1. The TPI Physical Screen (Assessment)
The assessment typically involves a 16-step movement screen that evaluates how well your body moves in relation to the golf swing. It doesn’t look at your swing “style,” but rather your physical capacity to execute a technically sound motion.
- Key Tests: Common screens include the Overhead Deep Squat (overall mobility), Pelvic Tilt (core control), 90/90 Test (shoulder rotation), and Lower Quarter Rotation (hip mobility).
- Goal: To identify “faulty” movement patterns. For example, if you lack internal hip rotation, the assessment predicts you may “sway” or “slide” during your swing to compensate.
- Video Analysis: Our TPI certified practitioner will combine the physical screen with high-speed video to bridge the gap between your physical limits and your actual swing faults, such as early extension or loss of posture.
2. Biomechanical Links
TPI identifies 12 major swing characteristics that are often caused by physical deficits rather than poor coaching.
- Mobility vs. Stability: The “Joint-by-Joint” philosophy posits that certain joints (like the hips and thoracic spine) need mobility, while others (like the lower back and knees) need stability. If the hips are tight, the lower back often moves too much to compensate, potentially leading to chronic back pain on the course.
- Kinematic Sequence: Our biomechanics expert uses the screen to see if you are transferring energy efficiently from the ground, through your core, and into the clubhead.
3. TPI Treatment & Corrective Exercise
Once the “map” of your limitations is created, a personalized treatment plan is developed. It usually consists of three pillars:
| Component | Goal |
| Mobility Drills | Restore lost range of motion |
| Stability/Core | Protect joints and maintain posture |
| Power & Speed | Increase clubhead speed safely |
4. Key Benefits
- Injury Prevention: By fixing compensations, you reduce the load on your lower back, elbows, and lead shoulder. No more “my game falls apart on the back 9.”
- Increased Distance: Improving hip and spine mobility allows for a fuller turn and more torque without “trying harder.” “i took 4-6 strokes off my game”
- Consistency: A body that moves correctly can repeat the same swing motion more reliably. “I can play again later this week!”
5. Collaborate with your Golf Pro
So you recently completed a Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) physical screen. The goal was to identify any physical “roadblocks” that might be causing specific swing faults or limiting your power and consistency on the course, and then to attack them!
Based on these results, you and your Physical Therapist/TPI Specialist are focusing on:
- Corrective Exercises: A daily routine to improve [specific joint mobility].
- Swing Cues: Until my mobility improves, we may need to adjust my [insert adjustment, e.g., foot flare or backswing depth] to avoid putting undue stress on my lower back.