The Road Less Travelled - for an Australian Golf

The Road Less Travelled - for an Australian
Golf Professional
Preface
Golf BioDynamics (GBD) was established in Brisbane, Australia (2000) after Dr. Robert Neal left the world of academia with the goal of developing a team of experts around the world who could assist golfers to become the best they could possibly be. The philosophy of his company has always been to work with players through their coaches; providing the coach with expert biomechanical advice based on quantitative measures of the swing mechanics (using 3D Technology) . The advice ranges from optimal technique for an individual, to altering timing sequences (timing sequence is a measure of swing efficiency) or information regarding the physical strengths/limitations of a golfer that influence swing technique. This integrated sports science approach to performance enhancement for golf in the private sector was modeled on the very successful Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) based programs. As a company, the GBD philosophy has always been to work closely with the golf coaches. “We tend to think of the Instructor as the ‘Director of Operations’ when it comes to disseminating information to the golfer” says Dr. Neal. “It is also imperative that we continue to educate PGA golf professionals on the biomechanics of the golf swing; the ways in which physical limitations of their clients can influence technique, as well as on the most efficient ways to modify motor patterns. Improving outcomes for clients and their coaches is one of the keys to the success of all involved in the process of teaching/learning golf”. “In fact, this educational aspect has been a focus of seminars conducted throughout the world via an affiliated company, The Golf Athlete (see www.thegolfathlete.com). In recent years we have all become familiar with the Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) and their very similar approach to providing education for golf profes‐
sionals while promoting swing analysis using 3D technology. Of course they also highlight the intimate connec‐
tion between a golfer’s physical abilities and his /her swing mechanics. How the industry has changed in the past decade!”. Robert Neal working indoors at The Jim McLean SuperStation in Miami FL (USA). Photo: Courtesy of George Peet Since Dr Neal began the process of developing a team of GBD practitioners around the world, the number of team members has grown with almost 20 locations on five continents (including 3 in Australia). The current GBD Team consists of golf coaches/teaching professionals, medical doctors, physiotherapists and strength & conditioning experts. Now based in Miami, Florida at the number one Golf School in the USA, The Jim McLean Golf School, GBD is establishing a strong reputation in the golf industry and it is intent on continuing to grow the business, brand and reputation both in Australia and throughout the world. To that end, they have established an alliance with the PGA of Australia, where one young PGA professional, is given the opportunity to spend 12 months working with GBD and the Jim McLean organization in the USA. Thus, each year a new professional will be given the opportunity to follow the very successful footsteps of Australian PGA Professional Brett Bridgman who, in 2008, was the first Golf BioDynamics Assistant. “We are very much looking forward to a continued and long term relationship with the PGA so that we can assist in educating trainees/golf professionals in an ever‐changing golf instruction market” says Dr Neal. For more information contact: Dr Robert Neal PO Box 226645 Miami FL 33222‐6645 USA [email protected] www.golfbiodynamics.com www.jimmclean.com Robert (right) with Camilo Villegas and Jim McLean Lead Master Instructor Mariano Bartolome during at the Doral Tournament on the famous Blue Monster Course. Top US Teaching Professional Jim McLean Brett Bridgman ‐ 2008 The Road Less Travelled - for an
Australian Golf Professional
By: Brett Bridgman AA PGA Member Interest in golf began early for me (when you have a father who works hard during the week and plays golf on the weekend it was im‐
portant for me to play golf so that I could see my dad!) and as a junior I was fortunate enough to be a member of two of Queensland’s premier clubs, Brisbane and Indooroopilly Golf Clubs. I played Junior Pennants for both of these clubs and this experience definitely helped spark my competitive desires. Being a member of these first rate clubs also helped give me an insight into the professionalism that existed in the industry, although I probably did not recognize that at the time. My vision with hindsight is 20‐20! My thoughts of a career in golf really began with acceptance into Kelvin Grove’s School of Excellence Golf Program in 2002. While in the golf program I had valuable instruction from some of Australia’s top golf coaches (Ian Triggs and Glenn Gammon) as well as exposure to some of the best sports science practitioners in Australia at the time, including Dr. Robert Neal (Biomechanics), Michael Dalgleish (Physiotherapy) and Dr. David Chettle (Athletic Development). The golf program was very much about developing golfers through good coaching practices with the support of an integrated sports science network. This model is now being promoted heavily throughout the world with the likes of the TPI (Titleist Performance Institute) as golfers strive to become better athletes. After a brief stint at University, I decided to go down the path of becoming an Australian PGA member. I was accepted into the PGA system and managed to gain a Traineeship at Riverlakes Golf Club, which I completed in November 2007. While it is only a relatively small golf club, I was fortunate enough to have two terrific mentors, Daniel and Josh Smith. They were helpful in exposing me to all aspects of the golf industry. It was Josh who recognized that my ultimate desire was to become a Teaching Professional and he was instrumental in helping me begin my teaching career. Josh and I still keep in contact and I consider him a great role model and good friend. During my time at Riverlakes I also met Tom