The 18STRONG Podcast

Today I am pleased to announce our guests, Brandon Harris and Greg McLean from Premier Fitness Systems (PFS). Brandon and Greg have over 20 years of combined experience helping people achieve their health and fitness goals. PFS was built on the dream of creating a place to empower people to achieve a healthier way of life. They believe in putting energy into every workout, having passion for people, and delivering results. Brandon and Greg are committed to being the best in the fitness industry by ensuring clients they are in a process of continual learning. Brandon and Greg pride themselves with helping people, and have been able to integrate community based events and non-profit support into the Premier Fitness Systems network. Subscribe to the 18STRONG Podcast on iTunes and stitcher by clicking the button below: Brandon Harris’ Background Brandon’s philosophy is that exercise and fitness should be viewed as preventive medicine. In high school he was a three-sport athlete and received a scholar athlete award in football. Later, he attended Arizona State University on an academic scholarship and received his degree in Kinesiology in 2004. When he was a junior in college, he started Personal Training and has since turned this into his career. Greg McLean’s Background Greg originally had the goal of being an electrical engineer. Halfway through college, he decided to change his major to Exercise Science. Greg worked in the fire department for a while, and began coursework in Fire Science. He loved how exercise transformed his body and enhanced his self-confidence, so eventually decided to make it his career. Highlights from this Episode The PFS philosophy on movement training and how advantageous it is. Brandon uses the example of a gymnast’s strength and movement transferring well to other skills (e.g. bench press), whereas a body builder’s probably won’t. How Brandon overcame back pain, by focusing on quality strength, fitness, movement and training. Why breathing is one of the most important things an athlete can do. It allows the central nervous system to enter a more optimal mode for training and performance. The daily exercises they have clients perform to make sure the most important movements are practiced often and properly. This differs from person to person, depending on how they move and train. The guys’ philosophy on training barefoot, and how it improves performance and helps the central nervous system. The connection with the ground is beneficial to tension control, creating proper movement patterns and can overcome a reliance on orthotics. How Brandon and Greg tailor and customize their program, and evaluate clients over Skype, via online video, and in person at the gym. CaddyShack or Happy Gilmore? Brandon: Happy Gilmore Greg: Caddy Shack Who would you like to spend a day on the course with? Brandon: Tiger Woods (in his prime) Greg: His grandfather at Torrey Pines What are you excited about in the near future? Bringing yoga into the fold, and building the team at PFS. Where to find Premier Fitness Systems (PFS): Website: premierfitnesssystems.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/premierfitnesss1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pfsfitness/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PFSFITNESS/  

This week I am very excited to announce our guest, Liam Hennessy. Liam is one of the legends in the world of strength, conditioning, and golf fitness.  He works as a sports performance scientist and consultant, and has worked with some of the greatest athletes in the world, from many sports, including Padraig Harrington. In this episode, Liam shares some of his incredible stories on his journey, including his early days pole vaulting for Ireland to some of the adventures he’s had while working with Padraig.  It is these experiences and “experiments” that have helped him discover and develop his work with his clients.  Always searching for new ways to learn and find out what works best, Liam is a constant student and teacher.  And while some of these stories venture in the “extremes,” Liam cautions that often, we jump in too quickly and want results so fast that we forget about the fact that performance is a process that can’t be rushed. Subscribe to the 18STRONG Podcast on iTunes and stitcher by clicking the button below: Liam Hennessy’s Background Dr. Liam Hennessy is the Academic Director of Setanta College. He is a qualified Physical Education teacher, Exercise Physiologist and Strength & Conditioning Coach. He has spent over 20 years working full-time in sport. Liam was previously the Director of Fitness with the Irish Rugby Football Union, a position he commenced in 2000. At the IRFU he headed a staff of 24 full time coaches. His role was to develop a world class system of player support within the areas of Strength and Conditioning, Injury Rehabilitation, Sport Nutrition and Medical Care. Liam is also Fitness Coach to Padraig Harrington having worked with Padraig for over a decade now. He gained his undergraduate degree in Physical Education and English from Thomond College in 1981 and from there he completed his Master’s at Loughborough University before going