BLOG: Why fluid joint movement is crucial for golfing success

By Tom Heeley (Optimum MD)

Do you ever watch a pro golfer’s swing and think: “I wish I could do that?”

If so, you are not alone.

So, I have been looking at the swing of the Number 1 golfer in the world, Spain’s John Rahm, and see if you can learn anything to help your game…

Neck moblity and stability

Keeping your eyes on the ball is something every golfer will be taught from a young age. But as we get older, it might not necessarily be as easy thing to do.

Having good neck stability while your shoulders and back rotate through a shot is key to keeping your eye on the ball. How strong is your neck?

Thoracic rotation

The thoracic is the section in the middle of the back, your shoulder blades and your ribs attach here as well. It is probably the area you need most mobility and control when playing golf. Energy and power transfers through your legs and hips and into your shoulders, arms and the club itself via the thoracic region.

This is where a lot of energy can be lost if things are not working to their optimum level. As a result, your shoulders have to generate the force and this can lead to overuse injuries.

Strong and stable pelvis

Did you know that a slice (see below), hook or lack of power can all be attributed to poor hip mobility?

Power and torque for your swing is produced in this hip and pelvis region and generated up through the core, trunk and shoulders. The key muscles are the rotators. You need to stabilise them and store elastic energy before releasing them into the shot.

Rotating knees

This may sound a little odd, but the knees do rotate as well as flex back and forth. The tibia and femur do rotate on one another and again this helps to generate power from the ground up. Previous knee surgeries and scar tissues from injuries are often a limiting factor in getting this working in a supportive manner.

Our sports therapists and physiotherapists at Optimum Derby are here to help if you would like to work on any of these parts of your swing. Focusing on the right areas to strengthen and mobilise can give your body the chance to provide you with the best platform to play your best game.

We might not be able to turn you into John Rahm, but we will do our best.

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