Tip #10: Functional Performance Model

The self-evaluation presented thus far serves only as a baseline. Th erecommended assessment process for professionals who make their living playing golf involves a comprehensive evaluation tool called the functional performance model. You will see that this is a rather complex process and that much communication is necessary among players and their conditioning coaches to further improve performance at the highest level.

The functional performance model serves as an accurate means of assessing areas where your swing mechanics might break down and where you might be experiencing power leaks. The functional performance model begins with a biomechanical analysis, followed by clinical, structural, and functional analyses. Depending on the outcome of the clinical evaluation, the professional golfer might be encouraged to see a physician or a physical therapist to begin a rehabilitation program, or to meet with a fitness professional to develop a personalized exercise program.

Such an exercise program is broken down into two different areas: the basic program for the golfer in reasonably good physical condition, and what we call the clinical program, for the person who might not be fit enough to do more advanced exercises. The clinical program basically addresses the functional areas of mobility and stability. If the assessment reveals a deficiency in general fitness level, a customized exercise program can be developed. We believe that all golf conditioning programs can benefit from the PAC Total Golf system, because it addresses sport-specific muscular strength, functional flexibility, dynamic postural balance, and segmental coordination. These four components arethe key factors for performing correct and consistent golf swings.