on to complete a further Master’s in Clinical Physiology. Liam was also an international athlete, competing over 50 times for Ireland at the Pole vault. After competing he became national jumps coach. Liam also had the distinction of being Irish team manager at the first world junior Athletic Championships in Athens in 1985. Highlights from this Episode Liam’s background growing up in Ireland, and how he went from Irish hurling, to pole vaulting, to sports performance science, and eventually into golf. Liam’s take on plyometrics and heavy lifting to prime yourself for strong performance. How he came to work with some of the top athletes in the world as a performance consultant. Why golf is the most explosive and dynamic game from a performance perspective. The biggest mistakes golfers make on a regular basis. Liam’s views on recovery, and why nothing is as important as sleeping well. CaddyShack or Happy Gilmore? Happy Gilmore Who would you like to spend a day on the course with? Christy O’Connor Jnr. What are you excited about in your near future? How we can use technology and science to help us in sports performance, and how to simplify the process. Where to Find Liam Hennessy: More Info: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liam_Hennessy_(coach) Setanta College: https://www.setantacollege.com/usa/ Setanta College Advisory Board: https://www.setantacollege.com/about/our-people/

This week I am joined by yoga instructor, personal trainer, lifestyle coach and golfer, Jessika Shelton. Jess helps golfers focus on eliminating their pain and increasing their health to create an amazing life while they build their golf game. Jess was an active athlete in school playing softball, swim, track, cheer, and water polo. Looking for a change in scenery, she became certified in Yoga in 2011. Jess’ love of teaching lead her to more certifications in Pilates, Personal Training, and now being TPI (Titleist Performance Institute) Certified. Jess’ mission is to use the skills she has learned in yoga, health and lifestyle to improve her student’s golf games, and lead them to a better life. Subscribe to the 18STRONG Podcast on iTunes and stitcher by clicking the button below: Jessika Shelton’s Background Jess was an active athlete in school playing softball, swim, track, cheer, and water polo. Jess is now certified in yoga, personal training, pilates and TPI. She studied nursing in college and worked at a hospital as a phlebotomist Jess works with leading professionals for their best tips, tactics, and advice from their successes and failures. Highlights from this Episode The biggest health and injury issues people come to Jess for, and how she fixes them. How changes in lifestyle can affect your golf game, and what things you can do to improve it. Finding your ‘why’. Using yoga to help with your golf, and what you should know before going in to the class. Bringing mental awareness to golf related aches and pains through yoga. A few simple exercises anyone can do to increase their mindfulness in general. CaddyShack or Happy Gilmore? Happy Gilmore If you could spend a day on the course with one person in the world (past or present), who would it be, why, and what course would you play? Gary Player; Torrey Pines San Diego, CA Paige Spiraniac; Cypress Point, Pebble Beach, CA What has you most excited for this coming year/ what is your mission New Video Product made by golfer’s and for golf guys who’ve ever dealt with pain, fat gain and mobility issues. Last piece of advice? Find your Why? And Don’t let Pain KILL your Golf Game! Where to Find Jessika Shelton: Website: painlessgolfing.com Instagram: jess.painlessgolfing Twitter: @painlessgolfing Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/painlessgolfing/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcO_HkdjBvaxooE3nWspUvQ   Other Links Mentioned Painlessgolfing.com/18strong

This week I am very excited to announce our guest; Jeff Ritter. Jeff is the CEO/Founder of MAKE THE TURN Performance. An accomplished coach, author and motivational speaker, Jeff is known for his unique approach to teaching the game. He credits his passion for inspiration, body health and mental flexibility for the reputation that has set him apart as a purveyor of not only playing well, but living well. A consistent presence in the world of golf media, Jeff is a regular featured guest on Golf Channel appearing on programs such as Morning Drive. In 2016 he was host of PGA National Instruction day on Golf Channel, the most watched golf instruction event in history. His inspiring perspective on game and lifestyle development has Jeff traveling internationally to share the MAKE THE TURN message of living more powerfully through the game of golf. Subscribe to the 18STRONG Podcast on iTunes and stitcher by clicking the button below: Jeff Ritter’s Background Jeff owns and operates golf performance and lifestyle consultancy, MAKE THE TURN. He is a published author of the book “Your Kid Ate a Divot – Eighteen Life Lessons From the Links” Jeff works with golfers on improving their game, health, mindset and lifestyle. In 2014 he created the MAKE THE TURN Weekly Challenge Series for Golf Digest TV. The program was the most successful series on the Golf Digest platform garnering 20 million viewers.   