BENSENVILLE, Ill. (March 19, 2026) — Golfers looking to unlock more power, consistency and longevity in their game may discover the secret lies not just in practice, but in understanding how their bodies move.
Registration is now open for the free NIU STEAM Café presentation, “The Biomechanics of the Golf Swing,” coming to White Pines Golf Club’s 37 Bar & Grill 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, April 29. The engaging program is part of Northern Illinois University’s NIU STEAM Café, a series designed to bring cutting-edge science into relaxed community settings where adults can enjoy conversation, food and drinks while learning from experts.
Many golfers spend countless hours trying to perfect their swing mechanics, often without realizing that their bodies may not physically allow the movements they are attempting to replicate. During this STEAM Café, athletic trainer and golf fitness specialist Kody Anderson and certified PGA instructor Seth Terpstra will explore how biomechanics, strength and mobility shape the way golfers move through the swing and ultimately influence power, efficiency and consistency.
The interactive presentation will examine how the body generates power during the golf swing, which joints are most critical during different phases of the motion and why limitations in mobility or strength can lead to common swing compensations that affect performance. Anderson and Terpstra will also guide audience members through simple movement tests, helping participants better understand how their own physical capabilities may be influencing their swing and how targeted strength training can help improve performance while reducing injury risk at any age.
“This is a must-attend event for golfers and science buffs alike,” said Andrew Godfrey, PGA general manager at White Pines Golf Club. “Understanding the science behind the golf swing can completely change how players approach improvement. It’s a fascinating opportunity to learn from experts who connect biomechanics and instruction in a way that golfers can immediately apply to their game.”
Anderson, a Peoria, Illinois native, earned his undergraduate degree in athletic training from Northern Illinois University in 2014, where he developed a strong foundation in applied anatomy, injury prevention and human movement science. Early in his career he worked with student athletes at Mt. Carmel High School and Hinsdale Central High School before returning to NIU to pursue his master’s degree. While completing his graduate studies, he worked closely with the university’s gymnastics and cross-country programs, further deepening his expertise in biomechanics, movement assessment and performance development across both power-based and endurance sports. After completing his graduate degree in 2020, Anderson joined SMART Golf & Fitness, where he began as a fitness instructor and has since advanced to Director of Fitness at the Lombard location. In that role, he oversees performance programming and specializes in applying sports science principles to help golfers of all ages improve mobility, strength, rotational power and movement efficiency while reducing injury risk.
Terpstra brings the perspective of a high-level competitive golfer and instructor. Raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, he competed collegiately at Ferris State University on a golf scholarship through the Professional Golf Management Program. During his college career he earned All-Conference honors, won tournaments and qualified for two National Championship appearances. As a professional he also qualified for the 2019 National PGA Professional Championship. Terpstra began his teaching career at GOLFTEC in Denver, Colorado, and has since coached players in Michigan, Florida and Illinois. He now specializes in elite junior development and high-level amateur coaching while helping golfers of all skill levels gain a deeper understanding of their swing and overall game.
STEAM Cafés are free and open to the public, offering an engaging opportunity for community members to connect with professionals working in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. The events are made possible by NIU STEAM in partnership with the NIU Alumni Association.
Those interested in attending the free program can register online. More information about the STEAM Café series is available at go.niu.edu/STEAMcafe.
