Dec 14, 2008 - Melbourne Level I and II Seminars with Bill McTigue and Steve Ajzenman
After attending last years inaugural Australian Level I seminar in Brisbane, Bill McTigue (and Steve Ajzenman) have been very busy. Bill and Steve then committed to undertake the Melbourne franchise for Golf Biodynamics providing 3D kinematic assessment and biofeedback services to the local community.
After a busy trip to Germany and then with Michael to the USA, Manchester, Copenhagen and Zurich, Rob and Karen trekked off to Melbourne for their final TGA Level I and II seminars. Bill had been very busy organising what proved to be a great setting at the Black Rock Sailing Club not far from his Mentone Physiotherapy practice. We were privileged to have Mark Holland (the AIS Head Coach) to present the PGA Professional's perspective on the first day of the Level I seminar. In addition, two very important golf identities gave up their valuable time to participate in the two days - Peter Knight (the High Performance Manager for Golf Australia) and Paul Moloney (National Careers Service Manager of the Australian PGA). The TGA Team and all the participants in the Level I serminar would like to pass on their gratitude to all three gentlemen for the unique perspective that they were able to bring to the seminars and there significant contribution to its content.
A number of participants stayed on after the information deluge of Level I for the weekend and the Level II seminar. They were joined by TGA seminar convenors from around the Asia Pacific area including: Beng Siong Er ("Mr Reliable" from Singapore - now the new GBD licensee for Singapore), Ben Corso (Physiotherapist, South Australian Team consultant and Convenor for the Adelaide Level I seminar) and Mathew Green (APA Sports Physiotherapist, new NSWIS Golf Squad consultant and Sydney Level I convenor).
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The TGA Team with the Level I Seminar participants at The Black Rock Sailing Club, Melbourne |
The content of the Level II provides some extended theory but it is the case studies that are the cornerstone of the education experience for the participants. Rob, Michael and Karen lead the case study groups who were provided with 3D data and video information on three specific golfers. Their task then was to isolate the key technical issues and seek confirmation in the 3D kinematic data. Priorities were then to be made for on-range assessments and interventions as well as possible biofeedback drills. More in depth clinical assessment and intervention priorities were to be outlined and finally the key direction for long term athletic development. All the participant group presented one case study each and by the final presentation, on Day Two, the familiarity and understanding had improved markedly - to view the feedback from these sessions see the testimonials section on the home page.
Disappointingly there were no PGA Professional able to be present at the Level II - a situation Paul Moloney commented on and is well aware of. The suggestion of the gathered convenors was that a condensed version of the Level I seminar should be created - perhaps in a two x two hour format to be made available for presentation for those who have completed their Certification (see Latest News article for more details) or, at this time, the TGA Convenors. This then could be presented to groups of PGA Professionals in a more palatable format over two consecutive weeks with drinks and food provided by Medical and Golf Specific product sponsors - Bill McTigue has kindly undertaken to work on this initiative.
The Team would like to pass on its very sincere thanks to Bill particularly, Steve and their partners for allowing them to participate in the preparation and conducting of the TGA seminars. The venue, looking out over the sea, was truly breathtaking and certainly assisted every one over what proved to be a mentally taxing four days. Rob, Karen and Michael received some very positive feedback from a number of the participants and the Team would like to thank them all for their testimonials. The groups were fantastic to work with and everyone is looking forward to the Certification Process and the potential value it will provide to those who will join the "Certified Club". Many have suggested that they will be going off to pass on affirmation to their colleagues concerning the merit of attending a Level I or II in 2009.
After the seminars, Bill, Steve and Beng Siong undertook two solid days of training with Rob Neal and Karen prior to final delivery and implementation of the 3D systems in Melbourne and Singapore respectively. The TGA Team would like to wish these three gentlemen the very best in their future work in the golf market and look forward to working closely with both parties for a long time to come.
Rob, Karen and Michael had a number of very important meetings while in Melbourne and would like to thank, particulary, Stuart Leong for giving up his valuable time on his holiday prior to hopping on a plane to China. The discussion regarding future joint initiatives will be beneficial for all in the TGA and GBD networks in Australia. Thank you also to Peter Knight, Mark Holland and Paul Moloney for their time after hours to discuss future directions with the AIS, Golf Australia and the PGA. Some significant ground was made for all parties.
Finally, many thanks must go to all the participants whose enthusiasm for the content was refreshing - the Allied Health professionals in Australia are a rare breed and their insight and perspective is truly valued by the Team. Good luck to all of you with your future endeavours in the golf market.
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Matthew, Steve, Bill, Karen, Michael, Rob and Ben - after the Level II Seminar, Black Rock Sailing Club, Melbourne |
The TGA Crew - Matthew, Rob, Michael, Bill, Ben and Brad Hughes in front of the First Tee at Victoria Golf Club, Melbourne |
Post note, was the inaugural golf challenge on the Monday morning at the Victoria Golf Club where Mark Alexander, Brad Hughes, Bill McTigue, Ben Corso, Matthew Green, Michael and Rob put their games under the microscope. The balls were drawn and the teams took on each other in a best ball handicap event. The eventual winners were Ben (12) and Bill (24) with 38 points followed by Rob (1) and Michael (8) with 37 points and Matthew (1) and Mark (10) with 36 points. As an important sideline, the grudge match of the day was Rob and Michael versus Matthew and Mark. The match was keenly fought and with Michael holing a 8-10 foot down hill left to right putt on the 17th to keep the match all square the pressure was on. No strokes on the par five 18th and coolly Michael, with the grandstand on their feet, holed an eight foot putt to make birdie and vanquish the boys from down south. Suffice to say the sledging has started already and the return match can't come soon enough - BRING IT ON, both teams have been heard to say!!
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