Highlights from this Episode How Jeff came to understand the importance of mindset and health in golf. The time Jeff met Top 50 Golf Digest teacher, Mike LaBauve, and how the experience took his golf game to the next level. How small changes in behavior can drastically improve your swing, almost instantly. Jeff’s take on technology in golf. Helpful mindset exercises for drastic results – “The Genie List” (see below for a description of the exercise) The importance of taking immediate action on what you want to improve in golf and life. How Jeff got rid of a long time back injury and avoided surgery by changing his diet. CaddyShack or Happy Gilmore? CaddyShack Who would you like to spend a day on the course with? Jack Nicklaus at Pebble Beach What are you excited about in your near future? Putting our platform in front of the corporate world, and guest speaking.   Where to Find Jeff Ritter: Website: mttperformance.com Instagram: @mttgolf Twitter: @mttgolf Facebook: Make The Turn Other Links Mentioned Book: “Your Kid Ate A Divot – Eighteen Life Lessons From the Links” Pebble Beach Contest: mttperformance.com/contest   “The Genie List” Mindset Exercise: Jeff explains this helpful mindset exercise around the 36-minute mark of the podcast. The short version: Write down everything you could ever hope to accomplish in your lifetime, regardless of how ridiculous they may sound at first. Pretend you have a genie that could grant these wishes for you. Once done, take immediate action on at least one of those. You will be surprised at how easily those things can come to fruition.  

Today I am joined by author, educator, speaker, and golfer; Dr. Mark Broadie. Commonly known as the ‘Doctor of Golf’ Mark is at the forefront of a revolutionary new approach to the game. A professor at Columbia Business School, Mark helped the PGA Tour develop its cutting-edge strokes gained stat, and more recently worked with the PGA Tour on their implementation of strokes gained off the tee, strokes gained approach and strokes gained around the green. Broadie uses analytics from the financial world to uncover the secrets of the game of golf, with a focus on crunching mountains of data to show both professional and amateur golfers how to make better decisions on the course. The strokes gained stat has been influential in changing the way we think about golf, and where we should be focusing. Putting and driving are often touted as being the most important aspects of a golfer’s game, but Mark’s work shows (convincingly) why most of the top golfers win with their approach. Subscribe to the 18STRONG Podcast on iTunes and stitcher by clicking the button below: Mark Broadie’s Background Mark Broadie is the Carson Family Professor of Business at the Graduate School of Business at Columbia University. He has received a B.S. from Cornell University and Ph.D. from Stanford University. He is a member of the United States Golf Association’s handicap research team and is a former club champion at Pelham Country Club. Mark helped the PGA Tour develop its cutting-edge ‘strokes gained’ putting stat. Mark is the author of “Every Shot Counts: Using the Revolutionary Strokes Gained Approach to Improve Your Golf Performance and Strategy” Highlights from this Episode How Mark started applying the same analytics from his day job (business professor) to improve his golf game. Debunking some common golf myths, like ‘drive for show, putt for dough’. How Mark came up with the strokes gained stat, and why it’s so important to track. Mark also explains how it’s a more precise version of the intuition golfers have already been using for years. The importance of the approach game. About 40% of the advantage top players have over lower ranked players comes from approach shots. How anyone can use strokes gained and Mark’s app Golf Metrics to improve their game. Why we shouldn’t credit Tiger Woods’ putting game as much his driving and approach game. How Jordan Spieth is such a great player by simply being much better than average in every aspect of his game, rather than dominating just one. CaddyShack or Happy Gilmore? Happy Gilmore Who are some notable names you’ve been on the course with?  Luke Donald, Michael Jordan, Justin Rose to name a few What was it like to walk a course with Michael Jordan, and what were some of the conversations you had outside of golf?  He had a custom built golf cart like a stretch limousine, with drinks and music. He was also trash talking Luke Donald throughout the round! What’s most exciting for you as you move forward?  There’s a lot more work to be done on golf strategy, and a lot of fascinating questions to be answered. You can improve your game by playing smarter. I’m looking forward to diving more deeply into that. Where to Find Dr. Mark Broadie: Website: everyshotcounts.com Twitter: @MarkBroadie Other Links Mentioned Book: Every Shot Counts – Using the Revolutionary Strokes Gained Approach to Improve Your Golf Performance and Strategy App: Golfmetrics Having Trouble Leaving a review from your iPhone or desktop? CLICK HERE to see how on your iPhone! CLICK HERE to see how on your desktop!  

