Ep 227: How Golfers Should Train for Speed, Longevity, and Fewer Injuries - Part 1 (As Heard on The Sweet Spot Podcast)

Golf fitness requires a data-driven approach centered on mobility, strength, and power to maximize clubhead speed while preventing injury. Research indicates that clubhead speed typically declines around age 41, often due to physical limitations rather than technique or equipment. Effective training prioritizes mobility in the hips, shoulders, and thoracic spine, followed by strength and explosive power. Triphasic training—utilizing eccentric, isometric, and concentric phases—offers significant performance gains for adult golfers by building muscle capacity and improving force production. Furthermore, overspeed training should be approached with caution; high-volume dry swings increase injury risk, particularly in the wrists and elbows. Instead, focusing on lower-volume, high-intensity protocols with adequate rest periods provides superior results. Chris Finn, a physical therapist and strength coach from Par4Success, emphasizes that golfers must avoid skipping foundational mobility and strength stages to prevent becoming "ticking time bombs" prone to injury.