Guest: Alex Bennett; Fitness Specialist PGA Tour Performance Center (TPC Sawgrass)Host: Jeff PelizzaroEpisode Number: 351Podcast: The 18STRONG Podcast Summary In this compelling discussion, we’re joined by Alex Bennett, a renowned fitness specialist at the PGA Tour Performance Center. Alex shares his journey from playing professional golf to becoming a fitness specialist, discussing the importance of golf-specific training. He also gives us a peek into his experiences working with tour players like Billy Horschel and Sam Ryder, helping them maximize their physical potential on the golf course. You’ll be captivated by Alex’s insights on golf and fitness, from his unique assessments for mobility, strength, power, and endurance, to his creative use of technology and equipment to improve golf swings. Moving forward, we shift our focus to the extensive facilities at the PGA Tour Performance Center and the essential role they play in enhancing players’ performance. Alex offers a detailed view of his day-to-day interaction with the tour players and other fitness trainers. From discussions about how he’s worked with retired golfers and juniors to his approach towards individual goal setting and conditioning, it’s an enriching conversation that will leave you with a better understanding of golf fitness. Wrapping up, we chat about the application of biomechanics in golf and the importance of creating speed and power efficiently. Alex shares how he uses cues and activations to connect players’ learning to their golf swings, helping them stay injury-free and perform at their highest level. He also reveals his book recommendations and recounts his memorable experiences at TPC Sawgrass. Listen in for a wealth of knowledge and expertise from a top PGA Tour fitness specialist. Whether you’re a tour player, an avid golfer, or just a fitness enthusiast, this is an episode you won’t want to miss! Main Topics (0:00:03) – Golf and Fitness With PGA SpecialistAlex Bennett shares assessments and recommendations for golfers to improve mobility, strength, power, fitness, and endurance. (0:07:57) – PGA Tour Fitness and FacilitiesAlex Bennett discusses the PGA Tour Performance Center, its facilities, staff, and how he works with tour players, retired golfers, and juniors. (0:12:14) – Improving Golf Performance and Preventing InjuriesAlex Bennett explains the importance of assessment, corrective-based warm-up routine, consistency, and professional-quality website. (0:16:40) – Golf Conditioning and Individual Goal SettingAlex works with golfers to improve conditioning, emphasizing injury prevention and shorter rest times with specific goals. (0:25:37) – Fitness and Golf Performance ConversationAlex Bennett works with golfers, emphasizing acclimation and avoiding running and powerlifting to help them stay healthy and perform at their best. (0:29:18) – Improve Golf Swing With TechnologyAlex Bennett helps tour players improve mechanics, activate muscles, and feel changes in their golf swing. (0:35:21) – Biomechanics and Power in BaseballAlex shares experience using Kaiser functional trainer to improve swing sequencing, create speed and power efficiently, and cue players with alignment rod. (0:44:49) – Biomechanics and Balance in Golf ImpactAlex Bennett shares insights on tour player training, mobility, stretching, fast twitch speed, and the Kaiser functional trainer for golf swing sequencing.