Authored by Steve Evans Jr., CSCS, USAW L2, TPI L2
Olympic Weightlifting Applications for Golf Fitness and Performance
Golf is a sport that features explosive, powerful movements accompanied by precise sequencing of the entire body around a golf club.
Similarly, Olympic weightlifting is a sport that features explosive, powerful movements accompanied by precise sequencing of the entire body around a barbell.
When properly coached and programmed, Olympic weightlifting can produce significant results for any golfer. Top performance benefits include faster club head speeds and longer driving capability.
According to Titleist Performance Institute (TPI), vertical force (the ability to apply force into the ground) is a key factor in a well rounded golf swing. Olympic weightlifting has a well documented history for being one of the most effective methods of developing vertical force capability amongst athletes of various backgrounds.
TPI uses the “Kinematic Sequence” to develop well rounded golf swings. The concept is to create a sequence of force starting from the feet, through the legs, to the hips, torso, and finish through the arms, hands, and into the golf club.
CREDIT: TPI
In the same way, Olympic weightlifting has athletes produce sequential force almost identically into the barbell. This parallel makes Olympic weightlifting an excellent option for golfers to practice exerting high levels of force from the ground into their club.
CREDIT: All Things Gym
Olympic weightlifting not only develops a more powerful golf swing, but also improves the consistency of each swing. Speaking from experience as a competitive Olympic weightlifter, mobility, balance, coordination, posture, and overall strength will naturally improve over time. A main cause of error during the golf swing is the inability to maintain positions along the swing sequence. Entering and strengthening positions involved with snatches and clean and jerks (hip hinge, jump, squat, row, press, overhead, lunge) will assist with maintaining each position during a golf swing.
I include variations of Olympic weightlifting in my golf performance specialization training sessions and offer TPI assessments to address any needs in relation to the golf swing. Interested in improving your Olympic weightlifting technique? I also offer Olympic weightlifting technique sessions. Olympic weightlifting is effective when performed for two to three sessions per week in a systemized program.
Looking for the next step? Inquire to steve@traininggroundbethesda.com to get started!