Is it time to invest in your body? Lets look at how you can improve on the course without having to buy the latest technology.
With the 2016 Ryder Cup starting tomorrow, I wanted to take a look at how golf has taken massive steps over the previous 10 years, by utilising the world of physiotherapy and movement analysis to help have a positive impact on the golf course.
History of the Ryder Cup
With Europe winning the last 3 Ryder Cup competitions, the big question is can they retain the cup this year, on American soil, against arguably the strongest American team in a number of years.
‘The Ryder Cup was born in 1927, following two unofficial matches between professionals from Great Britain and the United States. It has become one of the world’s greatest sporting contests. Every two years 24 of the best golfers from Europe and the United States go head-to-head in match play competition. Drama, tension, incredible golf, camaraderie and sportsmanship are served in equal measure, captivating an audience of millions around the world. It’s an event that transcends sport, yet remains true to the spirit of its founder, Samuel Ryder.’
Physiotherapy & Movement Analysis in the world of Golf
Over the previous 10 years the game of golf has taken huge steps forward, when it comes to utilising Physiotherapy and Movement Analysis. Professional golfers in particular are investing time and money into their body. Yes they are investing in the latest technology, however over the previous 10 years they have started to invest more and more time and look in depth at their body and how they can improve/strengthen their body to have a direct impact on how they swing the golf club. Professional players are seeking advice and help from Physiotherapists and movement analysts to improve their efficiency of movement during the golf swing, allowing them to constantly hit that 300 yard drive or control that 30 yard of fade time and time again.
Lets take a look at who is currently doing this in the world of golf and see the successes they have had this year.
Firstly lets look at Danny Willett the 2016 Masters champion. A phenomenal achievement for the young British golfer. Danny Willett became the first British player to win the masters in 20 years, with an amazing display of quality, composure, mental strength and outstanding golf over the four days. Danny Willett has had a 2016 he could only dream off when he was a kid growing up. He is currently ranked 10th in the official world rankings, collecting a win Dubai Desert Classic, second place at the Italian Open and third place at the BMW PGA Championship. Prior to 2016 Danny’s highest world ranking was 20th in 2015.
After Danny Willett won the Masters an article was released in the media about the relationship between Danny Willett and his Physiotherapist Paul Farquharson. The article looked at how they worked together to help Danny stave off a previous back issue. Paul discussed the use of a movement analysis screening called the Performance Matrix, and how he used this process to help identify why Danny had suffered a previous stress fracture in his Lumbar Spine. Paul was then able to control Danny’s movement during the swing decreasing the amount of pressure he was putting on his lower back, in turn improving the efficiency of his swing and allowing Danny to play without any back issues.
CSP Article: Masters Golf Champion Danny Willett Says Good Control Vital
Lets look at another top professional golfer Justin Rose. Justin Rose has had an extraordinary year and will be hoping to end his season with a victory for Europe in the 2016 Ryder Cup this weekend. This summer saw the Olympic games travel to Rio De Janeiro, and the return of golf as an Olympic sport after 112 years. The man to win gold was the golfer currently ranked 11th in the world Justin Rose of Great Britain. He described his achievement afterwards as a “dream come true”.
When looking at what Justin does of the golf course to help improve his game, it is clear to see he invests time into improving his movement efficiency through gym work and strengthening exercises. Looking on his Instagram Justin has posted a number of pictures over the year working with his team on movement analysis, control and strengthening exercises.
Check out the link below to see what kind of stuff Justin Rose does in the gym.
Don’t get me wrong I am not for one minute saying the successes of Justin Rose and Danny Willet in 2016 are solely down to the time they are investing in their body.
Their success is down to years and years of practice, patience and a life long dedication to the sport. I do however believe the work they are doing with Physiotherapists, Movement Analysts and Trainers has contributed to them catapulting their performances to the very top in 2016.
Summit Physiotherapy Approach
Here at Summit Physiotherapy we offer the same Golf Matrix Screening completed by Danny Willett prior to his 2016 Masters win. By drawing upon our expertise, knowledge of golf and previous experiences we can help to improve your golf game, allow you to stay injury free and help to reduce the risk of injury when playing golf.
The professionals are investing time into their body and reaping the rewards, imagine the benefits you could see?
For more information contact us on 0800 731 2738 or email Stephen.lane@summitphysio.co.uk.
References
http://www.europeantour.com/rydercup/history/
