Click here for a recent article in PGA Magazine .com Best Practices: Teaching by John Hafera, PGA Director of Instruction at Waters Landing Golf Park. It is a good explanation of our approach to golf instruction.
Click here for a video of Titleist Performance Institute founders Dr. Greg Rose and PGA Professional Dave Phillips presented at the recent PGA Merchandise Show. This presentation embodies our teaching philosophy at Waters Landing Golf Park.
PGA Director of Instruction John Hafera and his teaching staff take a pragmatic and holistic approach to golf instructon. The Six Success Factors of Golf are our hexagonal road map to game improvement and enjoyment. A players swing technique, equipment, mental game, physical assessment, course management and special knowledge are all considered and intertwined in this holistic approach. These areas are not only considered, but measureable empirical data is collected before instuction begins. Data is collected using K-Vest 3D Motion Capture, Titleist Performance Institute Physical Assessment, and video analysis. John Hafera is TPI Certified Golf Professional Level 3, Biomechanics Level 2 and K-Vest Certified Level 2. There are fewer than 100 golf professionals world wide with these certifications and he is the only PGA professional in Maryland or Virginia with these credentials. Teaching Professional Wayne Kao, who is fluent in Chineese is TPI Certified Level 1 and K-Vest Level 1.
K-Vest 3D Motion Capture
Video is often compared to an xray and 3D motion capture to an MRI. 3D motion capture provides much more detailed and empirical data. If you watched any professional golf tournament on TV you would see the greatest players in the world. You would also see many different looking swings or swing styles. The different styles have one thing in common, they are very efficient. Three dimensional motion capture measures a swings efficiency or it's ability to transfer energy from larger parts of the body to smaller parts. The measurement is reported in the players Kinematic Sequence. A golfers movements are also empirically reported numerically, with graphs and animation. With the K-Vest players experience real time live bio feedback with visual and auditory feedback. The TPI 3D software provides the largest data base of 3D reports of PGA Tour players available today. K-Vest captures the 3 rotational degress of freedom, when we feel it is beneficial we outsource an assessment with the AMM 3D motion capture with 6 degrees of freedom. When it comes to evaluating your swing movements, we don't guess we test with 3D motion capture.
Titleist Performance Insitute Physical Assessment
Each golfer has individual biomechanics influencing their swing style. That’s why we start with a assessment designed to identify physical limitations that correlate specifically to your golf swing. When it comes to finding out what your body can or cannot do we don't guess we test with a TPI Physical Assessment. We test mobility, stability, flexibility, strength and coordination. Once testing is complete, students receive a body/swing activities program complete with a private MYTPI website. The website includes customized exercises with how to videos. We will also reccomend a TPI Certified Fitness Professional.
Digital Video Analysis
2D analysis is used to determine swing style and characteristics. With the knowlege of physical limitations (tpi assessment), swing characteristics (video) and swing efficiency (3D motion capture) we can make the body swing connection to game improvement.
Summary
We take into account a players swing efficiency, their physical limitations, their equipment, their mental game, their course management and their shot making skills. We connect the dots in these areas in helping our players play to their highest level.
