Golf Tip: Improve Distance and Consistency By Increasing Your “X Factor”


Posted by Dr. Scott Wilson | 25-Jul-2014

When we analyze the performance of the two of today’s best golfers, Adam Scott and Rory McIlroy, we can see that a big part of their success comes from their ability to create separation from their upper and lower body – what’s commonly referred to as the “X factor”. By stabilizing and maintaining great posture with their lower body while simultaneously incorporating a significant range/amount of motion through their upper body, they’re able to generate tremendous power and consistently hit the ball farther than most others.
 
THE “X FACTOR” IN ACTION:
In the picture below, Jamie Sadlowski (former World Long Drive Champion from Alberta) shows the extremes of this physical ability. As you can see, he keeps his lower body very stable, rotating his pelvis approximately 45 degrees. Meanwhile, with his upper body, he demonstrates incredible mobility by rotating his torso (upper back) somewhere between 120 to 150 degrees (depending on the measurement used). This creates an “X factor” or separation between his upper and lower body of anywhere from 80-110 degrees and allows him to accelerate his torso through the downswing and routinely hit drives over 400 yards!
 
jamie-sadlowski-golf-swing
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PUTTING THE “X FACTOR” TO WORK FOR YOU:
Of course, most of us don’t need an X factor anywhere near that high to see significant improvements in our game. For most of us, achieving an X factor close to 45 degrees would be more than enough. The key is achieving balance between lower body stability and upper body mobility – it’s not about how far your turn your shoulders (you don’t want to over-swing). This will allow you to hit the ball farther, play more consistently and avoid injury. In this month’s exercise tip, we feature exercises for checking and loosening your thoracic spine (mid-back), which will help you add more X factor to your game.
 
Of course, while adding more X factor will improve your golf game, improving your posture, flexibility and range of motion (benefits of loosening your thoracic spine), will also help with staying healthy and enjoying an active lifestyle. So, it’s definitely worth doing even if you’re not a golfer!


Dr. Scott Wilson

Dr. Scott Wilson is the Founder & Chairman of Physiomed; one of Canada’s largest franchised networks of inter-disciplinary healthcare clinics. A graduate of Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Dr. Wilson founded Physiomed in 1994 and has since grown Physiomed to over 30 clinics in Southern Ontario and British Columbia. With hundreds of practitioners from over a dozen disciplines, Dr. Wilson and Physiomed have helped over 100,000 Canadians with physiotherapy, chiropractic, massage therapy, orthotic therapy, compression therapy and clinical conditioning as part of a program of rehabilitation and health optimization. In addition to helping patients improve their physical and mental well-being, Dr. Wilson has also mentored hundreds of practitioners to provide better care while enjoying more fulfilling careers. He is also a keynote speaker on many health related topics including how physiotherapy, chiropractic and health & wellness treatment can help with stress, weight loss, and unlocking the true potential within to achieve lasting physical well-being.

Top Blogs

Oct 01
back-pain-sleeping-sitting-standing-walking

Back Pain: Sleeping, Sitting, Standing and Walking...

Back pain is a prevalent and often debilitating condition that…

Read More
Sep 15
chiro-adjustment-health-benefits

Chiropractic Adjustment: Understanding the Health Be...

Chiropractic Adjustment offers a non-invasive and drug-free approach to managing…

Read More
Sep 01
custom-orthotics-repair

Custom Orthotics: Is It Time to Repair or Replace?...

Custom orthotics can be a lifesaver for those who suffer…

Read More
Aug 15
custom-orthotics

Custom Orthotics: Relieving Pain & Addressing C...

If you're dealing with chronic foot pain, discomfort, or specific…

Read More
Aug 01
sports-injury-physio

Sports Injuries: Physiotherapy for Rehabilitation &#...

If you’re an athlete, whether competitive or recreational, you know…

Read More
Jul 15
lower-back-pain

Lower Back Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Opt...

Lower back pain is a widespread condition that affects millions…

Read More

Ready to Get Started?

Book Your
APPOINTMENT

Get Healthier... Stay Healthier!