RDC golf taps into technology
In this age of advanced technology it comes as no surprise to see golf reap the benefits.
One of the latest innovations, which works with the golf swing, is being used by the RDC golf team, the kinesiology program and may soon be available to the general public.
“The technology has been around for a while, but from what I understand we’re one of the first colleges and universities in the country to use it, possibly the first,” said RDC golf head coach Scott Bergdahl, who introduced the college to the technology.
“I was introduced to it by Rob Tenhove, who is a chiropractor and formerly from Red Deer, at a conference in Edmonton and as soon as I saw it, I got it,” said Bergdahl, who’s also the head pro and manager at Lakewood Golf Resort.
The program is not all that complicated. It involves a form of a vest and gloves with three sensors — one each on the upper and lower back and one on a hand — along with a computer and camera.
The computer analyses the swing and shows on the screen the body movements using three different lines, representing the hips, shoulders and hands. From this the golf professional can show you where you’re at and where you should be. There’s also a video available, which can be run in slow motion to further analysis the swing.
Following the initial assessment an individual may receive an exercise program to work on flexibility and mobility.
“You go through 12 different assessments,” explained Bergdahl. “We look at specific things and you either pass or fail. We look at the muscular system and stability and joint movement. We go through the 12 assessment, get an overview of what the body can and can’t do and create a program that helps strengthen or loosen up parts of the body to help the golf swing. It’s an amazing program.”
It’s a program that’s available to anyone interested in the sport from the able-bodied to the physically handicapped and even someone with a bad back for instance.
“It’s for everyone, no matter the gender, size or age,” said Bergdahl.
Bergdahl introduced the technology to RDC’s Gord Inglis, who was the acting director of athletics last year while Keith Hansen was on sabbatical, and it was something that caught his attention right off the bat. Inglis took it to the college administration and they backed it immediately.
“It’s leading edge technology. A great application for our students that we’re able to have in our kinesiology department and sports studies program,” said Inglis. “Biomechanics and video analysis is sometimes the forgotten sports science while strength, conditioning and nutrition get a lot of the press and headlines. With golf there’s a lot of video analysis taking place and a lot of swing coaches and now we have this here. For us, the regular golfer, there will be access to something that can hopefully improve our game.”
It’s a benefit to the kinesiology students, who may go on as coaches or in the golf field.
“They’ll have access to this leading edge technology and have first hand experience. It helps us present a strong program academically.”
Inglis can see it also benefiting the community.
“We can see possibly setting up a golf institute or a performance swing centre for everyone.”
But Bergdahl feels it can be even more of a benefit to the golf team, which is heaviliy sponsored by the Scotsville Group.
“We had a pilot project with five members of our team and since last year the change in their swing and their bodies has been incredible. It allowed the athletes to understand their swing and it gave them specific areas to work on. The technology allows them to see their improvements and get them excited about the new season and competing.”
Bergdahl hopes the new technology will allow the golf team to take another step forward.
“I believe we’re well-known in Central Alberta, but this technology will only help us branch out and attract more and higher calibre athletes,” he said. “But really if an athlete comes here, no matter what level they play at, and leave a better athlete then we’ve accomplished what we set out to do. Then again it’s still about winning and that’s why we’re here and hopefully this will assist us in doing just that.”
drode@reddeeradvocate.com
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