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.
Brian Williams, PGA,Owner/Operator,Mind Body Swing,Prairieville, Louisiana
With high-level golfers demonstrating greater physical prowess than ever before, it is more understood that fitness is crucial at any level of golf because it directly affects three key areas: performance, injury prevention and overall well-being. A strong and flexible body allows for a more fluid and powerful swing, which can lead to better accuracy and distance. Additionally, golfers are prone to injuries, and a well-rounded fitness routine can help mitigate these risks, enabling players to stay on the course longer. Finally, fitness promotes overall physical health, enhancing energy levels and mental focus, which are vital for maintaining concentration on and off the golf course.
During lessons, I integrate physical exercises that correlate with the movements required in a golf swing. For instance, I may begin with a dynamic warm-up that includes mobility drills to enhance range of motion, promote proper posture and activate key muscle groups. As we work on swing mechanics, I incorporate resistance exercises that mimic the swing action while emphasizing stability and core strength. Additionally, I provide students with personalized exercise recommendations they can practice outside of lessons to reinforce the physical work we accomplish together. I also provide an in-depth nutrition plan, as many golfers do not know how to maintain their blood sugar throughout their rounds.
I believe that PGA of America Professionals can educate themselves on golf-specific fitness by pursuing certifications focused on sports performance, biomechanics and physical conditioning for athletes. Many golfers are initially surprised by how much fitness influences their game, but once they begin to understand its significance they become more engaged in the process. Students appreciate having a holistic approach to their training that not only improves their technical skills, but also en hances their overall enjoyment of the game.
Billy Sampson, PGA,Director of Instruction,Old Tabby Links,Okatie, South Carolina
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. Golfers who understand 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.
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 lead to noticeable gains in their swing efficiency and ball striking, they become fully invested. The best feedback is when a player comes back saying, “I feel better, I’m swinging better and I’m playing better.”