This week I am joined by one of the most highly sought after educators, speakers, and clinical specialists in the world of Movement, rehab and training; Dr. Andreo Spina. As the Founder/Creator of Functional Anatomy Seminars, Dr. Spina speaks all over the world to other medical and fitness practitioners, dispelling the myths of flexibility and challenging the way we think about our bodies and movement. His system of assessing, treating and training is used by professional sports teams all over the world including some of the teams seen in the image below.  In our chat today we discuss some of the myths of flexibility and how the research has shown all along that there are more effective ways to create change, improve movement, and begin to OWN our flexibility, which is how Dr. Spina defines “MOBILITY.”   Subscribe to the 18STRONG Podcast on iTunes and stitcher by clicking the button below: Dr. Andreo Spina’s Background Dr. Andreo Spina holds a Bachelor of Kinesiology degree from McMaster University. He later graduated with summa cum laude and clinic honors from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College as a Doctor of Chiropractic. He then completed a two-year post-graduate fellowship in Sports Sciences. He is the creator of the Functional Range Release (FR)® soft tissue management system, the Functional Range Conditioning (FRC)® mobility development system, and the Kinstretch method of movement stretching that are currently used by practitioners world wide as well as a number of professional sports organizations, athletes, and performers. He is a published author, and international speaker on the topics of joint health, movement and mobility development, sports performance, and injury management. Highlights from this Episode Dr. Spina shares his background, growing up in Toronto He has study martial arts form a young age and thus has always been intrigue by movement, control, and strength. We discuss when and why the FRC, FR, and Kinstrech courses were developed and how they have grown from their beginning. He touches on the what the research really says about flexibility and changing movement in a human body, and why certain modalities have been used incorrectly for so long. Dr. Spina defines the term “useless flexibility” and dispels some of the myths of traditional thinking when it comes to stretching and performance. What is a “prerequisite of movement” and why is it so important to know before beginning a training program? He explains the difference between “flexibility” and “mobility” How is our movement preparation like brushing your teeth? Dr. Spina goes over some of the common terms/acronyms that you will hear in his seminars, like CARS, RAILS, and PAILS (and why it’s not just a made up language, but simply an easier way to describe a movement or technique based on it’s intention or end result) CaddyShack or Happy Gilmore? CaddyShack Where to Find Dr. Andreo Spina: website: FunctionalAnatomySeminars.com Facebook: Functional Anatomy Seminars Twitter: @DrAndreoSpina Instagram: @drandreospina Other Links Mentioned Article: Dispelling the Stretching Myths by Dr. Andreo Spina Certification courses by Functional Anatomy Seminars (FRC, FR, Kinstretch) The Bogey Proof Lifestyle private Facebook group.  Come join the Community! Having Trouble Leaving a review from your iPhone or desktop? CLICK HERE to see how on your iPhone! CLICK HERE to see how on your desktop!

