To help PGA Magazine readers learn more about the ways they can bring golf together with health and wellness, we’ve added this recurring department that will include best practices information from the Golf Fitness Association of America (GFAA).
The GFAA was started by the publishers of PGA Magazine in 2020 and is led by an advisory board of PGA of America Golf Coaches and highly regarded golf fitness experts, including GFAA President Dr. Steven Lorick. We hope you find this department beneficial and encourage you to learn more about the GFAA at golf.fitness.com.
Heather Angell,PGA Director of Instruction,The Club at Fiddler’s Creek,Naples, Florida
Interviewing students to learn about health and physical conditions before jumping into teaching swing mechanics can make a world of difference in their progress. For example, I recently started working with a student who has scoliosis. During an extensive first-lesson interview, where I went over any injuries, illnesses or physical limitations that could impact his golf game, my student did not mention his scoliosis. Later in the lesson, I noticed he was struggling to get a proper setup. I inquired in more depth if there was anything impacting the way he set up. It was at that point he mentioned his scoliosis, thinking it would not impact his golf game. I was able to conclude that a heel lift in one shoe could help align his body properly and made the recommendation. Not only is the shoe lift helping his golf game, but it could also prevent future injury and pain in his daily life. His constant back pain has lessened and allowed him to work on swing aspects he was unable to perform before. We were able to make improvements to his swing and keep his enjoyment of the game up due to having less body pain. As a result, he has broken 100 for 18 holes and continues to improve his score.
Many of my students have sought lessons from me after hearing about my approach to fitness and teaching. Students are often unable to properly execute the positions and movements of the golf swing because of physical limitations. Together, we address the issues and then are able to make progress with their golf games starting with that initial interview. Once physical limitations are addressed, I am able to create a plan for my students to guide them in the right direction.
Adam Geaslen,PGA Director of Instruction,Seattle (Washington) Golf Club
In today’s game, the connection between PGA of America Golf Professionals and students goes far beyond swing mechanics. By integrating health, fitness and TPI-based screening insights, we can better understand how a player’s body supports – or limits – their swing. Connecting mobility, balance and coordination to technical skills helps us develop more complete players and deliver a more rewarding lesson experience. And when players experience a coach who blends technical clarity with physical understanding and authentic enthusiasm, they sense a complete approach to improvement. The result is not just better movement patterns, but deeper engagement, trust and belief in the process.
In both individual and group settings, another key element is maintaining a positive tone and optimistic outlook that helps foster a culture of encouragement and continuous improvement. Enthusiasm serves as the bridge between technical instruction and emotional engagement. Every word, gesture and expression from the instructor contributes to an atmosphere that celebrates effort and progress rather than perfection.
By recognizing small victories and framing mistakes as valuable learning moments, the PGA of America Golf Professional helps players shift their mindset from frustration to determination. Ultimately, enthusiasm is not just an attitude – it is a coaching philosophy. When passion and purpose come together, learning feels exciting, progress feels possible and the love of the game continues to grow for generations to come.
