From 6 Handicap to National Champion: Mark’s Golf Transformation at Atlas High Performance

From 6 Handicap to National Champion: Mark’s Golf Transformation at Atlas High Performance​

Mark’s Story

​When Mark first joined Atlas High Performance, he was playing off a 6–4 handicap at Limerick Golf Club. Years of soccer had left him with recurring niggles and injuries, making consistency on the course a challenge.

​​He’d trained with Stephen before and knew he brought a rare mix of technical expertise and a motivating, upbeat personality — exactly what’s needed on those days when energy and motivation run low. So, when Stephen launched Atlas, it was an easy decision to pick up the phone.

The Game Plan

​Mark’s goals were simple but ambitious: build stability, mobility, and power — all with a golf-specific focus.

Atlas High Performance approach stood out because it wasn’t generic gym work — it was precisely tailored to the demands of golf. Mark learned how to “use the ground” to generate force, transforming his swing mechanics and adding explosive speed to his game.
The plan blended:

• Heavy lifts for raw strength
• Explosive drills for speed
• Targeted single-leg and rotational work for golf mobility
• Consistent tracking and PB targets for motivation

The Breakthroughs

• Club speed surged from the low 110s to a PB of 121.2mph (Trackman verified).
• Handicap dropped to an all-time low of 1.2.
• Achieved milestone targets: 300-yard carry with driver, 300 yards total with 3 wood, ball speed from 175mph to a PB of 187mph.
• Multiple sub-par rounds pulled his handicap down further.
• Won a National Championship — and holed the winning putt.

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Peak velocity in a medicine ball downward slam reflects how explosively a golfer can transfer force through the body — key for sharper sequencing, improved swing speed, and delivering more power at impact.

Relative peak power is key in golf because it drives clubhead speed, improves ball carry, and boosts overall distance — all while allowing players to maintain control and consistency under pressure and tracks against changes in bodyweight.

RFD in the first 30 ms during IMTP testing shows how quickly a golfer can generate force — vital for faster clubhead speed, more powerful drives, and maintaining swing performance under pressure.

"And perhaps the most unexpected: “I even became a faster sprinter at 40 years old.”

Beyond Golf

Mark is now stronger, more flexible, and more robust — both on the course and in everyday life. He recovers faster, plays more consistently, and has the confidence to take on challenges he wouldn’t have attempted before.

Mark’s transformation proves that more speed can be the difference between playing well… and winning championships.

Biggest Myth Busted

“That speed isn’t an advantage.”
​
“I wish I had started strength training for golf much sooner.”

What’s Next?

The goal is scratch — and even more speed. And Mark’s advice to others is clear:

​“Get your junior golfers involved in strength training specific to golf. I started training for golf at 36 — I wish I had started much sooner.”

​If you’ve been thinking your best performance is behind you, Mark’s story is proof that the right training can change everything — at any age.

Talk to our head of performance