Our Canadian players will have the support of many resources to reach this level of competition, including a sport science team. The sport science team for Golf Canada includes physiotherapy, strength & conditioning, sport psychology, nutrition, equipment fitting and biomechanics. To maximize your golf performance you can create your own sport science team.
The physical performance side of the team includes physiotherapy, biomechanics, and strength and conditioning.
Why?
Working with professionals in these areas will improve your ability to make technical changes to your game. It is frustrating for both athletes and golf coaches when the coach is trying to correct swing faults or make technical changes to how an athlete plays the game and they are physically unable to make the changes. For example, a player may be unable to physically rotate fully to the right because of a tight trail hip and compensates by coming up out of the correct posture. If the coach wants them to maintain a consistent spine angle, it will be frustrating for the player as they physically can’t maintain this posture through the swing. The physiotherapist can identify this tight trail hip through a physical assessment and can improve the mobility of the hip so that the rotation on the backswing is full.
What?
The physical testing includes an assessment by a physiotherapist looking at the mobility of your joints, flexibility of the muscles, stability of your supporting muscles, strength of your moving muscles and ability for your neurological system to control when specific muscles work or relax. Another important component is conditioning or fitness, as it will improve you ability to finish every round with energy and focus. From this assessment the therapist will be able to educate players on the 2 or 3 primary physical limitations that are affecting their game. From here a corrective strategy is planned which includes specific exercises.
When?
National team athletes are tested three times each year (fall, winter, spring). From this testing a physical program is created which includes strength and conditioning as well as corrective strategies to improve the physical limitations that are preventing the player from achieving an efficient swing.
How?
Improving the physical performance can be done at the gym where the equipment is readily available but the training can also be done at home or on the road, if athletes are travelling between tournaments. The physical program includes using mobility improving tools such as a foam roller, stability tools such as tubing and bands, neurological training equipment such as balance boards and foam blocks and strengthening equipment such as medicine balls and kettle bells. Conditioning can be done on a treadmill, elliptical, bike or even by going stand up paddle boarding.
The program usually includes about 10-12 exercises targeted to improve mobility and flexibility, followed by stability exercises, then strengthening and finally neurological challenges. Spend anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, 3-4 times a week to see improvements in your game.
Who?
Finding the right people for your sport science team can take some trial and error. Start with finding someone with the right qualifications. Look for a physiotherapist with sport credentials (Sport Diploma or Certificate) and certification through FitForeGolf or the Titleist Performance Institute. A strength and conditioning expert should have a degree in kinesiology or accreditation through a credible organization such as the national strength and conditioning association (NSCA). Ideally you can find a professional with experience and a passion for the game, as they are the ones who are going to be excited to work with you to improve your performance on the course.
Creating your own sport science team will improve your golf performance. Addressing the physical side of your game might be as simple as seeing a physiotherapist and/or a strength and conditioning professional 3 times per year to assess your physical limitations and provide guidance on how to minimize these limitations.
