A Multi-Disciplinary Approach to Instruction
As golf instructors,
we are problem
solvers by nature. A
new student meets us
for a lesson, and they
present us with their
issues. Those of us who
have been around golf
instruction for awhile
could probably write
an entertaining book of
student-presented golfrelated
problems. We
hear common concerns
such as, “I slice the ball off
the tee,” and, “I don’t hit
it far enough,” to dramatic
dilemmas like, “I freeze
over 10-foot left-to-right
breaking putts.” In essence, the fi rst golf lesson is
like a medical professional meeting with a patient
for the fi rst time. After observing and listening to the
student, the golf professional assumes the task of the
case manager and begins to formulate a strategy to
help.
Some golf educators choose to observe a few
swings and evaluate ball fl ight characteristics, while
others start this process at a completely different
place. Evaluating ball fl ight is an important element
in the diagnostic process of learning the student’s
If you are wondering
what a
multi-disciplinary
approach is, just
be an observer of
the practice area at
a tour event on a
Tuesday. The startling
ratio of educator
and support
team member to
player could be
as many as 5-to-1. The best players in the world,
who are competing for ridiculous amounts of money,
fame, and prestige, utilize a multi-disciplinary
approach to attain any competitive advantage over
the competition. It has also been proven that a similar
effective model for player performance can be
applied to increase the skill level and enjoyment of
every golfer.
In analyzing the unique skills required to
enhance golf performance, several industryf
recognized educators and I have outlined a specific
multi-disciplinary performance-based instructional
initiative, which we call “The Golf Dojo.” Dojo is
a Japanese term which literally translates to “place
of the way.” The Golf Dojo is a center dedicated to
demystifying “the way of golf” and enhancing a more
rewarding experience for golfers of all skill levels.
The game of golf can be an emotionally frustrating
learning process, which cannot be conquered solely
with perfect swing mechanics, perfect biomechanical
balance, or perfect emotional/inner-self balance. The
development of true performance is a combination
of all these necessary components working together
towards the student’s desired goals. From one golf
teaching professional to another, I can tell you that
we are generally less effective as educators without
utilizing the available disciplines as tools to foster
student development.
The Golf Dojo Training Center utilizes several
unique facilities in southeast Florida as the home
base for our multi-disciplinary approach to golf
instruction. We embrace the paradigm that the game
is best taught by incorporating a group of industryrecognized
educators working as one unit. Our team
consists of a member of the medical community with
specialized training in golf biomechanical analysis
and injury prevention; a member of the martial arts
and athletic training community with specialization
in the inner game and focused awareness training;
and, a member of the golf education community
with specialized training in golf-related goal
setting principles, competitive strategies, and golf
techniques.
Our medical director is Dr. Brian Casey, D.C.,
CCSP. Dr. Casey is a Level 3 Titleist Performance
Institute Medical Professional who is also certified in
performing K-Vest 3D motion analysis. Dr. Casey has
significant training and experience in interpreting golf
specific biomechanical data, including 3D motion
analysis, and in the use of golf-specific orthopedic
examinations to create an effective golf performance
improvement platform. Dr. Casey lectures nationally
on how improper swing mechanics relate to injury,
the treatment of golf-specific injuries, as well as
utilizing fitness to improve golf performance and
injury prevention.
Our mental golf performance specialist is Ivan
Browner Sensei (5th-degree black belt). Browner
has 30 years of experience studying and teaching
the mental and physical principles of Aikjutsu, a
Japanese martial art. The similarities between the
mind of a competitive golfer and a martial artist
performing in a dynamic situation are true reflections
of each other. Browner’s work at The Golf Dojo is
paramount to creating a growth-specific inner game
program, which allows the student to let go of fear,
doubt, or negative impediments while on the path
to golf performance and improvement. Browner is
an internationally recognized lecturer on the topics
of meditation, personal growth, and competitive
balance.
I serve as the director of golf education at The
Golf Dojo. I hold a Level III certification with the
USGTF and am a member of the International
PGA. My education in golf began in 1983, gaining
experience in almost every facet of the golf industry.
Along with over 20 years of training in the
martial arts and meditation, I bring to The Golf
Dojo a specialized focus in the development of the
competitive golf mind, golf-specific goal setting
principles, and tournament preparation. As the
director of golf education, I utilize a combination
of these disciplines, which creates a platform to
advance golf-specific performance.
These areas of expertise combine together at The
Golf Dojo to create a complete performance-based
initiative that significantly advances the skill level of
our students and increases their overall enjoyment
of the game. The Golf Dojo enjoys outreach to
the golf community by performing lectures and
educational symposiums in support of other golf
instructors, competitive teams, training academies,
and organizations.