Linskey, a widely respected coach and player. Tom is a great guy and he taught me many things that have influenced my career in the golf industry. I feel privileged to know him, and I continue to touch base with him on a regular basis. It is interesting to reflect on how you develop a network of colleagues and how they influence the way you coach! In early January 2007, I visited the United States with my father, who today also works in the golf industry. The main reason for the trip (apart from playing some great golf courses) was to visit the PGA Golf Show in Orlando, Florida (4hrs north of Miami). Dr Robert Neal and his wife Karen Harrison, who relocated their business, Golf BioDynamics, to the US (based at The Jim McLean Golf School) in 2004, were very generous hosts during our stay. They introduced me to The Jim McLean School (JMGS) as well as re‐introducing me to their 3D swing analysis technology. I had experienced it as a player at Kelvin Grove but had not fully appreciated its worth until I saw how valuable it is for the coach in that setting. When I arrived at the JMGS my overall impression was that it was an extraordinary facility. It was just so completely different to anything existing back home in Australia that I had seen. Not to mention that in the height of the season (Dec‐April), they have 20 of the best Instructors/Golf Coaches in the business teaching there! Overall, it is one of the best train‐
ing grounds in the world for a young golf professional who wants to become a great teacher! Upon my arrival home to Australia, Dr. Neal through his company Golf BioDynamics offered me a position to return as a Teaching Assis‐
tant, once I had successfully completed my Australian PGA Traineeship. I saw it as the opportunity of a lifetime. The position offered required me to complete a one year training course in the US with the benefits of becoming certified in both the Jim McLean Teaching System and of course the Golf BioDynamics System. I did some background research and quickly came to the decision that this position could help make me a better golf coach. I accepted without hesitation. I officially started work at the end of March 2008 as an Assis‐
tant for both the Jim McLean Golf School (JMGS) and Golf BioDynamics (GBD). I was to be the first ever GBD Assistant and one of 8 JMGS Assistants. I can now say I have officially passed the test for divot filling, bunker raking and picking up tees (just some of the tasks in one’s role as a JMGS Assistant)! The Jim McLean Golf School located at The Doral Golf Resort and Spa in west Miami is absolutely a facility worth visiting. The infrastruc‐
ture and professionalism of the staff creates an intense learning environment for clients and trainees alike. During peak season (Dec‐
Apr), 22 of the best Teaching Professionals in the country are based at this facility; many of them Top 100 Teachers. The Road Less Travelled ‐ for an Australian Golf Professional Page 3 They are supported by up to 12 full‐time Assistants during this busy time. The Superstation™, which houses four indoor hitting bays each equipped with big screen televisions, multiple video cameras, the most up‐to‐date analysis software and of course the Golf BioDy‐
namics 3D technology, is the hub of Jim’s Golf School. It sits on the tee so you can hit into a net or straight onto the range. A putting green, extensive practice area, undercover hitting area and administration building complete the set‐up here at the Doral Resort. The visa process started for me in late March 2007. With little idea of how to begin, the whole process took almost 12 months. The period of simply gathering all the information and details required for the 12 month Trainee Visa took a couple of months. Luckily, the process has now been streamlined for the next person coming through and should be relatively straightforward. Experience: hard to get but great to have. I completed my PGA Traineeship on a high note at the end of 2007 by qualifying for the Holden Scramble National Final. Our team had a great week, finishing third, which I rate as a significant achievement. While waiting for my Trainee Visa to be finalized (it obviously took longer than I expected) I took the opportunity to play in the Southern Tour for just over a month. I really enjoyed the experience and would like to do it again someday. Finally in late February 2008, I received the email that I was waiting for; my visa application had been approved! So, I flew to Sydney to have the interview at the American Embassy and it was approved the next day. Pack the bags and book that plane ticket! After goodbyes to my girlfriend, family and friends, I arrived in Miami, a metropolitan city of over 4 million people. By the way, it cer‐
tainly helps if you know a few Spanish words! The Latino influence here in South Florida is very strong! Above: Set up for a day of teaching—on the range at The Jim McLean Golf School, Doral Golf resort. Right: Brett being tested on the GBD 3D System in the Superstation at Doral. Photo Right: Courtesy of Miami Golf Magazine I happened to arrive just prior to the World CA Championship which is held at The Doral Golf Resort and Spa (this is where Jim McLean’s School is located). You could say it was perfect timing! It was great to be able to watch the world’s best golfers in action. It was an added bonus to see Aussie Geoff Ogilvy win. On the third day of the tournament I found myself watching the group of Tiger Woods, Adam Scott and Geoff Ogilvy – and I thought, it can’t get much better than this! I share an apartment with two other Instructors from the JMGS. It is conveniently located on one of the five golf courses at the Doral Golf Resort; just a short drive to work. One of the courses, The Silver, is currently being redesigned by Jim McLean and it will be re‐
opened early April (2009). I went out on the course with Jim on a few occasions and he even asked my opinion on some of the early changes. Quite an experience! It is sure to be one of Doral Resort’s best rated courses. The process to become a Jim McLean certified Teaching Professional requires one to undergo a comprehensive training course consist‐
