Most fact-based analysis of the golf swing ever conducted identifies key body positions correlated with superior performance
(Centennial, Colo) – GolfTEC – the world leader in golf lessons and top employer of PGA Professionals – has released the findings of its SwingTRU Motion Study, the most fact-based analysis of the golf swing ever conducted, which identifies specific body positions within the swing that directly correlate to handicap level and play a key role in improving distance, accuracy and consistent contact.
Over the past 21 years, GolfTEC collected and stored motion measurement data on more than 90 million golf swings. This equates to more than 225 terabytes of information, captured during the six million lessons provided by the company since 1995. For the SwingTRU study, a statistically significant slice of the accumulated data was examined to learn the differences between how golfers of all handicaps – from tour players to aspiring students and beginners – move throughout the swing. GolfTEC discovered patterns in how professionals and elite amateurs use their bodies as compared to higher handicap golfers.
The initial roll-out of the study focuses on six specific positions that show strong correlation to game improvement. These include hip sway at the top of the swing, shoulder tilt at the top of the swing, hip sway at impact, hip turn at impact, shoulder tilt at impact and shoulder bend at the finish of the swing. To view more details on these positions, frequently asked questions on the study and highlights with actual students, please visit www.golftec.com/SwingTRU.
“SwingTRU is the first example of big data applied to analyzing the golf swing and is entirely the result of our ability to capture information from the nearly one million lessons we provide annually,” says Joe Assell, Co-Founder and CEO at GolfTEC. “However, this is the tip of the iceberg for data capture and analysis, as we are researching follow-ups to the study that focus on additional positions, as well as how ball flight is affected. SwingTRU exemplifies our commitment to fact-based instruction that benefits golfers of all skill levels.”
The study also provides GolfTEC coaches an additional layer of insight for enhanced golf instruction. They are able to focus on specific positions where improvement is most needed, thus maximizing the student’s learning curve and ability to transfer lessons and practice into improved on-course performance.
“It is important to note, the study does not prescribe a specific method of instruction or swing theory, it is simply factual information that can be used as a starting point to help drive student improvement,” says Nick Clearwater, GolfTEC Senior Director of Instruction. “All our students are unique, and these findings help our Coaches continue to tailor instruction to the needs and goals of the individual.”
Facts and figures related to SwingTRU include:
• Most fact-based study of its kind ever conducted in golf
• Identifies key body positions correlated to superior performance
• 13,440 individual golf swings measured – spanning tour players to beginners
• 48 different body positions and 645,120 total motion measurements
• Strong example of big data being applied to sports (golf) and motion performance
To capture this massive amount of securely-stored data, GolfTEC utilized proprietary teaching technology that included electromagnetic sensors strategically placed on the student to measure the most minute movements in a three dimensional space. The company uses a Polhemus® PATRIOT Digitizer to provide pinpoint data capture of the golfer’s movement, the same electromagnetic technology the U.S. Olympic Committee relied on to improve athlete performance.
Thousands of golfers worldwide have benefitted from GolfTEC’s results-oriented approach, which has led to a 96 percent success rate among students, who drop an average of seven strokes from their scores.
Since 2010, GolfTEC has experienced unprecedented expansion and success, which has led to a 73 percent increase in revenue. In 2015, they set records for total number of lessons given, number of employees, numbers of students and number of facilities worldwide (nearly 200). These accomplishments have come as a result of being able to help players of all skill levels achieve their goals and be more confident and competent on the course.
Each GolfTEC student undergoes a Swing Evaluation to assess their skill, followed by a certified personal coach recommending a specific game plan, which includes fundamental elements like course strategy and a TECfit® club fitting session. While the majority of lessons are taught indoors in private bays, coaches also accompany players for on-course/outdoor lessons to ensure they are comfortable in real world situations.
The company estimates that they will give nearly 1 million lessons in 2016, as new consumers continue to flock to GolfTEC centers around the globe. The largest driver for these new customers is referrals from current students who have personally experienced rapid improvement. These performance gains are attractive to both the 24 million core/avid golfers in the world, as well as beginners just picking up the game for the first time.
The renowned coaching staff is comprised of experienced professionals, most of whom are PGA professionals and have taught thousands of lessons. Each goes through a rigorous multi-week certification at GolfTEC University including continued advanced training to master the analysis of golf swing mechanics, the technology utilized by GolfTEC and the most productive teaching techniques. Committed to strengthening the industry and hiring only the best staff, GolfTEC is the largest employer of PGA Professionals in the world.
For more information please visit www.golftec.com or call 877-446-5383.
About GolfTEC
The world leader in golf lessons and top employer of PGA Professionals has a 96 percent success rate among its students. Since 1995, GolfTEC Certified Personal Coaches, the vast majority of which are PGA Professionals, have given more than 6 million lessons. The company operates nearly 200 centers worldwide (more than 80 within Golfsmith® stores) and has a presence in almost all major U.S. cities, Canada, Japan and Korea. All lessons are based on the company’s “Five Factors:” Fact-Based Diagnosis, Sequential Lessons, Video-Based Practice, Advanced Retention Tools, and TECfit® club fitting. To date, more than 600 GolfTEC Coaches work across a global network of Improvement Centers, consisting of both Corporate-owned and Franchise-owned locations and employees.
Contact:
Bill Feidler, Buffalo Brand Invigoration Group
703.615.4034
bfeidler@buffalobig.com
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