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After what felt like a lifetime, the wait is over for Craig Perks and the new Teaching Institute at Le Triomphe.
The facility officially opened last week, and Perks - now Director of Instruction at Le Triomphe after 15 years as a touring professional - is anxious to begin combining the fine-tuning of the golfer's swing with the fine-tuning of the golfer's body.
"This provides an environment where we can work on all facets of the development of the golfer," Perks said. "I'm very excited about the opportunity that this facility presents."
The Teaching Institute is located at the end of Le Triomphe's practice facility and is the crowning touch on a $400,000 range and practice area that was totally renovated during the course's multi-million-dollar reworking in 2003.
<center><p><a href="http://www.theadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080924/SPORTS/809240329/1006" target="_blank">The rest of the story</a>
Dan McDonald • Advertiser golf writer • September 24, 2008
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Like most modern golf teaching facilities, the Institute has all the latest technology. There are indoor/outdoor hitting bays equipped with video analysis and a launch monitor. The difference is that, where most instructors start with a swing analysis, Perks starts with a broomstick and an exercise ball.
Before the first swing, Perks puts players through a full fitness screening that tests balance, posture, stability, flexibility and core strength. The screening program was developed by the internationally-respected Titleist Performance Institute and locates the weak components in the body as they relate to the golf swing.
And weak components are there on every player, no matter their level of expertise. Perks is a great example.
The former All-American at both UL and Oklahoma reached the zenith of the golf world in 2002 when he won The Players Championship, regarded as the "fifth major." He earned over $3.3 million in PGA Tour career earnings. And he was among the Tour's best-conditioned players, spending significant time in the gym in and out of the playing season.
But the first time he went through the TPI fitness program, he didn't fare so well.
"They give an assessment like a golf handicap," Perks said, "and mine was like a 12.4 the first time. That means if you go out on a par-72 course, your score's already around an 84 just because of physical limitations."
Perks' numbers got significantly better once he began the workout program recommended by TPI, and now a key part of his instruction is providing workout programs to players based on their individual screening. The exercise programs are individually tailored and designed to each player to allow the body to work more efficiently, and provide a foundation for golf specific training.
By the way, my golf fitness handicap was a 15.5 when I did the testing. I thought it would be much higher. Could it be my struggles with the game include poor mechanics? Hmmmm....
"There is a direct correlation between a player's physical screen results and his swing faults," said Perks, who has also set up referrals with physical therapists and sports-minded physicians. "The program can also help avoid injuries that can occur in a sport that requires a great deal of repetitive motion."
The most visible areas in the Institute are the two hitting bays that can be used rain or shine. Each is equipped with four high-speed cameras to offer a full swing analysis, and computer programs along with Perks' expertise can help player see their faults on set-up, balance, weight shift, swing and other areas.
Perks also provides driver assessment utilizing launch monitor analysis and driver fitting, short game, distance wedge and putting instruction using video analysis, playing lessons and mental golf profiles.
"I've spent countless hours picking the brains of some of the best golfers in the world," Perks said, "and I've had the opportunity to work with some of the finest instructors in the game. I'm more than excited to give that same information to players here to improve their golf experience."
Le Triomphe members have priority on reserving lesson times, but the Teaching Institute is open to all players. In fact, Perks is hoping to make the facility a hub for junior golf instruction in the area.
"I've got a passion to give an opportunity to junior players," he said. "I want to provide a setting where they get formal training at a great facility. Our goal is to make it available to everyone who wants to improve their enjoyment of the game."
Players seeking more information on the golf fitness program or other instructional areas may contact Perks at the Institute at 856-0060 or at
cperks@letriomphe.com.
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