For as long as there have been people swinging golf clubs, there have been attempts to improve the swinging of said golf club.

Traditionally, we’ve taken the approach that practice makes perfect. That, the more we practice the better we should get. And while this idea has stood the test of time it misses one crucial peice of the puzzle.

The practice of moving our body a certain way in the hope it becomes better at swinging a golf club is solid, but it neglects to consider how your body is actually moving.

Yes, changing your grip and shifting your stance may have an impact on your golf swing. But what if your hips are stiff? What if your back doesn’t twist very well?

Ultimately, our body will work around dysfunctional areas to the best of its ability. Yet, the end result can be catastrophic for something as complicated as a golf swing.

So we’d like to open your mind to the new frontier of golf swing analsysis and refinement.

Gone are the days of just practicing and reinforcing good (or bad) habits and hoping for the best. Gone are the days of just seeing a golf professional for some strategic tips and tricks to implement.

Now, its about going deeper. It’s about looking at this golfing vessel we call a body and discerning where the hidden handbrakes to peak performance may be. It’s about looking at all the moving parts in isolation to see where you might be missing something and then putting them back together in better working order.

And the results have the potential to be revolutionary for your golf game… and mental health!

So, join with us as we give you an insight into where the future of golf may be, and realistically probably already is!

Practice Makes Permanent

A good golf swing has always been the culmination of hours of practice. And before we delve into the depths of the “body-swing connection” it’s important to respect where we’ve come from.

Regardless of where we go with this article, it’s important to understand that practicing a skill is always an important foundation for improvement. And your golf swing is no different. It’s just that we have another angle to add into the mix to get you to where you want to be (and possibly beyond) with much more clarity and efficiency.

The old adage of “practice makes perfect” still exists. Perhaps it should now evolve to “practice makes permanent” considering this applies to both the practice of good and bad habits.

Similarly, there will always be a place for good coaching. Knowing what to do with a golf club is clearly hugely important, and practicing that makes sense.

But by understanding what’s going on under the hood of your golf swing and checking in with how your body is actually moving we can finally understand why you do what you do.

Do you have a nasty slice? Yes, there are some technical things to consider, but what if you’re missing crucial shoulder and thoracic range? All the coaching and practice in the world may not fix the underlying problem if your body is compensating around a covert physical issue.

And this is where we want to play today. Let’s give a brief rundown of some of the most common hidden issues that might be affecting your golf swing - without you even knowing it.

Upper Back Stiffness

When trying to understand what’s compromising your golf swing, upper back mobility is a great place to start.

We all know that a golf swing requires a lot of trunk rotation, so what happens if you’re missing some? Well, your body has to work around it. And considering a golf swing is a rotational movement, we can add a lot more flexion or extension of the trunk to compensate. Similarly, any rotation we don’t get from the trunk may force the shoulders and hips to pick up the slack.

This could genuinely be the hidden cause of your slice or topping the ball. It may also be the cause of an inconsistent swing. If you’re hitting them well on day one, but for some reason, day two isn’t up to scratch, did you introduce some upper back stiffness into the equation while sitting down in between?

Decreased Hip Rotation

In a similar vein to upper back stiffness, a lack of hip rotation can cause major complications for a golf swing. The ability to rotate with both your lead and back leg allows for a consistently strong and reliable golf swing.

But thanks to our modern sitting-based world, it’s very easy to lose some of this crucial hip rotation. Again, with golf being a rotational activity, we need to make sure you have access to all your rotational movements in order to fully optimize your golf swing.

Hip internal rotation is often the most compromised directional hip motion thanks to the amount of sitting we tend to do, so it’s important to make sure it isn’t forcing your body to compensate on the course.

Excessive Anterior Pelvic Tilt

This one may not be as obvious, but your pelvic position also matters when trying to swing a golf club consistently over time. Any excessive anterior pelvic tilt will also decrease your ability to internally rotate your hips during the backswing and follow-through.

Often a consequence of anterior hip tightness, excess anterior pelvic tilting is another issue that can short-circuit even the most talented golf swing. Something as simple as re-orientating your pelvis may unlock more hip rotation and a more consistent swing.

Decreased Shoulder Rotation

It may come as no surprise that yet another rotational component makes the cut here. Similar to a lack of trunk and hip rotation, shoulder rotation is just as important.

As the story goes, a lack of shoulder rotation may force you to use your body differently to compensate. Whether it be your back swing or follow through, internal and external rotation are crucial elements for a reliable golf swing.

A lack of shoulder rotation can mess with your arm and wrist position as well as increase the demands on these tissues, leaving the door ajar for pain and discomfort over time.

Take Part in the Revolution

You might be asking - well it’s good to know these issues exist and how crucial they are, but how do I know if I have any of these issues? And what can I do about them?

Well, we’re glad you asked! This month is Golf month here at LOR Physical Therapy and a great chance to promote our state-of-the-art LOR GOLF LAB!

If you love your golf and want your swing assessed by our team of TPI-certified professionals please register your interest with Sabrina here!

At the LOR Golf Lab, we can analyze both your body and swing mechanics to see where the hidden handbrakes might be and create an efficient plan to rectify them.

Our TPI-Certified Physical Therapists and Golf Professionals can genuinely shine a light on aspects of your swing that have remained hidden for the longest time. It’s such a great way to learn a little more about your body, how it’s moving, and how it may relate to any aches, pains, or injuries you may have!

So take the time to consider where those hidden physical handbrakes might be. That way, you'll be practicing without unnecessary compensation.