I’ve always believed that golf is more than just a technical game - it’s a physical one as well. Early in my teaching career, I noticed that many swing flaws weren’t just a result of poor mechanics but often stemmed from physical limitations. When I became TPI certified, it reinforced the idea that a player’s body dictates his or her swing. Whether it’s mobility restrictions, strength deficiencies or balance issues, addressing those physical components leads to more efficient and sustainable improvements. Seeing the significant impact of fitness on performance, injury prevention and longevity in the game made it a core part of my coaching philosophy.
Golf is a repetitive motion sport, and if a player has poor flexibility, weak core stability or limited mobility, their body will compensate, leading to inefficiencies and potential injuries. A golfer who understands their physical strengths and limitations can make more effective swing changes and sustain performance over time. Additionally, for older players or those with physical challenges, fitness can be the key to staying active and competitive in the game.
Every lesson starts with a basic assessment of mobility, posture and balance. If a player struggles with a movement pattern, I address whether it's a physical limitation or a technical issue. For example, if a player sways in the backswing due to limited hip mobility, I won’t just tell them to "stay centered.” I’ll give them exercises to improve hip rotation. I also incorporate dynamic warm-ups, stability drills and functional movement exercises tailored to the golfer’s needs. Reinforcing physical aspects alongside technical instruction ensures that players develop a swing that matches their body’s capabilities.
PGA Professionals should take advantage of resources like the Titleist Performance Institute and other certifications, biomechanics workshops and continuing education courses related to golf fitness. Partnering with fitness experts, physical therapists and trainers can also provide valuable insight into how the body moves within the golf swing. Most importantly, coaches should integrate basic fitness screenings into their instruction to identify common limitations and refer students to specialists when necessary. Understanding how physical limitations influence swing mechanics will allow instructors to provide more effective, individualized coaching.
Educating golfers on these benefits is vital, as many of them are skeptical at first because they associate fitness with strength training rather than mobility and stability. However, when they see how small improvements, like better flexibility or core strength, lead to noticeable gains in their swing efficiency and ball striking, they become fully invested. Many of my students, from juniors to seniors, have embraced fitness as a way to improve their game and prolong their ability to play without pain or injury. The best feedback is when a player comes back saying, “I feel better, I’m swinging better and I’m playing better.” That’s when they realize the connection between fitness and performance.
Billy Sampson, the 2007 Carolinas PGA Section Bill Strausbaugh Award Winner, 2010 Section Player Development Award Winner, 2011 Section Golf Professional of the Year and 2016 Section Teacher of the Year, is a Quarter Century PGA Member and the PGA of America Director of Instruction at Old Tabby Links in Okatie, South Carolina.
