Each week, a fleet of specialized tractor-trailers, known as Performance Centers, travels to PGA Tour and PGA Tour Champions events, offering comprehensive health and wellness support to professional golfers.
This mobile operation supports over 60 tournaments annually, covering an impressive 24,000 miles.
The Cleveland Clinic recently became the official healthcare provider for the PGA Tour, serving the world’s leading professional golfers.
This partnership integrates Cleveland Clinic’s clinicians and performance experts into a medical support system that, while existing for over four decades, is now significantly enhanced. It’s recognized as a pioneering program providing seamless connectivity and essential medical services, enabling players to maintain peak performance.
Recognizing that a golfer’s body is their most crucial asset, ten-time PGA Tour winner and two-time major champion Xander Schauffele emphasized the importance of this care.
Schauffele recalled an instance where Justin Thomas (JT) discovered melanoma on his leg, underscoring the necessity for players to utilize these on-site services or ensure regular check-ups at home.
Dr. Tom Hospel, PGA Tour’s Medical Director, noted that his team currently attends to approximately 80% of players through physical therapy, chiropractic care, or recovery center workouts. He anticipates this number will rise with the introduction of enhanced services.
Dr. Hospel expressed enthusiasm, stating, “I’m excited for the players. They now have access to world-class physicians and facilities. Should any medical issue arise, connecting them to the Cleveland Clinic network offers an exceptional opportunity. Players can benefit not just from the medical professionals and facilities, but also from the extensive resources available through this partnership.”
This advanced care is particularly beneficial for seasoned professionals like Hank Lebioda, a 10th-year touring pro whose father, David, is a retired physician.
Lebioda, a former ACC Player of the Year, shared his positive experience: “I underwent an EKG and a dermatology check-up at the Cognizant Classic. Being constantly outdoors, these services are crucial. A normal EKG reading saved me a separate doctor’s visit, so this accessibility is truly valuable.”
Dr. Hospel highlighted the Cleveland Clinic’s overarching goal: to shape the future of athletes by boosting performance, developing long-term health strategies, and leveraging research and data insights to continuously improve player health and development.
A significant part of this vision is the new Global Peak Performance Center, slated to open next year in Cleveland. This 210,000-square-foot facility will provide comprehensive care for both the public and athletes across all levels, featuring advanced testing, high-tech training equipment, and multidisciplinary clinical teams. These teams will cover specialties such as orthopedic surgery, sports medicine, cardiology, pulmonology, neurology, nutrition, psychology, genetics, and others.
Utilizing vast data from partnerships like the PGA Tour, the Peak Performance Center will employ advanced analytics and artificial intelligence to deepen the understanding of human performance factors, thereby enhancing athletes’ physical and mental preparedness.
Dr. Tom Mihaljevic, CEO and President of Cleveland Clinic, affirmed, “Our teams will provide integrated, multidisciplinary, and performance-focused care, supporting player longevity, resilience, and recovery. This collaboration enables us to apply cutting-edge insights, enhance wellness throughout the TOUR, and advance our shared dedication to helping individuals achieve their highest potential, both on and off the course.”
Dr. Hospel also emphasized another crucial benefit: immediate access to medical records.
He explained, “Given that these are international players who travel weekly, our excitement for this partnership stems from Cleveland Clinic’s use of Epic, an electronic medical record system adopted by roughly 70% of hospital systems. Players will have test results accessible on their app, and their personal physicians will also have access. This ensures continuity of care and seamless service, aiding them in managing their health and addressing concerns even when at home.”