This week I had the chance to sit down with Tom O’Toole Jr., fellow St. Louisan and the former president of the Unites Stages Golf Association (USGA). As the head of an organization like the USGA, there are a lot of responsibilities and a lot of decisions that have to be made.  In many cases, the decision will likely find some in favor, and some not.  As Tom shares with us, it’s just part of the territory for any governing institution, and the USGA is no exception. In this interview, we discuss not only the topic of rules and golf, but Tom’s journey from passing the rules exam to becoming the head of the USGA.  The 25+ year journey is one that wasn’t quite anticipated, but one that he looks back on with awe and gratitude. Subscribe to the 18STRONG Podcast on iTunes and stitcher by clicking the button below:   Tom O’Toole Jr.’s Background A native of St. Louis, O’Toole has been involved with the United States Golf Association (USGA) since 1988. He has served as a Rules Official at more than 140 USGA championships, including every US Open Championship since 1990. He also has been the official in charge for more than 130 USGA championship qualifiers. O’Toole has been “certified” as a Rules of Golf expert each year since 1990, and he was been a member of the Rules of Golf Committee from 2004-2014. O’Toole was elected the 63rd President of the USGA on February 8, 2014, and was a member of the USGA Executive Committee since 2008. He chaired the Championship Committee from 2010-2014, while serving as the Association’s Secretary in 2010 and Vice President in 2011-2013. In 1992, he founded the Metropolitan Amateur Golf Association (MAGA), a regional association servicing 110 member clubs in the Missouri and Illinois region. He continues to serve on the Executive Board of MAGA. Tom still lives in St. Louis, MO with his wife Julie and sons, Zach (17) and PJ (3). Highlights from this Episode Tom recaps his start with the USGA and how his involvement began when he was asked by his friend Jim Holtgrieve in 1981 if he would caddy for him at the inaugural US Mid-Am Championship (which Jim ended up winning). Tom tells us a little more about his background growing up in St. Louis, attending and playing hockey at St. Louis University High School, the greatest high school in the world (ok, I’m showing a little bias here ;-). His involvement in the USGA event surprisingly lead him on a journey of helping to start the Metropolitan Golf Association and ultimately his involvement with over 150 USGA events and culminating in his presidency in 2014 and 2015.  He also mentions a few of the people along the way that have inspired, mentored, and had a large impact on his career. Tom sheds light on the volunteers/officials that are involved in the USGA and what that whole process entails. And of course we discuss some of the recent rules debates that have been sparked by a couple of incidents on the course in both the men’s and women’s US Opens; including the Dustin Johnson ball moving on the green, and the infamous grain of sand grazed by Anna Nordqvist. Finally we discuss some of Tom’s greatest memories, challenges and accomplishments during his time with the USGA. CaddyShack or Happy Gilmore? CaddyShack (this was a no-brainer because he has never seen Happy Gilmore) One or 2 of the Most Influential People, Books, or Experiences in Your Life? Meeting Mike Davis at Medinah in 1990 at one of his first events on the board of the USGA Who would you like to spend a day on the course with? John F. Kennedy at Seminole Golf Club What are you excited about in your near future? The USGA’s mission of protecting the game and the collaborative effort of the USGA and RA on the new Rules of Golf Book Where to Find Tom O’Toole Jr. and the USGA: website: USGA.org Facebook: USGA Twitter: @USGA Other Links Mentioned Metropolitan Amateur Golf Association Having Trouble Leaving a review from your iPhone or desktop? CLICK HERE to see how on your iPhone! CLICK HERE to see how on your desktop!

