As a physical therapist dedicated to the world of professional golf, I’ve had the unique opportunity to be part of the sports medicine staff covering the west-coast swing of the PGA Tour. This journey took me through the prestigious California tournaments, The AMEX Open in La Quinta, The Farmers Insurance Open in Torrey Pines, and the AT&T Pro-Am at Pebble Beach. Each of these tournaments presented its own set of challenges and experiences, but also a shared routine that’s quite unique to the west-coast swing.

 

The West-Coast Swing: A Routine Unlike Any Other

One of the most distinctive aspects of the west-coast swing is the scheduling. All players tee off between roughly 8 am to 11:30 am, a pattern that not only benefits the players and fans but also allows us, the sports medicine staff, to manage our time effectively. This schedule provides us with the rare opportunity to catch up on notes, engage in personal exercise, and even enjoy the game by walking a few holes to follow the players of our choice.

A Typical Day on the Tour

Our days typically start at 7 am during practice rounds and two hours before the first tee time on tournament days. This early start is crucial for preparing the players, ensuring they’re in peak condition to face the challenges of the day. Whether it’s addressing last-minute injuries, conducting warm-up routines, or implementing preventive measures, our mornings are dedicated to setting up each player for success.

As the day progresses, the focus shifts slightly. With all players having teed off by mid-morning, the afternoon is often reserved for recovery and addressing minor injuries that may have occurred during the day’s play. This is a critical time for us to ensure that players are not only recovering from the day’s exertions but also preparing for the next day’s challenges. Our days wrap up at around 6 pm, marking the end of a long but fulfilling day’s work. We easily see between 30-50 athletes between our sports medicine staff in the therapy trailers; this does not include what our athletic trainers see in our fitness trailer and recovery tent. It has been years of refining the process of helping PGA professionals swing stronger with more consistency and less pain. 

Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter

As we move on from the west-coast swing, I’m gearing up to cover the Mexico Open, Cognizant Classic at PGA National, and Puerto Rico Open starting next week. The upcoming tournaments promise longer days and tee times spread out in waves, adjusting our routines slightly but maintaining the core of our mission: to support the players in achieving their best performance.

 

An Invitation to Golfers

For golfers out there looking to elevate their game and receive the same level of treatment as the pros, I extend an invitation to work with me. The journey of a professional golfer is filled with physical demands, and having the right support system in place is crucial for longevity and success in the sport. Whether you’re looking to improve your physical conditioning, recover from an injury, or prevent future issues, my experience on the PGA Tour has equipped me with the insights and techniques to help you achieve your goals.

 

Being a physical therapist on the PGA Tour is more than just a job; it’s a passion for the sport and a commitment to the athletes who play it. Starting the 2024 season with the west-coast swing has been an incredible experience, filled with challenges, learning opportunities, and the satisfaction of seeing players perform at their best. As I look forward to the next set of tournaments, I’m excited to bring my expertise and dedication to more players, helping them achieve the pinnacle of success in golf.

Dr. Chris O’Neal, PT, DPT

Physio Room and PGA Tour Physical Therapist

Chrisoneal@physioroom.com