Example of a Client Swing Assessment

This is an example of a lesson which was performed on a member at Pitlochry Golf Ltd. He was first given an 11 point screening before having his golf swing assessed both Face-on and Down-The-Line using c-Swing computer analysis. See Pictures at the bottom of the page

The Screen

  1. Pelvic Tilt
  2. Pelvic Rotation
  3. Torso Rotation
  4. Overhead Deep Squat
  5. Toe Touch
  6. 90/90
  7. Single Leg Balance
  8. Lat Length
  9. Lower Quarter Rotation
10. Seated Trunk Rotation
11. Bridge with Leg Extension

From the screen it was clear that this person had several limitations and from doing a computer swing analysis these showed up in his golf swing.

Limitations

1. Pelvic tilt movement was very limited    Posture
2. Could not get near to a Toe Touch      Posture
3. Over Head Deep Squat                        Maintaining Posture / Early Hip Extension
4. Unstable Hip Rotation                         Sway

If you look at his golf swing you can see the following:

Face On  ( see pictures below )

1. Knees were too fart apart at address ( red squares )
2. Notice the sway to the right              ( red lines )
3. Notice head movement upwards      ( red line )

Down the Line  ( see pictures below )

1. General Posture could be better
2. Shoulders open / Feet closed
3. Backswing is steep
4. Out to in swing path
5. Early extension of the hips ( away from white line which was against backside )


The golfer was given exercises to do at home to help improve his limitations.
( print out explanations were given to the golfer )

1. Pelvic Tilts in Golf Posture with bar or golf club
2. Pelvic Tilts supine
3. Leg Overs
4. Early Extension practise drill To be done at driving range

The golfer was also given a couple of things to work on in his swing from this initial lesson

1. Press knees slightly in to one another at address i.e ball between knees
2. To flatten out backswing keeping clubhead lower to the ground during take away.


If the golfer does his exercises at home as well working on his swing in combination with taking a regular lesson he will improve his play.

Before the screening and analysis the golfer either hooked or blocked his shots which could be struck fat with the occasional thinned shot.

 Graeme Leggat   PGA Advanced Golf Professional





Swing Improvement Package     for only  £120

1.  Initial 1 hour session - Screening / Computer Swing Analysis
2.  Lesson 2 - 45 minutes session
3.  Lesson 3 - 45 minutes session
4.  Session with a Personal Trainer in Pitlochry
5.  1 hour session - re-Screening / computer Analysis followed by report on findings.

Golf Club Fitting ?

Being fitted for golf clubs is not a new thing by any means and was available on a personal scale for many years long before the Ping golf company became the recognised mass market leader in this field in the 1970's and is still considered so from the quality and precision of it's products compared to other manufacturers. However many amateur golfers think that 'custom fit' equipment is only for the Tour Professional or gifted amateur golfer whilst at the same time thinking it will be far more expensive to buy, which would be a wrong way of thinking in both respects.

Irons   It is common place to have irons fitted for:

1. Length
2. Lie Angle
3. Shaft Type
4. Shaft Flex / Kick Point / Torque
5. Grip Type
6. Grip Size
7. Swing Weight

Most PGA Golf Professionals have the expertise to custom fit their clients for new golf clubs from scratch for most of the well known equipment manufacturers' club ranges as well as the ability to adjust sets if necessary or to assemble a set from component form. However companies such as PING prefer to adjust their own clubs as they are mostly very difficult to adjust as heads are heat treated during the manufacturing process for strength and durability thus ensuring long term product quality. Callaway also produce very good quality custom fit products for all levels of golfer.

When a client is being measured for new clubs a Golf Professional or Club Fitter will measure the client from wrist to floor to give an idea on club length as well as measuring / taking clients hand / glove size in to consideration. It is then best to have a dynamic fitting on the driving range whereby club face and sole are taped up on several clubs and balls are hit off of a club fitting board. During this process the club fitter will work out which club specifications are most likely to suit the clients needs. To a certain extent through club fitting it is possible to make allowances or adjustments to enable the client to hit the golf ball straighter and possibly longer without the client having to change his or her golf technique.

Drivers   Depending on the manufacturer / model there are variations in:

1. Head Size
2. Adjustable Loft angle  +/- 1/2 degree
3. Orientation of Club head to Target i.e. Square / Closed / Open
4. Weight Bias
5. Length
6. Shaft Type / Flexibility / Kick Point / Torque / Weight
7. Grip Type
8. Grip Size
9. Swing Weight

Fairway woods / Hybrids tend to be less adjustable than drivers.

Many current Driver models form most manufacturers employ the 'OPTI-FIT' system whereby it is possible for the client to self adjust the drivers settings to suit, before or after a round.

There is a huge selection of shafts to choose from so it is recommended to take the advice of the club fitter on the choice of shaft.

With advances in technology it is currently possible, though only at limited locations, due to the cost of buying a unit, to have your swing and equipment measured on  Trackman radar technology. Trackman is the most accurate radar/ monitor available and is the leader in this field. Many of the top tour professionals have their own trackman to work on their golf games namely to make their golf swings more efficient.

From a Basic club fitting point of view the:

1. Correct Length of club will give a more centered strike, thus better distance and feel
2. Correct Lie Angle will effect the direction
3. Correct Grip Size can effect how you grip the club as well as your grip pressure.
4. Any adjustments made to the length of a club will effect Lie Angle / Swing Weight / shaft flex

If you are thinking of buying yourself a new set of irons or a driver or even a Putter it is better to be professionally fitted to ensure you get something that will suit you and your golf game !



Graeme Leggat PGA Advanced Golf Professional

 

      

           

Identifying Any Golfer's Limitations

Are you a typical golfer who has had a golf lesson or a series of golf lessons from the same or from different golf instructors ? Who sees a little improvement before going quickly back in to the same old fault pattern(s) again and is told to do more or less the same thing(s) again by the golf instructor on the next lesson(s) ? The problem is you may have a physical limitation which is making it difficult or even impossible to make the movement(s) you are being asked to make by your instructor thus stopping you from improving. It is however possible to improve by doing one of two things which are

1. Working around any limitation. It is possible for the golf instructor to work around any physical limitation to aid improvement.It is however not possible to see a limitation by just looking at your golf swing, which means your instructor will need to test you somehow. This is normally done by implementing a 'Golf Specific Screening'.

2. Limitation Improvement. It is possible to improve some limitations quite easily through employing golf specific excercise which the golf instructor can prescribe. Should you have a more long term problem or injury you would need to work with a qualified physio to aid any possible physical problem.


        IF YOU DON'T TEST IT, IT IS JUST A GUESS !


The best way to identify the golfers limitation(s) is through a Golf Specific Screen

1. Pelvic Tilt
2. Pelvic Rotation
3. Torso Rotation
4. Overhead Deep Squat
5. Toe Touch
6. 90 / 90
7. Single Leg Balance
8. Lat Length
9. Lower Quarter Rotation
10. Seated Trunk Rotation
11. Bridge with Leg Extension

As long as your are fully grown it does not matter what stage you are at in your life it is important to be
screened by your golf instructor to help him / her help you better to improve your golf game !


Example Golf Lesson of a Lesson Client who was Screened

Golf Specific Fitness

The 'Titleist Performance Institute'

Graeme Leggat PGA Advanced Golf Professional