This week I’m joined by one of the pioneers in the world of golf fitness.  Ron Kaspriske.  No, Ron doesn’t personally train PGA Tour players, analyze or fix their swings, or help them with their mental game.  But when it comes making golfers aware of their health, their fitness, and how it relates to their golf game, there may not be a guy that has reached more people. Ron is the Senior Fitness Editor for Golf Digest and has been with the magazine since 2000.  He has been covering fitness in golf almost since the beginning, in the year 2000, right around the time when people were starting to notice that a guy named Tiger Woods was a doing more than just hitting balls on the range. In his years at Golf Digest, Ron has had some amazing experiences and describes going to work as being “like a kid in a candy store.”  In this episode, he shares some of his stories and the changes he has seen occur as fitness, power, and equipment have all come together to build the “Modern Golfer.” Subscribe to the 18STRONG Podcast on iTunes and stitcher by clicking the button below: Ron Kaspriske’s Background Senior fitness editor, Golf Digest The only full-time journalist in the country who reports on golf fitness. Ron has appeared in several videos you can see at YouTube and Golfdigest.com demonstrating various exercises for golf. He has been at the magazine for 16 years and also writes articles on instruction, travel, and fun stuff like whiskey and cigars. Highlights from this Episode Ron shares his background and his journey from studying Journalism and Exercise Physiology at the University of Florida to working his way through several other publication companies, to his current position as Senior Fitness Director at Gold Digest. We discuss the “Modern Golfer” and how guys like Dustin Johnson and Rory are going to be less of the exception and more of the norm in the future when it comes to athleticism and golf. Ron shares his views on the debate stirring around golfers and strength training, obvioulsy in the business he is (golf fitness writer) I thikn you can figure out which side of the fence he is on ;-). Some of the people that Ron attributes learning the most from include guys like: Ben Shear, Ralph Simpson, TPI, Mark Verstegen (Exxos), and several more Ron has written and co-written several books, some of which were with legendary teachers like Jim Hardy and David Leadbetter I asked Ron to share some of his personal fitness tips while he is on the road or when he just has a super busy schedule.  His main advice is simply to get out and move.  Do something different, but mainly do something. Ron shares a great story about when he “allegedly” hit driver into the Grand Canyon CaddyShack or Happy Gilmore? CaddyShack One or 2 of the Most Influential People in your career? Ben Shear, Ralph Simpson, TPI, Mark Verstegen Who would you like to spend a day on the course with and where? Jackie Gleason in Las Vegas What is your Mission at Golf Digest? To educate and entertain golfers Where to Find Ron Kaspriske: website: Golf Digest Facebook: Golf Digest Twitter: @RonKaspriske Other Links Mentioned Superflex Bands Solid Contact by Jim Hardy and Ron Kaspriske The A-Swing by David Leadbetter and Ron Kaspriske RADRoller.com Having Trouble Leaving a review from your iPhone or desktop? CLICK HERE to see how on your iPhone! CLICK HERE to see how on your desktop!

This week, our guest is once again, Mike Subach. Just last week I received an email from a golf coach in Ohio with a great question (you can see a portion of the email below).  He had listened to a previous episode of the podcast on training for endurance on the golf course with special guest Jeremy Crowe. I realize this can be a very difficult topic to navigate.  So I called up one of the guys that I know is at the top of the food chain when it comes to conditioning, especially for golf, Mike Subach.  You may have heard Mike on a recent episode or seen him  in several videos for us here at 18STRONG. In todays interview, I asked Mike how we can break some of this complex stuff down, so a 5th grader can understand it.  He was definitely up for the task. Subscribe to the 18STRONG Podcast on iTunes and stitcher by clicking the button below: Below is the email I received from Chris at Ohio Dominican University . . .    Mike Subach’s Background Has managed a facility in Fairfield County since 2004 Conducts team training (high school level) Provides nutrition seminars to athletic departments. Now primarily work one on one with serious Golfers, racquet sport athletes, endurance athletes (specifically cyclists), collegiate athletes, pro horseback riders. Basically athletes in sports with unique demands. Speaker for NSCA Certified Exercise Physiologist ACSM EP-C: Allows him to conduct/interpret VO2 testing Titleist Performance Institute Certified Fitness level 2 cert Power coach level 2 cert Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist NSCA CSCS FMS level 2 Olympic Lifting Coach USAW Certified Speed and Agility Coach Certified Conditioning Coach (Bioforce CCC) Certs through Postural Restoration Institute Restorative breathing Myokinematic chain Pelvis restoration Functional Range Conditioning movement specialist FRCms Highlights from this Episode We discuss how the body responds to different types of stresses, both in a workout as well as with certain stresses on the golf course. We do our best to break down why it’s so important for us to have a strong aerobic system/endurance level, and how that actually helps up become more effective with anaerobic activities (shorts bursts). Mike breaks down what happens in the body when we only train for power and what the cost is of over training in this fashion. We discuss why our CNS (Central Nervous System) is such an important factor in our training schedules and how it impacts our abilities to be effective in practice and subsequent training sessions.  Mike explains the 3 effects of overtraining: Alarm response Resistance-Plateau Fatigue We look at some of the main factors that we should pay attention to when designing our own training sessions or if designing programs for your team Mike gives some guidelines and definitions of what he calls “developmental days” and “recovery days.” There are certain days when working on skills is not effective, and other things like low aerobics would be more effective. Lastly we touch on the topics of fascia, foam rollers, and what is the best way to really make changes in the patterns that we are trying to effect in the body. Where to Find Mike Subach: Facebook: Mike Subach Instagram: @MikeSubach YouTube: 18STRONG-TV Other Links Mentioned Jeremy Crowe Episode #43: Training for more endurance on the golf course Mikes Videos: Aerobic Plyometrics Explosive Repeat- Med Ball Slams Having Trouble Leaving a review from your iPhone or desktop? CLICK HERE to see how on your iPhone! CLICK HERE to see how on your desktop!    

