Using Performance Physical Therapy to Increase Golf Swing Speed

Do you want to hit the ball farther without overhauling your swing? It’s not as hard as you think. But it is something that takes a little guidance, and a lot of work (and a TPI-Certified Performance Physical Therapist)!

Whether you’re a weekend golfer, a high school or college player, or even chasing higher-level competition, swing speed matters. More speed means more distance off the tee, easier carries over hazards, less struggle out of the rough, and shorter approach shots. It also means you’ll have more strength and endurance as the round goes on. Imagine hitting a higher ball flight, carrying bunkers, and pulling an 8-iron instead of a 7-iron into the green— suddenly the game feels a whole lot easier.

Here’s the math: if all else stays the same, just 5 mph of extra swing speed translates to about 15 more yards. That’s the difference between playing defense and going on the attack.

So, how do you build that kind of speed? A few key factors all play a role: mobility, strength, power, swing mechanics, and equipment. The challenge is knowing which of those factors is limiting you. That’s where working with a Performance Physical Therapist and Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) specialist can make all the difference.

Instead of guessing, we can test your mobility, strength, and swing mechanics to pinpoint what’s holding you back. If you can’t rotate fully in your backswing, for example, improving that mobility—and then layering speed training on top—will skyrocket your results. If you already move well but lack power, we’ll focus on explosive training to help you transfer strength into speed. By identifying your exact needs, we keep you progressing safely and efficiently without wasting time.

And here’s the reality: most golfers I see are missing explosive power training. Simply swinging your own club isn’t enough to create real gains. That’s why we bring in drills like medicine ball throws, rotational slams, and weighted swings. We’ll build your foundation with strength work — like controlled cable rotations—then progress you to fast, explosive movements. Lower-body power is just as important, so things like box jumps and explosive push-ups also make their way into your training. The golf swing is a full-body movement, and your training should reflect that.

But here’s the catch: if your body isn’t prepared for the extra stress of swinging faster, you’re at higher risk of injury. I often see back, elbow, and core injuries when players try to add speed without addressing their foundation first. As a TPI-certified PT, I help you avoid those pitfalls by tailoring your training, so you gain speed and stay healthy.

The best part? If you’ve never trained specifically for swing speed, you’ll likely see “newbie gains”— 5–10 mph of added speed in just a few months. That’s an extra 15–30 yards off the tee, and winter is the perfect time to train so you can step onto the first tee in spring already faster and stronger.

If you’re serious about hitting it farther, carrying more hazards, and keeping up with (or finally outdriving) your playing partners, the smartest way forward is to work with a Performance PT and TPI specialist. You’ll unlock swing speed safely, efficiently, and with lasting results.

Book your swing speed assessment with us today.

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