PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. – While the world’s best golfers compete at The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass, some of the work that leads to success on the course happens far from the first tee. Inside the Tour Performance Center, players are training their bodies just as much as their swings.
In its third year, the center combines physical therapy, strength training, and golf instruction all under one roof. Director of Athletic Performance Alex Bennett said the goal is a full-circle approach to improving a player’s game.
“More of a full circle corrective approach to players that are coming back from injuries,” Bennett said. “We have a lot more players that are seeking us out that are coming back from injuries and they start with the PT and then they go into training and then they go back to the range.”
The staff works closely with instructors to evaluate every part of a golfer’s performance: from their swing mechanics to potential strength or mobility limitations.
“We’re looking at how a player swings,” Bennett said. “We’re looking at if they’re limited in any strength or range of motion issues and we’re able to communicate with the swing coach so everybody is always on the same page.”
The results might surprise casual golfers. Many players complete what Bennett calls a full workout before they ever step onto the course.
“Something that surprises a lot of people is these guys are getting in what most people would consider like a full workout before they play a tournament round,” Bennett said.
Because even though golf rounds can last more than five hours, the swing itself requires explosive power in just a couple of seconds.
“Golf is a long-duration aspect just from walking for five hours, but the golf swing takes place in under two seconds, so it’s an explosive sport,” Bennett said.
The facility serves everyone from touring professionals to everyday golfers with individualized training plans based on their goals. In fact, it’s not unusual to see PGA Tour players training alongside high school golfers.
"It’s a cool environment in here,” Bennett said. “We have high school kids in the mornings that are working out with tour players and I think it gives the high school kids a lot of confidence.”
And when those tour players succeed, the staff behind the scenes shares in the celebration.
“It’s always a huge sense of pride when your guy wins and you celebrate with the team around that guy,” Bennett said. “We take a lot of pride in that.”
The Tour Performance Center is open to the public as well. Golfers interested in training programs or assessments can find more information on the TPC Network website.