I’m not sure there is a more recognizable face in the world of golf fitness than Joey D (his full last name is Diovisalvi, but we all know him as Coach “Joey D”).  You’ve probably seen him on the golf channel, in Golf Digest, and depending on how long you’ve been a golf fan, you might even recognize him from his days on the bag (caddying, that is) with Vijay Singh, when we was on a winning train in the early 2000’s. Joey is known for his personality and for building champions, including this year’s US Open winner Dustin Johnson, and many more!  Along with his A-list of professional clients, Joey works with golfers of all ages on building a better golf body in his incredible facility in Jupiter Florida (I’ve included some pics below). In this episode of the podcast, we talk about several different topics relating to making you a better golfer. Just in this short interview, you’ll get a feel for Joey’s passion in what he does with his players, but also what he’s trying to do to help golfers around the work make better decisions when it comes to their golf and fitness. Subscribe to the 18STRONG Podcast on iTunes and stitcher by clicking the button below: Joey D’s Background Coach “Joey D” Diovisalvi’s work in the world of professional golf has contributed to over 30 professional victories and countless top ten finishes. His work in the field of golf biomechanics helped Vijay Singh rewrite the record books in 2004 and produce the single greatest winning season in golf history: 9 tournament wins; 18 top ten finishes; over $10 million in prize money; and the Number One spot in the Official World Golf Rankings. Joey’s resume includes work on the men’s tour with Vijay Singh, Fredrik Jacobson, Rickie Fowler, Keegan Bradley, Richard S. Johnson, Steve Marino, Pat Perez, Jesper Parnevik, Corey Pavin, Charlie Wi, Chris DiMarco, Cameron Tringale, Jason Dufner, Chez Reavie, Ryuji Imada, Tom Pernice, Jr., Brad Faxon and Tommy Armour, III. On the women’s tour, he’s worked with Sophie Gustafson, Alison Walshe, Belen Mozo, and Meaghan Francella. Highlights from this Episode Joey shares his story on how he got into the world of golf and fitness, as well as his introduction to Vijay Singh which led to several years of tournament win after win. We discuss the brain and body connection involved in training and in relation to the golf swing. Joey shares how visualization is a major component in success for the golfer and how the connection between the mind and what the body is doing can significantly be improved when visualization and golf specific drills are incorporated into training. Joey D walks us through some self evaluation tests that you can do on yourself at home Balance Weight transfer Squat and reach Rotation with your butt in the wall Standing 90 degree shoulder rotation test We talk about being on the road working with the players Joey shares with us “one thing that we don’t know about Dustin Johnson”! We discuss supplementation and some of the products that Amino Vital has for golfers and why Joey has chosen to represent them as a brand CaddyShack or Happy Gilmore? Happy Gilmore Who would you like to spend a day on the course with? Jack Nicklaus at Augusta What are you excited about in your near future? Working with the everyday golfers (not just the pros) at his academy in Jupiter, Florida. Where to Find Joey D: website: JoeyDGolf.com Facebook: Joey D Performance Center and Joey D Twitter: @CoachJoeyD YouTube: Joey D Golf Other Links Mentioned Amino Vital SuperSpeed Golf: The most effective swing speed tool on the market!   Having Trouble Leaving a review from your iPhone or desktop? CLICK HERE to see how on your iPhone! CLICK HERE to see how on your desktop!