This document summarizes a presentation on improving golf performance through increased flexibility and stability. It discusses how flexibility and stability can prevent injuries while improving a golfer's distance and swing. Key points made include that proper warm-ups including aerobic exercise, stretching, and practice are essential before playing. Performing analyses of a golfer's flexibility, posture, swing mechanics and developing customized corrective plans can help any golfer overcome barriers and limitations holding their game back.

1. Session 1: “Are you fit for golf?”Dr. John Ferguson, D.C.Golf Injury Specialist

2. Golf: The Greatest and Most Frustrating Game in the World“Is it me or do I need new clubs?”*Photo from buy-discount-golf-equipment.blogspot.com

3. Let’s take a look at some numbers… In 1974, the Handicap for Men: 16

4. In 1974, the Handicap for Women: 29

5. Average Round of Golf: 103*statistics supplied by Blanchard Golf Academy*Photo from images.google.com

6. What happens 26 years later? In 2000, the Handicap for Men: 16

7. In 2000, the Handicap for Women: 29

8. Average Round of Golf: 103*statistics supplied by Blanchard Golf AcademyNO CHANGE?MAYBE IT’S NOT YOUR CLUBS…** Photo from blog.kir.com

9. What is the Secret to better golf?OvercomingThe 4 BarriersNutritionEnviron-MentalAllergensPainImprovingFlexibilityPostural StabilitySwing Mechanics

10. “Golfers achieve 90% of their peak muscular effort when driving a golf ball.”*research from Paul Chek, in his book The Biomechanics of Golf*Photo from images.google.com

11. FlexibleStableShoulderMid BackWristHipAnkleHead and NeckElbowLow BackKneeFeet*Photo from images.google.com

12. Video ClipCan you get into this position?

13. Flexibility!!Noted by PGA instructors as being the number one key to hitting farther and improving your game.*Phil Mickelson StretchingWe aren’t as young as we used to be!Tighter muscles and ligaments = More prone to injury*Photo from waggleroom.com

14. How far can you hit the ball?Tiger Woods 135 mph300+ yards*statistics supplied by Blanchard Golf Academy*Photo from golfdigest.com

15. Consequences of the Bent Forward Arm1. Loss of Energy = Loss of Distance2. Hyperextend Elbow = Medial Elbow Pain (Golfer’s Elbow) *Photos from images.google.com

16. Spinal FlexibilityGenerates power during your backswing.Spinal Floor Twist

17. Postural Stability and BalanceHead/NeckElbowLow BackKneeFeetStability combines 3 thingsBalanceStrengthMuscular Endurance*Photo from images.google.com

18. How does your spine affect your swing?Neck (Cervical)KyphosisLordosisLow Back (Lumbar) *photo from eorthopod.com

19. S-shaped CurveNormalC-shaped Curve

20. S-shaped CurveHyperlordosisIncreased Lumbar Curve Limits your spinal Range of Motion

21. Decreases Power

22. Prone to spinal disc injuries (bulging discs)

23. C-shaped CurveHypolordosisDecrease or Lack of Lumbar CurveLimits your spinal Range of Motion

24. Decreases Power

25. Degenerative Disc Disease

26. Weakened Spinal Musculature (Sprain/Strain Injuries)

27. Where does bad posture come from?“Forward Flexed Position”Golf Swing Requires: Rotation Lateral Bending ExtensionNOT Flexion!*Photo from images.google.com

28. Postural Analysis Toes pointing straight ahead

29. Hips directly above feet

30. Level Hips

31. Level Shoulders