Varied Relationship Between Titleist Performance Institute Screen Limitations And Golf Swing Characteristics

The Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) screen is a golf-specific movement screen meant to predict limitations that may influence golf swing technique. However, minimal research has evaluated the relationship between TPI screen performance and golf swing analysis in adult golfers of varied skill levels. PURPOSE: To examine relationships between individual tests of the TPI screen and 15 common golf swing characteristics. METHODS: Twenty-four adult golfers (age 46.6 ± 16.4 years, average 18-hole score 82.8 ± 6.2 strokes) completed a single session. Participants completed the TPI screen, consisting of 24 tests assessing coordination, strength, and flexibility related to golf swing mechanics. Each test was scored in real-time, with higher scores indicating better performance. Participants then had their golf swing recorded for 8 shots, with each swing evaluated for the presence of 15 common golf swing characteristics. Each swing characteristic was represented as a percentage across trials. Spearman’s rho correlations (p ≤ .05) were calculated between TPI tests and swing characteristics. RESULTS: Of a possible 360 correlations, only 12 significant relationships were identified (Table 1). Notably, better pelvic tilt performance correlated with less hiking (rho = -.433) and sway (rho = -.445), while greater left lower quarter rotation was associated with more reverse pivot (rho = .515) and early extension (rho = .460). Relationships were moderate and varied in direction. CONCLUSION: The TPI screen may not adequately identify systematic physical limitations related to golf swing mechanics in a diversely skilled group of adult golfers. Individual variations in technique and skill may play a role in these inconsistencies, which should be investigated further. Table 1. - Significant relationships between TPI screen tests and golf swing characteristics TPI Screen Test TPI Test Score (Mean ± SD) Swing Characteristic Swing Characteristic % (Mean ± SD) Spearman’s rho p-value Pelvic tilt 1.92 ± 0.72 Hiking 67.19 ± 35.89 -.433 .034 Pelvic tilt 1.92 ± 0.72 Sway 27.08 ± 39.13 -.445 .029 Right 90/90 external rotation 2.04 ± 0.75 Flat shoulder plane 65.63 ± 38.53 .411 .046 Left lower quarter rotation 2.38 ± 0.58 Early extension 80.21 ± 36.66 .460 .024 Left lower quarter rotation 2.38 ± 0.58 Hiking 67.19 ± 35.89 .415 .044 Left lower quarter rotation 2.38 ± 0.58 Reverse spine angle 26.56 ± 40.77 .411 .046 Left lower quarter rotation 2.38 ± 0.58 Reverse pivot 19.79 ± 37.76 .515 .010 Right seated trunk rotation 2.00 ± 0.66 Reverse pivot 19.79 ± 37.76 .448 .028 Left single leg bridge 2.67 ± 0.64 Loss of posture 98.96 ± 5.10 .437 .033 Right cervical rotation 1.67 ± 0.48 Flying elbow 42.71 ± 44.98 -.524 .009 Left cervical rotation 1.71 ± 0.46 Early extension 80.21 ± 36.66 -.404 .050 Wrist flexion 2.67 ± 0.70 Over the top 69.79 ± 43.29 -.446 .029 SD: standard deviation; TPI: Titleist Performance Institute.