"It’s not so easy to swing like Tiger Woods"

Every golfer wishes they can play like Tiger Woods, a man who needs no introduction.

He, at 34 years of age, was the PGA player of the year for more than 10 times, won the European Tour 38 times, the Japan Tour 2 times and the Asia Tour one time.  Many have examined his golf swing, hoping to replicate his action.  But it does not take long to realise, it is not so easy to swing like Tiger Woods.  You can break down Tiger's swing into many phases and closely study his every move from his wrist bend to his hip turn, but in the end many find out that knowing does not necessary mean doing.  One key thing that many top golf coaches in the world understands is that golf is so much more than being just about the swing technique. The mental aspect of golf is a well known and accepted part of the game.  But the mental game itself does not complete the picture.

The latest scientific golf research supports the notion that golf has a very important physical element to it.  A 2009 study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research found that golf performance parameters, such as driver carry distance, 5-iron ball speed, 5-iron carry distance, putting efficiency and golf score, were correlated with the physical level of the golfer.  Abdominal muscle endurance, sit-and-reach flexibility, balance and leg and arm strength of the golfer were found to have a relationship with their golf performance.

One can postulate that a person's physical level has an impact on their golf.  That just makes sense, doesn't it? Our body's strength and flexibility should have an affect on our golf. It is common knowledge that golf requires great control, precision and technique. But what many fail to recognise is that golf is also about maintaining balanced body stability and delivering high dynamic forces all at the same time.  This places great demands on the physical body.

What does this mean to the average golfer?

It means that one has to progress from the traditional notion that golf is a gentlemen's game. Golf should not be treated as a game only, as enjoyable as it is. It deserves to be respected as a sport, one with high physical demands and great skill.

For many years people wondered whether Tiger Woods goes to gym training. Some commentators are convinced so, while others are sceptical as many professionals currently and historically just do not bother with gym work. The question was finally answered in 2007 when Tiger Woods confided in a health magazine that he actually gyms 6 days a week.  In the last 10 years, he had gained 10lbs of muscle. His regime included intensive cardio exercises, stretching, back core muscle work and a high intensity weight training program (including bench press, shoulder press, squats and golf specific exercises).  In Tiger's own words, "I bust my butt to stay in shape".

In essence, my point is simple. It takes more than good technique to get you good a golf game.  You need a good physique too. In fact, I would go as far to say that you can't get good technique without good physique.  This is because proper physique provides the foundation to proper technique.  For example, simple neck stiffness can negatively affect your entire golf swing dramatically. Try wearing a neck brace and try.

The reason why many people cannot swing like Tiger Woods is simply because their physique is a far cry from Tiger's physique. This is where golf physiotherapy comes in.

Golf physiotherapy focuses on the physical element of golf.

Every physical aspect of the body is considered, from muscle flexibility, joint mobility, neural tension to core stability, muscle control, trunk and limb strength, body awareness and co-ordination. The basic purpose is to work towards optimal transfer of power, dynamic stability and balance. We provide golf physical assessments, injury management, injury prevention and performance optimization. All the top pros in the world, like Tiger Woods, have their own personal golf physiotherapist.  Most golf pros on tour have a golf physiotherapist that they consult with regularly. If the pros need golf physiotherapy, how much more the general public.  It is relevant to all golfers who are serious about their game.

If you have any enquiries, contact 021-72788361 for further details and do something about your golf today.