posted by Brent Dodge on Jun 22
On Thursday night of the US Open at Torrey Pines, Stuart Appleby’s comments were on par when he said: “It’s a tough course, and it’s mental and physical preparation that are making the difference out here.”
“Apropos” best describes this cogent lead in for the topic of Golf Fitness at the Missoula Country Club’s ProAm educational series this weekend. Area Golf Pros attending the seminar got a golf cart full of new information and strategies focusing on the mental and physical aspects of golf fitness.
As a Titleist Certified Golf Fitness Instructor (Level 2, Medical Professional), I discussed the physical aspects of conditioning by addressing the 3 “P’s” that are close to home for golfers: Pain, Performance, and Prevention. Additionally, I emphasized the benefits of a team approach that fosters close working relationships among the Golf Pro, Sport Psychologist, and Medical Professional. And I outlined the steps I use in blending 2-D video swing analysis and a thorough clinical exam for establishing a basis to address and resolve potential swing faults.
Joining me in this endeavor was Dr. Chris Shoen, PhD, a sports psychologist with keen interests and insights in helping golfers master their mental game. Dr. Shoen (pictured below) introduced a host of strategies on mental fitness aimed at helping attendees and their clients to “get their heads in the game and out of the way!” Along with key topics on relaxation and concentration, Dr. Shoen also taught imagery strategies that can be used successfully both on and off the course.
All in attendance raved about the seminar. And we received an unsolicited and solid affirmation from one of the attendees, PGA Class A Teaching Pro and Level 1 Titleist Certified Fitness Pro, Dane Thorman, of the Iron Horse Golf Club in Whitefish, Montana. Dane (shown with me during an overhead squat) thoughtfully confirmed to all participants the value and success of the Titleist approach. His energy and enthusiasm sparked conversations for creating future seminars on the topic of golf fitness.
To discover how you can benefit from the Titleist approach, I invite you to learn more about the Golf Clinic at Alpine Physical Therapy by clicking here.








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