Carmel Magazine

TAKE YOUR BEST SHOT B Y D A N PA S Q U A R I E L L O A N D L A I R D S M A L L s we start a new year of golf, we look for ways to in- crease our enjoyment of the game. Whether fulfillment comes from striking the ball better, a longer distance, improved accuracy, or feeling more comfortable with the short game, the question for many golfers, is, "Where and how do I start improvement?" Golfers often practice what they think will help, but end up focusing on the wrong element, which results in lack of progress. For many recreational golfers, proper fitness is the place to begin. Moving correctly can help the swing and increase ball distance, with less effort and a lower chance of injury. It can also help with endurance on the golf course, so we can stay strong and technically sound coming down the back nine. Fitness is the foundation of a great golf game and an important practice to add into any golf routines. The Pebble Beach Golf Academy recognizes the significant role that golf fitness plays and offers a unique, state-of-the-art technology that helps golfers identify how their bodies are working and where to make physical changes to maximize their efficiency. The technology is called Advanced Motion Measurement (AMM), which is a flagship 12-sensor system that features full-body 6D motion analysis—3D imagery combined with motion capture. AMM captures critical elements including the golfer's body rotation, bend, lift, sway and thrust, in both degrees and inches, and results in the information needed to identify and train efficient body motion in the swing. The system runs on electromagnetic, inertial motion-capture plat- forms using a global transmitter, and incorporates comprehensive biome- chanics called TPI 3D. A player's comparative report can be printed or e- mailed for reference and to track progress. TPI 3D was jointly developed by Dr. Greg Rose, Dr. Phil Cheetham and the Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) Biomechanics Advisory Board, to revolutionize and standardize the way that 3D biomechanics is used to measure and train body efficiency during the swing. Its primary purpose is to display and quantify the kinematic sequence of body segments—a sci- entific method of reviewing timing, sequencing and energy transfer from one body segment to the next. Each body segment should accelerate and decelerate in the correct order (pelvis, thorax, lead arm and club) for maximum efficiency. Performance enhancement is much easier to realize with this precise scientific data. Simply put, the developers gathered data on players of all shapes, sizes, ages, and fitness levels, and used this data to discover how a properly func- tioning body allows a golfer to swing the golf club with the most efficien- cy. TPI has also analyzed how a golfer's physical limitations can adversely affect the golf swing and potentially lead to injury. These details can lead to big changes in a player's golf game and overall health and wellness— and therefore more enjoyment on the course. To experience the magic at the Pebble Beach Golf Academy, 12 sensors are placed on your body, the digitizing process completes, and a digital avatar of you appears on the screen. With it you can see each body seg- ment move in real time. The magic comes in when you can actually see the changes take place on the screen as you make different moves to gain the efficiencies needed. Your information is then compared to a database of golf professionals from the PGA, Champions and LPGA Tours—the optimal parameters for reference. With this data, we see what you may be doing differently. Once your movement pattern is discovered, biofeedback is set to achieve peak performance using audible tones for feedback, and a fit- ness workout program is created based on your body's ability to move versus the desired movement pattern. Often the body does not allow for the proper motion due to a dysfunction, such as lack of stability or strength. To help identify each golfer's capacity for movement, 10 dif- ferent movement screens test mobility and stability. To change some of the movements to a more efficient pattern may require stretching, strength training, or other conditioning to isolate par ticular areas in need of attention. The key to good golf is more than just honing your swing on the driv- ing range. In the words of Dirty Harry, "A man's got to know his limita- tions." Knowing how your body functions, your physical limitations and your strengths can open the door to a more enjoyable round of golf. Make golf fitness a priority to start the 2015 golf season. If you would like to schedule your own TPI fitness evaluation and AMM bio-mechanic session, and learn how to maximize efficiency and achieve peak performance for your best game yet, contact the Pebble Beach Golf Academy & Practice Facility at 831/622-8650. 106 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • W I N T E R 2 0 1 5 Proper Fitness Can Transform Your Game A

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