Gray Institute®, the global leader in Applied Functional Science®, has officially partnered with the Golf Fitness Association of America (GFAA) to create innovative education for golf and fitness professionals. The partnership began in 2023 when GFAA leadership recognized the profound impact of Gray Institute’s educational methods across sport, fitness, and rehabilitation—and saw an opportunity to bring that same level of functional science to golf performance and club-level fitness.
As a result of understanding the needs presented by the GFAA, Gray Institute developed 3D Functional Movement Coach (3DFMC) and 3D Functional Golf Coach (3DFGC) — two certifications designed to help golf coaches, fitness trainers, and therapists understand, utilize, and improve movement using the proven strategies and techniques from Gray Institute's blend of physical, biological, and behavioral sciences, Applied Functional Science®.
These programs empower professionals to apply the techniques from Gray Institute's flagship certification, 3D Movement Analysis & Performance System (3DMAPS®), and its specialized certification, Functional Golf System, in a systematic, synthesized, and progressive way—helping golfers enjoy the game more by moving better, playing longer, and performing at their best.
A Partnership Rooted in Purpose
Rick Summers, founder and CEO of the parent company of the Golf Fitness Association of America, described the collaboration as a natural evolution of the GFAA’s mission:
“After seeing the impact of Gray Institute’s education at every level of sport and human performance, it became clear that the golf industry needed this level of scientific understanding and practical application. We wanted education that doesn’t just inform—but transforms how coaches and fitness professionals serve golfers.”
Dr. Gary Gray, Founder and CEO of Gray Institute and often called The Father of Function, shared the vision that drives this partnership:
“Golf is one of the most dynamic, three-dimensional movements in sport. It’s also one of the most misunderstood. By combining our decades of experience in movement science with the GFAA’s reach in golf and club fitness, we’re giving professionals the ability to see, feel, and coach function in ways that directly improve performance and prevent injury.”
Doug Gray, President of Gray Institute, emphasized the shared philosophy behind the collaboration:
“Our mission has always been to enhance the lives of others through movement. The GFAA shares that same heart. This partnership bridges the worlds of therapy, training, and golf instruction—uniting them under a common scientific system that’s practical, teachable, and effective on the course.”
Legendary PGA professional Rick Murphy, 2020 Carolinas PGA Hall of Fame inductee and multi-time Teacher of the Year, added:
“Golfers need movement that will allow them to move as efficiently and effectively as possible. The education from Gray Institute gives coaches a blueprint to truly personalize their instruction and help every golfer reach their potential, whether that’s more distance, less pain, or a longer playing career.”
A New Era of Golf and Fitness Education
The partnership’s first fruits—3D Functional Movement Coach and 3D Functional Golf Coach—offer online and live training experiences that blend biomechanics, physics, and behavioral science with real-world application.
Professionals completing these courses will gain tools to generate optimal movement, design individualized progressions, and integrate functional training into golf instruction, fitness, and rehabilitation programs.
The Included Courses Contain:
- Scientific foundations from Applied Functional Science®
- Movement progressions from 3DMAPS®
- Functional techniques from the Functional Golf System
- Live and online components to apply learning in real-world settings
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About Gray Institute®
For over five decades, the Gray Institute® has led the global movement toward understanding and enhancing human function. Founded by Dr. Gary Gray, the Institute is recognized as the authority on Applied Functional Science®, serving professionals in physical therapy, athletic training, strength and conditioning, and performance coaching in over 60 countries.
Learn more at grayinstitute.com.
About the Golf Fitness Association of America (GFAA)
The Golf Fitness Association of America (GFAA) is the leading organization dedicated to advancing golf performance through fitness, wellness, and education. Its mission is to unite golf and fitness professionals to help golfers of all levels play longer, perform better, and enjoy the game pain-free.
Learn more at golf.fitness
Learn More
For more information on the learning opportunities created through this partnership, visit: