There is no single “perfect” way to swing a golf club—every golfer has their own unique style, and that’s part of what makes the game so fascinating. However, there is one most efficient swing for each individual player, and it starts with understanding and optimizing what your body can physically achieve.
Physical limitations can restrict your swing mechanics, reduce power and consistency, and even increase the risk of injury. The good news? These limitations can often be addressed and improved through targeted assessment, treatment, and corrective strategies—leading to a healthier body, a more efficient swing, and greater enjoyment on the course.
This is the core philosophy of the Titleist Performance Institute (TPI), the gold standard in golf-specific fitness and performance. At Elite Performance Therapy, we fully embrace the TPI approach to help golfers of all levels unlock their potential.
Why Golf Swing Faults Matter More Than You Think
Common swing faults don’t just hurt your scores—they can create repetitive stress that leads to pain and injury. Issues like limited rotation, early extension, or loss of posture often stem from underlying physical restrictions rather than purely technical flaws.
By identifying and correcting these root causes, you can swing more freely, play pain-free, and perform at your best—whether you’re chasing a lower handicap, winning your club championship, or simply enjoying rounds without discomfort.
Spotlight on C-Posture: A Common Hidden Culprit
Good posture is essential—not just for daily life, but for an effective golf setup and swing. In an ideal world, we’d all maintain a neutral spine at all times. But modern lifestyles—desk work, stress, previous injuries, and everyday habits—often lead to deviations.
One of the most prevalent issues we see is C-Posture, where the spine forms a pronounced C-shaped curve from the tailbone through the upper back and shoulders. This rounded posture significantly limits thoracic spine mobility, making it harder to achieve the full shoulder turn needed for a powerful, efficient backswing.
C-Posture often ties into Upper Crossed Syndrome (UCS)—a muscle imbalance pattern featuring tight pectorals, upper trapezius, and latissimus dorsi, alongside weakness in the deep neck flexors, lower trapezius, and serratus anterior. Equipment factors (like overly short clubs or a grip too much in the fingers) can contribute, but in most cases, it’s these imbalances that need addressing.
How We Identify C-Posture at Elite Performance Therapy
Led by Isy Fergusson, who holds TPI Level 1 certification, our clinic uses the official TPI Physical Screening process to pinpoint limitations holding golfers back.
This evidence-based screening evaluates two key areas:
- Mobility — Range of motion and flexibility
- Stability — Balance, strength, and muscular endurance
Failed tests often reveal the true root causes of swing faults like swaying, sliding, coming over the top, scooping, or early extension. The screen also highlights areas vulnerable to injury from golf’s repetitive, one-sided demands.
To assess for true C-Posture, we incorporate targeted tests such as:
- Overhead Deep Squat
- Lat Length Test
- Toe Touch Test
These help us map out exactly how your body is influencing your swing.
Correcting C-Posture: A Proven Two-Step Approach
Simply “cueing” better posture at setup often isn’t enough—true change requires addressing the underlying issues:
- Enhance Thoracic Mobility — Release restrictions in the mid-spine and surrounding rib cage through soft tissue work (like targeted massage and myofascial release) combined with gentle joint mobilisations.
- Rebalance Key Muscle Groups — Strengthen weak areas (lower traps, serratus anterior, deep neck flexors) while lengthening tight ones (pecs, upper traps, lats). Effective exercises we often prescribe include:
- Open Book Stretch
- Thoracic Spine Roll-Out with Lift-Off
- Lumbar-Locked Thoracic Reachback
With consistent application, many golfers see noticeable improvements in posture, rotation, and overall swing efficiency.
Our Proven Track Record on the Costa del Sol
With over 10 years of experience working with golfers on the Costa del Sol (including in areas like Riviera del Sol, Mijas, and Marbella), we’ve helped hundreds of players—from enthusiastic amateurs to professionals on tours like the Asian Golf Tour and Ladies European Tour—overcome physical barriers and elevate their game.
We’ve treated everything from chronic back pain to mobility restrictions that were silently costing distance and accuracy. Many clients return to pain-free golf, add yards to their drives, and enjoy the game more than ever.
At Elite Performance Therapy, we work with both amateurs and pros. Whether your goal is to win your next bounce game, drop your handicap, claim the club championship, progress through the professional ranks, or simply play without nagging pain—we’re here to help you reach the next level, and it often doesn’t take as long as you think 🙂
Ready to uncover what’s really limiting your swing? Book a TPI-informed assessment with Isy today and start playing the golf your body is capable of !
Contact us here for a complimentary call or book directly here. Here to help you feel better, live better and play pain free!!