TPI Screen (Golf Physical Screening)
Also known as: TPI screen, what is a TPI screen, Titleist Performance Institute screen, golf fitness screen, golf physical assessment, body-swing connection, TPI assessment
A TPI screen is a set of simple physical tests from the Titleist Performance Institute. It checks how your body moves and links any limits to swing faults. TPI calls this the Body-Swing Connection. Its Level 1 screen has sixteen parts and is run by TPI-certified coaches, trainers and therapists.
The screen tests things like rotation, balance and flexibility. The results show where your body may be limiting your swing. For example, poor hip rotation may help explain a sway or early extension. A stiff upper back may make a full shoulder turn hard.
The idea is to match the swing to the body. If a limit is physical, swing drills alone may not fix it. A trainer can then give exercises for that limit. A coach can also adapt the swing to fit what you can do now.
A screen is not a medical diagnosis. If a test is painful, a medical professional should assess it.
Tips by skill level
Ask a TPI-certified pro or trainer near you for a screen. Bring your swing faults to the session.
Retest every few months. Compare changes in mobility with changes in your swing on video.
Example
A golfer keeps standing up through impact. A TPI screen shows his hips barely rotate. He adds hip mobility work and his posture holds better.
Why it matters
A screen shows whether a swing fault is physical. That saves time spent on drills your body can't do yet.
Common mistakes
- Treating the screen as a medical diagnosis
- Doing the tests once and never rechecking
- Forcing swing positions the screen says your body can't reach
Frequently asked questions
Who can do a TPI screen?
TPI-certified professionals, such as golf coaches, fitness trainers and physical therapists who completed TPI's certification.
Is a TPI screen a medical test?
No. It screens movement for golf. Pain during a test should be checked by a medical professional.
Sources
Related terms
- Golf Fitness ExercisesA simple golf fitness plan covers four things: mobility, stability, strength and rotational power. Mobility comes mostly from the hips and upper back, and stability from the core and glutes. Two or three short sessions a week can make the swing easier on your body. Start light, build gradually and stop if anything hurts.
- Hip and Thoracic Mobility for GolfGolf needs your hips to rotate and your upper back, the thoracic spine, to turn and extend. When either is stiff, the lower back often makes up the difference. Simple drills such as 90/90 hip switches, open-book rotations and half-kneeling hip flexor stretches help many golfers turn more freely.
- Early ExtensionEarly extension is when the hips thrust toward the ball during the downswing. The golfer stands up out of posture and has to compensate at impact.
- Compensation PatternA compensation pattern is a move the body adds, usually unconsciously, to offset an earlier fault and still make contact. It often becomes a habit of its own.
Related guides & benchmarks
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