ing of assisting the other Instructors at the Golf School with their lessons on a daily basis, written and practical assessments plus oral presentations. The ONLY way to bypass some, but not all, of these requirements is to win a PGA Tour event! That is everyone who be‐
comes a Jim McLean Instructor goes through exactly the same kind of training. The two exceptions: former PGA Tour Players Bobby Cole and Tom Shaw. The Road Less Travelled ‐ for an Australian Golf Professional Page 4 Jim McLean also places an emphasis on keeping up one’s playing skills; he likes his Instructors to be good players. And it is well‐known that he hits balls almost every day. During the summer, while it is a little quieter on the teaching front, the Assistant’s Summer Stroke Play and Match Play Championships were held. I managed to win both of these tournaments against some accomplished and competi‐
tive young players. Very satisfying! We have many Tour Players and even celebrities including Michael Jordon and Penny Hardaway (Basketball), Andrei Shevchenko (soccer star), Andres Romero, Brad Faxon, Dwayne Wade (Basketball), David Nalbandian (Tennis) and Annika Sorenstam visit the Golf School on a regular basis. I have even had the opportunity to work alongside both Jim and Rob when they spent time with players such as Brad Faxon, David Nalbandian and Andrei Shevchenko. In fact the two US Open winners in 2007, Christie Kerr and Angel Cabrera are coached by McLean Instructors – Bryan Lebedovich and Mariano Bartolome respectively. During the summer months (Jun‐Aug), many Instructors move north to work at exclusive private clubs in and around New York, but the school stays busy by hosting talented junior golfers from all over the world. These Elite Junior Camps are generally held over an eight week period. This year over 80 juniors, all with handicaps 15 or better, participated in this program. I was promoted to Instructor for three of these Junior Elite Camps. A terrific experience. I have to tell you about one of the most memorable experiences I had that week ‐ not one I intend to repeat however! I was chaperoning a group of kids (who I was instructing during the Junior Elite) and we went to a local mall for a meal and some entertainment. Now Jim owns a HUGE pickup truck which we piled about half a dozen of them into. After the meal, we came back to the parking lot and we couldn’t find the truck! I thought, for a moment, that I simply forgotten where the truck had been parked, but no, it had disappeared! The truck had been stolen. Can you imagine making that phone call – Jim, its Brett Bridgman here … I am with the police at the mall … your truck has been stolen! At first I thought my stay in the US was going to be shortened but Jim was great – no problems at all (thank goodness for insurance!). I have also been fortunate enough to spend numerous hours with a legend in golf, Bobby Cole. Bobby is a former South African Tour Professional who, to this day, is the youngest player ever to make the cut at the Masters. He has been a Lead Master Instructor at The JMGS for 6 years now and is one the best Instructors (and story tellers) I have ever met. Not to mention one of the best ball strikers! He has played with many of the legends of golf including Snead, Hogan, Nicklaus, Player and many more. It was a privilege to spend time with him. A couple of highlights: Last August, Rob and Karen organised for me to visit Jim McLean’s newest centre in Fort Worth, Texas. The ex‐
tensive property which was fully redeveloped (completed in 2006) is surely the jewel in his crown. A great facility for all players, the amenities include a large club house, fully equipped gym and treatment rooms, indoor hitting and putting areas and much more. Many tour players now call it home (e.g., Jason Day) and some of the best junior golfers in the country practice there on a daily basis. It will likely be Jim’s busiest school in a few short years. In October, I attended the TPI World Golf Fitness Summit in California. A great event, with an impressive line‐up of presenters; speaking on all aspects of the “physical” relating to our golf students. Well‐worthwhile. Rob actually co‐presented some original research with premier Australian golf physiotherapist Michael Dalgleish. On a world stage, the qual‐
ity of their presentation was put into perspective for me. When you work alongside quality practitioners and Instructors on a daily basis, sometimes you take their expertise and skill for granted! I have learnt a great many things over the past 12 months, and it has allowed me to grow both personally and professionally in what is a relatively short period of time. I have been fortunate enough to learn from every Instructor here at The Jim McLean Golf School and this valuable information I will hold on to for life. I feel the entire experience has already opened many doors into the golf industry that would not have been possible had I stayed in Australia. In taking up this Trainee Position, Dr Neal and Karen Harrison of Golf BioDynamics definitely presented me with the opportunity of a lifetime. Learning from a world exert in golf biomechanics and being at The Jim McLean Golf School, has allowed me to acquire and develop a unique set of skills (particularly with the GBD 3D Swing Analysis and BioFeedback Training); it has given me time to concen‐
trate on and hone my craft ‐ that is, Golf Instruction. And for this I am truly grateful. With the passion for teaching burning even brighter, my immediate goal is to take up a full time teaching position. One day I see myself holding the position of Director of Golf and being a well‐respected Teaching Professional – this is what I With Rob and Penny Har‐
daway (former NBA star) ‐ he will continue to work towards. I will be open to learning makes me look short and I’m every day. 6ft 3inches tall! ‐ playing golf at Crandon Park on Key Biscayne, Miami. At the time this article was published Brett was offered and accepted a full‐time teaching position At The Jim McLean Golf School in Madrid, Spain. For more information on either Golf BioDynamics or The Jim McLean Golf School check out: www.golfbiodynamics.com www.jimmclean.com