What is TPI?
TPI stands for “Titleist Performance Institute”. The program is designed to help you achieve a Body-Swing connection meaning tailor your swing to what your body is physically capable of doing.
Step 1: Your PT will take you through a simple 7-10 minute 16 step physical screen that assesses multiple golf specific motions. The purpose of the screen is to find mobility restrictions and strength limitations that may contribute to specific characteristics of your golf swing that either cause you pain or poor performance.
Step 2: Analyze your golf swing to see if predictable characteristics exist as predicted by your physical screen. There are 12 specific swing patterns we are looking for during this phase in order to help remove a potential agitating factor of your pain and/or improve performance.
Step 3: Your PT will provide you with an individualized program to help you address any limitations that are found during the physical screen and swing analysis. This program could be as simple as introducing you to golf specific exercises that you can do on your own or a more hands on approach utilizing manual therapy as well as golf specific exercises.
How a TPI Certified Specialist Can Help You
Have you had a recent surgery or traumatic injury in the past?
If you have had a traumatic injury in the past such as a sever fracture or perhaps a joint fusion your body may not physically be able to achieve certain positions no matter how hard you try, how much you stretch or how much you strengthen. These are important details to tell your TPI certified specialist. In order to play your best and avoid further injury it is important to still make sure that you are not committing a swing fault that may lead to injury. Technique is more important in this case than it is trying to become more mobile.
Do you experience pain during or after a round of golf?
If you experience pain during or after a round of golf it may be the result of a variety of things, but a few possibilities are weakness, swinging incorrectly, not warming up properly or lacking the endurance to maintain proper mechanics the entire 18 holes. Golf is a physically challenging game and will wear on you if played incorrectly. A TPI certified specialist will not only help you fix the root cause of your pain, but by doing so will add longevity to your golf game.
Do you feel your body get fatigued by the end of a round of golf?
Golf can be a physically demanding game, especially in the heat of the summer. You may benefit from a strength and conditioning program that incorporates a proper warm up as well as golf specific strengthening exercises to help you play all 18 holes with minimal fatigue. When your body is in a state of fatigue injuries occur because form and technique tend to breakdown. Instead of waiting until you have back pain as a result, get in front of it and build your strength!
Have you had a total hip or knee replacement?
Having a joint replacement does not mean that you have to quit playing golf or that your swing will be horrible going forward. Working with a Physical Therapist who is also a TPI certified specialist you will undoubtedly be able to return to golfing within the abilities of your body. Your TPI certified Physical Therapist will design a program that is specific to your body and specific to golf when it is appropriate.
TPI Big 12 Swing Characteristics
- S Posture: Increased lumbar Lordosis
- C Posture: Increased thoracic kyphosis/cervical flexion
- Loss of Posture: Lose swing posture during your swing.
- Flat Shoulder Plane: Shoulders horizontal to ground or even pointed towards roof.
- Early Extension: Standing up too early during swing.
- Over-The-Top
- Sway (lateral movement): Usually due to poor hip mobility
- Slide (lateral movement): Usually due to poor hip mobility
- Hanging back (lateral movement)
- Reverse Spine Angle: Number 1 cause of Low Back Pain
- Casting (club release)
- Scooping: Cupped at impact and glove hand on top
- Chicken winging: Elbow flares out at impact​