like – with regards to the golf swing. In many cases, I have discussed these limitations with them and either: (1) taught “around” certain limitations trying to make improvements / modifications so they can continue to improve and / or (2) recommended they work with a trainer, doctor or physiotherapist as well to improve the suspected limitations in their golf swing. Now – I have even more confidence in screening / testing students and then with the TPI infrastructure, prescribing 18 session workouts specifically targeting areas that need to improve. I believe they should book several sessions with DI Golf –Strength and Condition Coach - Kate McKenzie (www.surefirefitness.ca) so they do the exercises with correct technique and form. The TPI workouts come with excellent video explanations for each exercise although I still think a trainer is a great idea. If the golfer does the workouts – they will improve their “Fitness Handicap”. If they do it over a sustained period of time – they will drastically improve their Fitness Handicap, Golf Handicap and feel better.
It is important to realize that it is not just about hitting the ball farther. It is, at least, as much about injury prevention, becoming more consistent and accurate, and enjoying an improved quality of life. Even if you did not improve – an improved fitness level will help you feel better and healthier.
I spend a big portion of my life trying to improve my teaching and coaching on an ongoing basis. I am quite confident that there are few, if any golf professionals in North America that spend more time and money on education(often between 5 and 15 k a year – don’t tell my wife!!) It is a top priority and a passion for me to seek out how I can be a more efficient coach. This was another excellent weekend of learning – time and money well spent.
In the end, for me it is another very powerful tool in the toolbox that will help me with my clients – whether they have an interest in golf fitness or not.
Click Here for pictures from Derek's visit to the TPI Training Seminar
